Commitment to Hearing Health: Why Consistency Is the Key to Better Hearing

Published on December 9, 2025

This article was written by Candy McGinnis, Au.D., a HearingLoss.com^®-Certified provider located at Fox Valley Hearing Center in Oshkosh, Neenah, Ripon, and Appleton, Wisconsin.

One of the things that seems to hold people back from improving their lives can be summed up in a word: commitment.

We need to make a commitment to move forward, and that can be uncomfortable. Sometimes, commitment can feel heavy, like a winter snowsuit with all the extra gear to keep us warm — it can feel like a lot.

Remember what that was like as a child, all bundled up for school? Or putting on your snow gear? That stuff can weigh you down, but you can’t enjoy the snow without protection from the cold. Once you decide to layer up in all your outdoor gear, there is no turning back. You can’t stop for a bathroom break, no coming in to warm up after a few minutes. You are committed. With all those layers on, it’s go time!

This analogy translates perfectly to commitment to hearing health. Taking that first step — whether it’s scheduling a hearing test, committing to hearing aids, or following through with follow-up care — can feel daunting. But it’s the foundation for a healthier, more connected life.

Why Commitment Matters for Hearing Health

Making the decision to focus on your hearing is not just about buying hearing aids; it’s about committing to a hearing care journey that improves your overall quality of life. Hearing health is often overlooked because the impact of gradual hearing loss can be subtle. Yet research shows that untreated hearing loss can contribute to:

• cognitive decline
• social isolation
• decreased professional and personal engagement

Many people ask, “Why is it important to get your hearing tested?” The answer is simple: Early detection allows for earlier intervention. Hearing testing identifies challenges before they significantly affect your life. Commitment to regular hearing evaluations ensures that your hearing health stays a priority and prevents small problems from becoming large ones.

For some, commitment can feel intimidating. Investing in hearing aids or ongoing care involves a financial and emotional decision. One of my sister’s experiences illustrates this perfectly: She experiences buyer’s remorse immediately after making a significant purchase, like a new car or home improvement. Yet, over time, she always finds satisfaction in her choices. Hearing health is similar — the initial leap may feel uncomfortable, but the long-term benefits are undeniable.

The Path to Better Hearing

Just like layering for harsh winter weather, investing in hearing care requires intentional steps. At Fox Valley Hearing Center, we encourage patients to take a gradual approach if needed:

1. Start with a hearing evaluation: A professional assessment pinpoints your specific needs.
2. Explore options: Whether it’s hearing aids, assistive devices, or environmental modifications, knowing your choices helps you make an informed decision.
3. Utilize trial periods: Many providers, including our office, offer trial periods for hearing aids. Experiencing real-life benefits often reduces anxiety and helps patients feel comfortable committing.

Take my new husband’s experience as an example. For years before we met, he struggled with hearing in social settings. After the loss of his wife, he faced dating and daily conversations with significant challenges. Initially hesitant to invest in hearing aids, he agreed to a trial device. Once he experienced improved hearing in his favorite places, he felt confident fully committing to his hearing care journey. That decision dramatically improved his social life and overall well-being.

Sticking With Hearing Aids

A frequent concern we hear is, “Hearing aids don’t work for me.” Often, the issue is not the device itself but inconsistent use or lack of follow-up care. Commitment to ongoing hearing care ensures that devices are fine-tuned, cleaned, and adjusted according to your evolving needs.

Follow-up hearing care is essential for hearing aid success. Regular appointments allow your audiologist to monitor performance, adjust programming, and provide guidance on adapting to new hearing environments. Skipping these visits can reduce device effectiveness and discourage continued use.

Tips for making hearing health a priority include:

• Setting reminders for follow-up appointments
• Keeping a log of listening experiences to share with your audiologist
• Gradually increasing daily hearing aid use to adapt comfortably
• Maintaining a proactive partnership with your provider

By sticking with hearing aids and actively engaging in follow-up care, many patients notice not only improved hearing but also enhanced confidence, reduced stress, and better communication in all areas of life.

Making Hearing Care a Lifelong Journey

Commitment to hearing health is not a one-time event — it’s a lifelong journey. Proactive hearing care supports ongoing quality of life and strengthens your partnership with your audiologist. By viewing hearing health as a priority, you can prevent setbacks and maximize the benefits of technology and therapy.

Many patients initially hesitate to commit, worried about cost or lifestyle changes. But much like layering up for harsh weather, the initial effort yields long-term rewards. The peace of mind, social engagement, and confidence gained through benefits of ongoing hearing care far outweigh the discomfort of initial commitment.

Your audiologist can guide you through every stage, from initial evaluation to fine-tuning devices and developing strategies for challenging listening environments. This partnership ensures that you are supported, informed, and empowered to maintain optimal hearing health.

