The Link Between Hearing, Social Connection, and Healthy Aging

When people think about healthy aging, they often focus on exercise, nutrition, and staying physically active. While those factors are certainly important, hearing health is another key component of aging well that is frequently overlooked.

At Caradoc Hearing, we often tell patients that hearing isn't just about volume; it's about

Caradoc Hearing, located at 31 Caradoc St. N, Strathroy, ON, advises people with hearing concerns.

connection. Whether you're enjoying a coffee with friends, attending a community event, or spending time with family, hearing well helps you stay engaged in the moments that matter most. If you've never had your hearing evaluated, our comprehensive hearing assessments can provide valuable insight into your hearing health.

Why Hearing Matters More Than You Think

According to the World Health Organization, more than 430 million people worldwide experience disabling hearing loss, and hearing loss becomes increasingly common as we age.

In fact, approximately one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 experience hearing loss, and nearly half of adults over 75 have difficulty hearing.

Untreated hearing loss can affect your relationships with your family and friends.

The Connection Between Hearing and Loneliness

Research published by the National Institute on Aging has found a strong relationship between hearing loss and social isolation.

Additional studies from Canadian Hearing Services show that untreated hearing loss can impact confidence, social participation, and overall quality of life.

Signs It May Be Time for a Hearing Assessment

If any of these signs sound familiar, scheduling a hearing assessment can help identify whether hearing loss may be contributing to communication challenges.

Tips for Staying Connected

Protect Your Hearing

Whether you're attending a concert, operating farm equipment, mowing the lawn, or working in noisy environments, protecting your hearing matters. Learn more about our custom hearing protection solutions designed for work, recreation, and everyday life.

Caradoc Hearing owners, Shannon Mitchell (L) and Lisa Noble-Smith (R), are Strathroy's Hearing Instrument Specialists.

Healthy Aging Starts with Connection

At Caradoc Hearing, we believe hearing well is about maintaining the relationships and experiences that make life meaningful.

Whether you're noticing changes in your hearing or simply want a baseline assessment, we're here to help. Learn more about our CARE Program and discover why local families trust Shannon and Lisa for ongoing, relationship-focused hearing care.

Looking for Lisa & Shannon in Strathroy? You Found Us.

Shannon Mitchell and Lisa Noble-Smith opened Caradoc Hearing in Strathroy, Ontario, in March of 2026, to deliver the personalized hearing care and patient experience they believe their clients deserve.

If you’ve previously seen Lisa or Shannon at another hearing clinic in Strathroy, you may have been surprised when you arrived for an appointment and realized they weren’t there anymore.

And if you’ve been searching for them ever since — welcome. You found us.

Lisa Noble-Smith and Shannon Mitchell are now welcoming patients at Caradoc Hearing, a proudly local, independently owned hearing clinic in Strathroy.

Why We Opened Caradoc Hearing

Caradoc Hearing is a locally owned and operated hearing clinic located at 31 Caradoc St. N, in Strathroy, Ontario.

After years of working in hearing healthcare and building relationships throughout Strathroy and surrounding communities, we knew we wanted to create something a little different.

Something more personal.

Something that felt less rushed.

Something built around relationships, familiar faces, and truly getting to know the people sitting across from us.

That’s why we opened Caradoc Hearing.

Hearing Care Should Feel Comfortable

For many people, hearing care can feel intimidating at first.

We believe it shouldn’t.

Whether it’s your first hearing test, your first set of hearing aids, or you’ve been wearing them for years, our goal is to make the experience feel welcoming, supportive, and comfortable from the moment you walk through the door.

No pressure. No overwhelm.

Just honest conversations and personalized care.

Familiar Faces. Personalized Care.

One of the things we hear most often from patients is how much they appreciate seeing familiar faces and having consistency in their care.

At Caradoc Hearing, you’ll continue to work directly with Lisa and Shannon — the same people many local families have trusted for years.

Because in a small community, relationships matter.

Meet Lisa Noble-Smith

Caradoc Hearing co-owner Lisa Noble-Smith (Far Right), and her sons (L-R) Brodie and Owen, and husband Shawn Smith (Back).

Lisa has been a familiar face in hearing care around Strathroy for more than 12 years and brings over 18 years of hearing healthcare experience to Caradoc Hearing.

She was raised in Kilworth, is a Medway High School alumnus, and has resided in Lucan for 20 years with her husband, Shawn, and two sons, Brodie and Owen.

Patients know Lisa for her warm personality, attention to detail, and the time she takes to ensure people feel comfortable and cared for throughout their hearing journey.

👉 Meet Lisa

Meet Shannon Mitchell

Caradoc Hearing co-owner Shannon Mitchell and her family, (L-R) Tyler, Trenton, and Tripp.

Shannon has worked in hearing healthcare since 2015 and brings experience from both private practice audiology and the Infant Hearing Program.

Her background in speech and language sciences helps guide her thoughtful, communication-focused approach to hearing care.

