Have you ever wondered whether attending a community event could actually help you hear better? As someone who has been working in hearing care for more than 30 years, I can tell you that for many people, the answer is yes. 

When you are able to learn in a relaxed, supportive setting, surrounded by others who share similar experiences, it takes away the fear and confusion that often surrounds hearing changes. That is exactly what I saw during our recent Tune Into Better Hearing event at the Longmont Public Library. 

About 50 people from the Longmont area joined me for an evening of learning, laughing, and having honest conversations about hearing and staying connected. 

A Welcoming Night at the Library 

The event was hosted by the City of Longmont Library in the City Council Chambers on Kimbark Street, and the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming from the moment people walked in. Everyone showed up curious, hopeful, and ready to learn from each other. 

Throughout the evening, people shared real-life experiences that I hear every day in my clinic, such as: 

• Struggling to hear grandchildren 

• Avoiding restaurants because it is just too noisy 

• Feeling exhausted after conversations 

If any of that sounds familiar, please know this. These changes are common, and you do not have to simply accept them as “just aging.” 

A Little About Me 

If we have not met yet, I am Dr. D’Anne Rudden, a board-certified audiologist and the owner of Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center. 

You can find us here: 

Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center 195 S. Main St. Suite 8 Longmont, Colorado 80501 United States 

I would truly love to meet you. If you would like to pop in and say hello or ask questions about your hearing, tinnitus, or anything you are concerned about, please feel welcome to do so. 

I am also a founding member of Hearing the Call Colorado, a nonprofit that provides hearing care to individuals who otherwise would not have access right here in our communities. Helping people reconnect with the world around them is one of the deepest joys of my work. 

One moment during the event that really stayed with me was when I shared something I believe wholeheartedly: 

“Hearing is more than sound. It is how we connect, understand, and feel part of the world around us. My goal is to help people tune back into life, not just volume.” 

When I looked out at the room, I could see so many people nodding. It was a special moment. 

A Little Something to Take Home 

With help from the City of Longmont Library, we helped put together a Well-Being Bag, which can be checked out at the library like any book, filled with helpful resources, including: 

• Communication tips for everyday situations 

• Simple hearing health information 

• Local support options 

• Ideas to reduce listening fatigue 

• Fiction and non-fiction books and movies on hearing loss 

Several people told me they felt relieved knowing they were not the only ones struggling, and that there are real, practical steps that can help. 

Watch the Full Presentation 

The City of Longmont recorded the entire session, and you can watch it anytime. If you know someone who might benefit from this information, please share it with them. It could make a meaningful difference in their life. 

Watch the presentation here: 

Why Community Events Help With Hearing 

When you learn alongside others who are experiencing similar challenges, you gain: 

• Understanding 

• Encouragement 

• Confidence 

• A sense of community 

Research shows that when hearing becomes harder, the brain has to work much harder to keep up. That extra effort can lead people to withdraw socially, feel more tired, or lose confidence in conversations. 

Events like this remind people that they are not alone and that help is available. 

How Hearing Care Helps 

A simple hearing check can: 

• Identify early changes 

• Offer treatment options 

• Make conversations easier 

• Reduce listening fatigue 

• Support long-term wellness 

Many people left the event feeling more informed and empowered, which is exactly why I love doing this work. 

Your Next Step 

If you have noticed changes in your hearing or you just want to feel more confident in conversations, watching the presentation or scheduling a hearing check is a great place to start. 

I would love to help you take that step. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What was covered at the event? 

We focused on early signs of hearing changes, why they happen, and simple ways to protect your hearing. 

Who attended the “Tune Into Better Hearing” event? 

About 50 local residents from the Longmont area joined us at the Longmont Public Library. 

Is the presentation available online? 

Yes. The City of Longmont recorded the session and posted it on YouTube. You can watch the full recording on this page whenever you like. 

Do hearing changes always mean permanent hearing loss? 

Not always. Some causes are temporary or manageable with proper care and assessment. 

What should I do if I notice hearing difficulties? 

Schedule a hearing check and learn about treatment options. Early attention often leads to better outcomes. Click here to book an appointment. 

Sources 

Johns Hopkins Medicine 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hearing-loss 

Relevance: Explains how hearing loss affects communication and daily life. 

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) 

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-older-adults 

Relevance: Provides research-based information on hearing loss in older adults and why early detection matters.