Tips for Making Hearing Health a Priority

Commitment isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistent effort. Here are practical ways to make hearing health part of your everyday life:

• Schedule annual tests: Put them on your calendar just like dental or eye exams.
• Wear your hearing aids daily: Use your devices consistently to help your brain adapt and improve results.
• Communicate with your provider: Share challenges so adjustments can be made.
• Engage family and friends: Let them support you in environments where listening is harder.
• Keep a positive mindset: View commitment as an investment in better living, not a chore.

Quick Answers About Commitment to Hearing Health

How do I commit to better hearing?

Start by booking a comprehensive hearing test and setting a routine for follow-up visits. Commitment means treating hearing care as an ongoing priority, not a one-time decision. It also involves being proactive: tracking changes in your hearing, taking notes about challenging listening environments, and sharing that information with your audiologist. By approaching hearing health with intention, you create a structured plan that supports consistent improvement over time.

What are the benefits of ongoing hearing care?

Regular hearing care ensures that your hearing aids are optimized, protecting your overall health and reducing communication frustrations. Patients who stay consistent with appointments and device use report higher satisfaction, increased confidence in social situations, and better relationships with family and friends. Ongoing care also allows your audiologist to catch small issues early, preventing minor concerns from developing into larger hearing problems. Essentially, it turns hearing care into a long-term investment in your quality of life.

Why is follow-up care important for hearing aids?

Follow-up visits keep your devices calibrated to your specific needs and lifestyle. Skipping these visits can make hearing aids less effective, which can lead to the mistaken belief that “hearing aids don’t work.” During follow-up appointments, audiologists adjust device settings, replace worn components, and offer tips for daily use. This ensures that your hearing aids continue to provide maximum benefit, helping you stay engaged in conversations and connected to the world around you.

How can I make hearing health a priority?

Make hearing health a part of your routine: Schedule annual hearing tests, wear your devices consistently, and communicate openly with your provider about challenges or concerns. Developing habits, such as checking your devices weekly and practicing listening strategies in difficult environments, reinforces the importance of hearing care. By staying disciplined and maintaining follow-up care, you increase your chances of long-term hearing success and improve your overall quality of life. Commitment is the key to turning hearing care from a task into a sustainable, positive habit.

What are the benefits of a hearing aid follow-up appointment?

Hearing aid follow-up appointments are crucial for maximizing device performance and comfort. During these visits, audiologists can fine-tune settings for different environments, address any fit or feedback issues, and provide practical tips for daily use. Patients who attend follow-ups often experience better sound quality, reduced frustration, and higher confidence in social and professional situations. These appointments are a key part of a hearing care journey that leads to long-term success.

How can I stick with hearing aids effectively?

Consistency is critical. To stick with hearing aids, wear them every day and gradually increase usage if needed. Track listening experiences, note any difficulties, and discuss them with your audiologist. Creating a structured routine and pairing hearing aid use with daily activities help integrate devices seamlessly into your life. Sticking with hearing aids ensures you enjoy the full benefits of improved hearing and stronger connections with the people around you.

What are tips for making hearing health a priority?

Start by treating hearing care like any other essential health habit. Schedule regular hearing tests, maintain follow-up appointments, and stay engaged with your provider. Educate yourself about your devices, set reminders for daily use, and communicate openly about challenges. By creating a proactive approach, you reinforce that hearing health is an ongoing priority, ensuring better outcomes and long-term satisfaction with your hearing solutions.

Connect to HearingLoss.com

At HearingLoss.com, we believe better hearing is built on two pillars: best-practice clinical care and patient commitment. That’s why our HearingLoss.com-Certified providers follow evidence-based protocols — from HIT Box verification to REM testing — and encourage patients to take an active role in their hearing care journey.

If you’re ready to commit to your own hearing health:

• Take the online hearing screener to see where you stand.
• Find a HearingLoss.com-Certified provider near you who can guide you through every step.
• Prioritize follow-up care to protect your hearing and maximize your investment in hearing technology.

Your commitment, paired with the expertise of a trusted provider, is the key to long-term hearing success.

References

• ‌Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis) — Causes and Treatment. (2023, March 17). NIDCD. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss#7
• Ashton, Tori L., Weaver, Aurora J. The Pivotal Power of Early Hearing Loss Detection. (2025). Leader Live. https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.AEA.30092025.eaa-schools-screening.6/full/
• Hearing Protectors. (2025, April 16). NIDCD. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-protectors‌

‌

---

Fox Valley Hearing Center proudly serves the Fox Valley region of Wisconsin. We are committed to transforming our patients’ lives by improving their hearing and educating their families and friends about hearing and hearing loss. We will focus on each patient’s individual needs, and they will be treated as a sacred individual, with our mission to provide excellence in hearing health care to all. Fox Valley Hearing Center has offices in Oshkosh, Ripon, Neenah, and Appleton.