Dinner Table Syndrome: Why Hearing Health Is a Cornerstone of Aging Well | Ep. 361

Many people quietly struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments—family dinners, holiday gatherings, restaurants, or social events—and often chalk it up to “just getting older.” But this experience, sometimes referred to as Dinner Table Syndrome, can be one of the earliest signs of untreated hearing loss and a major contributor to social withdrawal, mental fatigue, and reduced quality of life.

In this episode of The Aging Well Podcast, Dr. Jeff Armstrong is joined by Elissa Kawamoto, AuD, an audiologist with HearUSA, to explore why hearing health is increasingly recognized as a vital pillar of overall wellness. Together, they unpack what Dinner Table Syndrome looks and feels like, why it’s so often normalized or ignored, and how untreated hearing challenges can impact mental health, social connection, and cognitive load as we age.

Elissa offers an evidence-based, compassionate perspective on how early identification and proactive hearing care can help people stay engaged, confident, and connected—especially during high-noise seasons like the holidays. Listeners will walk away with practical insights for recognizing early warning signs and taking meaningful steps to protect their hearing and overall wellbeing.

Please, support The Aging Well Podcast by hitting the ‘like’ button, subscribing/following the podcast, sharing with a friend, and….

Tip Jar! All donations support this podcast to keep it going. https://paypal.me/theagingwellpodcast

BUY the products you need to… age well from our trusted affiliates and support the mission of The Aging Well Podcast*.

The Aging Well Podcast merchandise | Show how you are aging well | Use the promo code AGING WELL for free shipping on orders over $75 | https://theagingwellpodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/promo/AGINGWELL

Auro Wellness | Glutaryl—Antioxidant spray that delivers high doses of glutathione (“Master Antioxidant”) and the new Copper Tripeptide (GHK-Cu) | 10% off Code: AGINGWELL at https://aurowellness.com/agingwellpodcast

Berkeley Life | Optimize nitric oxide levels | Purchase your starter kit at a 15% discount | Use the promo code: AGINGWELL15 | https://berkeleylife.pxf.io/c/6475525/3226696/31118

Oxford Healthspan | Primeadine®, a plant-derived spermidine supplement | 10% off code: AGINGWELL | ⁠https://www.oxfordhealthspan.com/AGINGWELL⁠

Jigsaw Health | Trusted supplements. “It’s fun to feel good.” | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL for 10% off: https://www.jigsawhealth.com/?rfsn=8710089.1dddcf3&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8710089.1dddcf3

KneeMo | A smart device programmed to reduce your knee pain and keep you moving. | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL15 for 15% off: https://thekneemo.com/ref/agingwell

Prolon | The Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a revolutionary five-day nutrition program scientifically formulated to mimic the effects of a prolonged water fast while still allowing nourishment - supporting the benefits of fasting without the challenges and risks that come from water-only fasts. | For the best available discount always use this link: https://prolonlife.com/theagingwellpodcast

Thrive25—Your personal longevity advisor | https://www.thrive25.com/early-access?via=william-jeffrey

Fusionary Formulas | Combining Ayurvedic wisdom with Western science for optimal health support. | 15% off Code: AGINGWELL | https://fusionaryformulas.com?sca_ref=9678325.IHg5xYhdOzzke8Zr

Dr Lewis Nutrition | Fight neurodegeneration and cognitive decline with Daily Brain Care by Dr Lewis Nutrition—a proven daily formula designed to protect and restore brain function. | 10% off code: AGINGWELL or use the link: https://drlewisnutrition.com/AGINGWELL

TruDiagnostic—Your source for epigenetic testing | 12% off Code: AGEWELL or use the link: https://shop.trudiagnostic.com/discount/AGEWELL

*We receive commission on these purchases. Thank you.