This article was written by Candy McGinnis, Au.D., a HearingLoss.com®-Certified provider at Fox Valley Hearing Center with locations in Oshkosh, Neenah, Appleton, and Ripon, Wisconsin.
Crisp weather, colorful leaves, and the start of the holiday season make fall one of the most festive times of the year. But autumn isn’t just about cooler air and pumpkin spice; it’s also a perfect season to check in on your hearing health.
Learn why a fall hearing check can make all the difference for your hearing health, and how you can get started right now!
Why a Fall Hearing Check is the Smartest Step for Your Hearing Health, Backed by Evidence
Hearing health often takes a backseat to other priorities. It’s not uncommon for years to pass before scheduling a hearing test and more time to elapse before getting needed treatment with hearing aids.
Keeping hearing health on the back burner not only delays solutions but can also affect relationships, mental sharpness, and more. Even beyond communication, hearing loss in some populations has been linked to:
- 35% higher risk of dementia
- 2.4X greater risk of falling
- 47% greater likelihood of depression
- 50% more stays in a hospital
These statistics make a compelling case for action, and fall offers an ideal time. The season naturally brings reflection and preparation, with kids back in school, the year beginning to wind down, and folks taking inventory of their health before the holiday season. Scheduling a fall hearing check aligns with these rhythms.
Wondering How Your Hearing’s Doing Right Now? Don’t Wait to Check!
Difficulty following conversations, turning up the volume on devices, or frequently asking others to repeat themselves isn’t just inconvenient — it could mean early hearing loss. Take our quick online hearing screener to identify potential problems and get personalized guidance for next steps.
The Benefits of Scheduling a Fall Hearing Test Now
When’s the best time to get a hearing test? The answer is often autumn. There are several practical benefits that make this season ideal:
- Year-end health benefits — Some insurance plans and flexible spending accounts may reset in January. By scheduling your hearing test now, you maximize these benefits before they expire, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs for hearing aids or follow-up care.
- Holiday readiness — Social gatherings increase in November and December. A fall hearing test ensures that if any changes are identified, you have time to adjust and adapt before the busiest, most conversation-filled season of the year.
- Stable schedules — Compared with summer vacations or winter weather disruptions, fall often provides a steadier routine, making it easier to prioritize health appointments.
- Proactive care — Hearing loss is gradual. By checking your hearing annually, you can catch changes early and explore solutions before they affect your quality of life.
How Allergies and Seasonal Changes Can Impact Hearing Test Accuracy
One lesser-known reason to schedule a fall hearing test is that seasonal changes can influence test accuracy. Spring and early summer often bring higher pollen counts and allergy-related congestion. For many, this leads to ear fullness, fluid buildup, or temporary hearing difficulties that can complicate the results of a hearing test.
By contrast, fall typically presents fewer environmental allergens. Cooler, more stable weather can reduce sinus-related issues, which means that your audiologist is more likely to measure your true baseline hearing ability. Accurate testing is crucial for developing the right treatment plan and determining whether interventions such as hearing aids are necessary.
Why a Pre-Holiday Hearing Test Helps You Enjoy the Season More
The holidays are filled with moments meant to be cherished. Family conversations at the dinner table, grandchildren’s laughter, festive music, and community gatherings. For someone struggling with untreated hearing loss, these moments can become stressful or isolating.
Difficulty following group conversations, especially in noisy environments, is one of the most common early signs of hearing loss. A fall hearing test gives you the opportunity to address hearing challenges before the season begins.
If hearing aids or assistive technology are recommended, you’ll have time to adjust to them in a supportive environment before stepping into large gatherings. This preparation helps you feel more present, engaged, and confident, making every holiday memory unforgettable.
Be Ready to Hear Every Holiday Moment
Don’t let hearing loss keep you from fully enjoying the season’s conversations and celebrations. Connect with a HearingLoss.com-Certified provider near you for a comprehensive hearing test and personalized care.
Seasonal Hearing Aid Adjustments You Should Do for Fall
Fall introduces another wave of wind and dust, along with leaf debris, dirt, and sand, depending on your region. Sudden temperature fluctuations between brisk mornings and heated indoor environments can lead to condensation forming inside your devices.
Even if you’re diligent about daily cleaning and routine care, changes in weather conditions, activity levels, and environments throughout the year can pose unique challenges to your devices. Just like a car requires regular oil changes and tune-ups to keep it running smoothly, hearing aids need professional clean-and-checks and timely adjustments to stay in top shape.
In fall, you may find yourself in environments — from back-to-school events to tailgates and concerts — that require your hearing aids to adapt. Your hearing care professional can fine-tune volume control, evaluate directional microphones, and tailor settings to better suit your unique listening situations. It’s also a great time to inspect or replace worn tubing, filters, and domes.