Shannon grew up in nearby Wyoming, where she graduated from LCCVI in Petroilia. She and her husband, Tyler, have been running the roads between Strathroy, Petroilia, Alvinston, and Wyoming their entire lives. This is where she grew up. She, Tyler, and their two boys, Trenton and Tripp, still call Wyoming home today.

Shannon's patients often describe her as approachable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping people reconnect to the moments they’ve been missing.

👉 Meet Shannon

Proudly Local. Personally Focused.

As an independently owned hearing clinic in Strathroy, we’re proud to continue serving the community we know and love.

At Caradoc Hearing, we offer:

✔ Hearing Tests & Assessments

✔ Hearing Aids & Fittings

✔ Earwax Removal

✔ Custom Hearing Protection

✔ Ongoing CARE Program Support

Most importantly, we offer care that feels personal.

Looking for Lisa or Shannon?

We’d love to welcome you to Caradoc Hearing.

Whether you’re a returning patient or simply exploring your options, we’re here when you need us.

👉 Book a consultation

👉 Learn more about our services

👉 Visit us in Strathroy

Let’s start with a conversation.

Hear Today. Hear Tomorrow.: Everything You Need to Know About Hearing Protection.

You rely on your hearing every day—for conversations, connections, and the moments that matter. But many everyday sounds can quietly cause damage over time. Understanding the risks is the first step to protecting it

We don’t often think about how loud everyday sounds really are—but over time, those sounds can have a lasting impact on your hearing.

From lawnmowers to concerts, noise exposure adds up. And once hearing damage occurs, it’s permanent.

To help put things into perspective, we’ve created a simple guide to common sound levels and what they mean for your hearing.

How Loud Is Too Loud?

We don’t often think about how loud everyday sounds really are—but over time, those sounds can have a lasting impact on your hearing.

From lawnmowers to concerts, noise exposure adds up. And once hearing damage occurs, it’s permanent.

To help put things into perspective, we’ve created a simple guide to common sound levels and what they mean for your hearing.

Infographic by Caradoc Hearing: "Hear Today. Hear Tomorrow." Highlights include early signs of hearing loss, the danger of prolonged exposure to decibels above 85, and statistics on hearing loss prevalence. Emphasizes the importance of protection and prevention, noting that up to 60% of hearing loss is preventable with proper care.

Undetected or Undecided?

Hearing loss is more common than most people realize—and often goes unaddressed.

• 1 in 5 Canadian adults has measurable hearing loss (Statistics Canada)

• By age 60, that increases to 1 in 3

• Only about 5% of people report hearing loss, while nearly 19% actually have it 

• On average, people wait 7 to 10 years before seeking help

According to the World Health Organization, many people delay addressing hearing loss due to stigma, uncertainty, or simply not recognizing the signs.

The result? Too many people quietly miss out on conversations before taking action.

85 dB – The Starting Point of Risk

Sound warning: The volume level reaches 85 decibels, and your hearing can begin to be damaged over time.

Sounds at or above 85 decibels can begin to damage your hearing over time, especially with repeated exposure.

Common examples include:

• heavy traffic

• busy workplaces

According to Health Canada, long-term exposure at this level increases the risk of permanent hearing damage.

The key factor isn’t just volume—it’s duration.

90 dB – Common Everyday Exposure

Noise level indication of 90 decibels will cause damage with prolonged use.

Sounds like lawnmowers and power tools typically operate around 90 decibels—loud enough to cause damage with prolonged use.

Even short, repeated exposure without protection can add up over time.

Wearing hearing protection—even for quick tasks—can make a meaningful difference.

100 dB – Short Exposure, Higher Risk

When volume hits a sound level of 100 decibels, damage can begin in as little as 15-minutes.

At 100 decibels, hearing damage can begin in as little as 15 minutes.

Examples include:

• concerts

• sporting events

• loud equipment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the louder the sound, the less time it takes to cause harm.

It Adds Up Faster Than You Think

The challenge isn’t just understanding the numbers—it’s recognizing how often we’re exposed to them.

Most people don’t think twice about:

• mowing the lawn

• attending events

• working in noisy environments

But over time, it adds up.

Hearing loss doesn’t happen all at once—it builds gradually until it becomes noticeable.

The good news?

Noise-related hearing loss is permanent—but it’s also largely preventable.

Protecting Your Hearing Starts Now

Custom hearing protection can significantly reduce your risk—often lowering noise exposure by 15–30 decibels.

Strathroy's locally owned Caradoc Hearing entrance.

At Caradoc Hearing, we offer custom solutions designed for:

• work environments

• music and events

• sleep and noise sensitivity

• everyday protection

Protecting your hearing today helps preserve it for tomorrow. Explore our hearing protection options.

Not Sure Where You Stand?

If you’re unsure how your hearing may be affected, a simple hearing test can provide clarity.

It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

Book Your Hearing Test