A couple of years ago my husband expressed concern that my hearing wasn’t what it used to be. Although there were times I admit I wasn’t paying enough attention when he was talking, he did have a point that sometimes I didn’t hear everything.

I made an appointment for a hearing test and found that no, some high-pitched sounds weren’t registering. So, I got hearing aids that came with a 30-day trial period. Cost? $6,000! I used them for two weeks and felt that while I had some hearing loss, I couldn’t justify the cost yet. So, I was very excited to learn this week that as soon as October, hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss will be available over the counter and without a prescription. This will save thousands of dollars for someone like me.

This is so important. Hearing loss can complicate communication and contribute to social isolation, and researchers have also linked it to walking problems, falls, dementia and depression. I encourage anyone who thinks they may have a hearing issue to give them a try.