How Often You Should Get a Hearing Test and Why Annual Checks Matter
How often should you get a hearing test? For most adults, it’s important to get an annual hearing evaluation, especially after age 50. Much like vision or dental exams, regular hearing tests allow providers to establish a baseline of your hearing, track changes over time, catch potential issues early, and recommend timely interventions.
Even for younger adults, baseline testing is valuable. Among 12- to 35-year-olds worldwide, more than one billion are vulnerable to permanent preventable hearing loss from dangerous listening practices — excessive recreational noise, for example. Annual hearing tests are a simple, proactive way to help support long-term health, communication, and cognitive function.
Quick Answers to Common Hearing Test Questions
What happens during a hearing test?
A hearing test is painless and noninvasive. It typically involves listening to a series of tones through headphones and repeating words in quiet and noisy settings. The results create an audiogram, which maps your hearing ability across frequencies.
How long does a hearing test take?
Most comprehensive hearing exams take about 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your needs and medical history. The process is efficient, provides immediate results, and plays a crucial role in hearing loss prevention and treatment.
Does insurance cover a hearing test?
Coverage varies. Some health insurance plans include hearing exams, while others may require referrals or have specific criteria. Fall is an excellent time to review your benefits before they reset.
Why can’t I just wait until I notice problems?
Hearing loss, which is often gradual, can sneak up on you. Many people adapt without realizing how much they’re missing. Annual testing allows for early detection, which is crucial for effective treatment and for potential prevention or reduction of associated health risks.
What if my test shows hearing loss?
Your HearingLoss.com-Certified provider will discuss the results and recommend next steps, tailored to your specific needs. This may include monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, communication strategies, and hearing aids.
How HearingLoss.com® Can Help You Book Your Fall Hearing Check
HearingLoss.com is dedicated to making hearing care accessible and approachable. With practical tools, including an online hearing screener and a provider locator, it helps consumers just like you take the first step toward improved hearing. These resources connect individuals with HearingLoss.com-Certified providers efficiently, ensuring professional evaluation and reliable guidance.
By partnering with trusted providers such as Fox Valley Hearing Center, HearingLoss.com helps ensure patients receive expert, evidence-based care using best practices. The comprehensive evaluations allow licensed providers to recommend tailored solutions, supporting communication, overall health, and well-being.
Fall is an ideal time to schedule a hearing check. Acting now allows for early detection and timely intervention, helping you stay connected and engaged throughout the season and beyond. Prioritizing hearing care before the holidays ensures clarity and confidence in every conversation, setting the stage for a healthier year ahead.
Seize the Season With Empowered Communication — Connect With a HearingLoss.com Provider
This fall, don’t let hearing changes keep you from fully engaging in conversations and celebrations. Taking proactive steps now ensures you can enjoy every story, laugh, and connection with clarity and confidence.
If you notice subtle changes in your hearing or want personalized guidance, HearingLoss.com-Certified providers are here to help. Take the quick three-minute online hearing screener or find a hearing care professional near you to get started.
You deserve to hear all the moments that matter this fall. Let’s make sure your hearing stays sharp for healthier living and the most empowered season yet.
References
- New Study: Hearing Loss Increases Risk of Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease (2024). Hearing Health & Technology Matters. https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-news-watch/2024/hearing-loss-dementia-alzheimers/. Accessed Aug. 22, 2025.
- Campos L et al. (2023). Consistent Hearing Aid Use Is Associated With Lower Fall Prevalence and Risk in Older Adults With Hearing Loss. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 71(10), 3163–3171. https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.18461. Accessed Aug. 22, 2025.
- Hearing Loss Tied to Increased Risk for Depression. (2019). Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-hearingloss-depression/hearing-loss-tied-to-increased-risk-for-depression-idUSKCN1RT2HS/. Accessed Aug. 22, 2025.
- Patients With Untreated Hearing Loss May Incur Higher Total Health Care Costs. (2018). The Hearing Review. https://hearingreview.com/hearing-loss/hearing-loss-prevention/risk-factors/patients-untreated-hearing-loss-may-incur-higher-total-health-care-costs. Accessed Aug. 22, 2025.
- Deafness and Hearing Loss (2025). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss. Accessed Aug. 21, 2025.
At Fox Valley Hearing Center, we are committed to transforming lives through better hearing. Serving the Fox Valley since 1988, we have earned a reputation as the area’s most trusted source for premier hearing care. We take the time to understand your needs, lifestyle, and goals so we can deliver tailored solutions. By following best practices, we ensure accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, and outstanding results. With convenient access, a welcoming atmosphere, and warm smiles, every visit is designed to impress.
