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What’s that you say? Keeping up with conversations in crowded rooms or restaurants is a common warning sign of hearing loss, so be sure to get screened if this is happening frequently.

On average, people wait around 7 years before looking into assistance, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. But don’t procrastinate. If your hearing loss is due to a medical condition rather than old age, the sooner you treat it, the better.

All of these signs may seem pretty ordinary — and it’s true that some people do speak softly or prefer the TV at a lower volume. However, if any or all of these are persistently popping up, it’s a good idea to get your hearing checked.

Learning to play an instrument is good for social and emotional well-being, and can also have brain benefits. A 2023 study showed that a group of older adults who learned to play a keyboard improved their verbal memories in just 10 weeks as compared with a control group. 

Let the music play! According to a 2022 study, a group of older adults who took 16 weeks of piano lessons showed improvements in working memory, processing speed and verbal fluency over those who didn’t take lessons. Music has many brain benefits.