The Hearing Center of Chestertown

08/18/2026

07/23/2026

🧠👂 Happy World Brain Day!

Hearing involves much more than the ears. The brain helps us recognize sounds, understand speech, locate where sounds are coming from, and stay connected to others.

Research has found an association between untreated hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Although hearing loss does not mean someone will develop dementia, reduced auditory input, increased listening effort, and social isolation may contribute to the connection.

The good news is that hearing loss is treatable. In the ACHIEVE study, hearing intervention slowed cognitive decline by nearly 50% over three years among older adults at increased risk for dementia. Learn more from the National Institute on Aging⁠.

Protect your hearing, schedule routine hearing evaluations, and speak with an audiologist if you notice changes. Supporting hearing health may also help support brain health. 🧡

07/16/2026

Noise-canceling headphones: Helpful or Harmful? 🎧

The answer is… both, depending on how you use them.

Noise-canceling headphones can be a great tool for protecting your hearing by reducing background noise, making it easier to listen at safer volumes. They can also improve focus and make noisy environments more comfortable.

However, they’re not a substitute for safe listening habits. Listening at high volumes, even with noise cancellation turned on, can still put your hearing at risk. It’s also important to give your ears regular listening breaks and stay aware of your surroundings when safety is a concern.

🎧 Tips for healthy headphone use:
• Keep your volume at 60% or lower when possible.
• Take listening breaks every hour.
• Use noise cancellation to reduce the need to turn up the volume.
• Stay alert in situations where you need to hear your environment, like walking near traffic or riding a bike.

Noise-canceling headphones aren’t harmful on their own. When used mindfully, they can actually help support healthy hearing habits.

How do you use your noise-canceling headphones? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️

06/02/2026

Welcome Ashley!
Ashley Paul is a fourth-year Doctor of Audiology candidate completing her externship at HCC.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine in 2023. She will receive her doctorate from the University of Connecticut in 2027.
Ashley has lived with hearing loss since early childhood. Her personal experiences have shaped her commitment to supporting others with hearing differences.

05/20/2026

The office will be closed Monday, May 25th.

05/16/2026

Stop by and say hi!
WellFest in Wilmer Park 👂