Last week, as I reviewed my usual inbox of news and newsletters at the end of the day, one piece stuck out to me. A feature from Axios cited a recent Gallup poll showing an increase in the percentage of U.S. adults saying their community activities and hobbies are important to them. Increasing from 32% in 2001 to 55% in 2023 for community activities, and up from 48% in 2001 to 61% in 2023 for hobbies, Americans are making more time for the things that make them happy.

We can all get caught up in the rigors and demands of our days, but it’s important to slow down (or speed up if that’s what your hobby calls for) and make time for our activities and interests. Being engaged has benefits beyond just happiness, but to our overall health as well. And hearing health is an important part of the equation.

As recent studies have highlighted, addressing hearing loss can lead to a decline in social isolation, reduced risk of dementia, and is even associated with a longer life. In fact, approximately 83% of individuals who chose to treat their hearing loss reported life-changing results. Addressing hearing loss can help improve communication, participation in social activities, and personal relationships – important as Americans also overwhelmingly prioritize relationships with family and friends.

Whether hearing and the joy of sound is directly related to your hobby (such as birdwatching) or enhances the experience (the satisfying thwack of your golf club connecting with the ball), be sure to take time to address your hearing health.

If you think you may have hearing loss, don’t wait. The best first step is to see a licensed hearing professional to understand your unique hearing loss and the options available to you. Hearing aid technology continues to make strides, providing features, styles, even colors, to complement individual activities, hobbies, and lifestyle. To a happy, healthier, more active year ahead! Learn more and find a professional at hearing.org.