Have you ever awoke after a night’s sleep and heard birds singing a delightful song through your open window? Most people probably aren’t even aware that those bird songs are called the “dawn chorus”. Birds see the sunrise and, for some reason, decide it’s time to sing out their best melody. Each species has its own set of chirps and notes, and together, they sound like a symphony of nature.
But you may not hear the “dawn chorus” at all if you have untreated hearing loss. And that’s sad.
There are a lot of incredible sounds during the summer besides birdsongs that you may be missing. And if you find yourself missing out on the sounds of summer, it may be the result of some undiagnosed (or diagnosed and ignored) hearing loss. The good news in these instances is that a device like a hearing aid could help you appreciate and enjoy your summer days more fully.
The sounds of summer
When you think about summer, you probably begin by visualizing the sun in a blue sky. And, a very, very hot sun (whew). And then you begin to visualize the summer soundtrack that comes with this vision. Some sounds you may think about:
- The sound of your grandchildren playing and laughing.
- The babbling of a stream or the crashing of waves.
- The sound of birds chirping, especially in the spring during, ahem, mating season. (Humans aren’t the only species to employ love songs.)
- Bees buzzing about helping nature bloom by pollinating flowers.
- The symphony of frogs croaking at night, especially in the early hours of the evening.
You get the idea. Summer is alive with amazing sounds. The feeling and vibe of summer are greatly enhanced by these sounds. Plus, there is so much joy in these simple sounds themselves.
It’s feasible that hearing loss may have snuck up on you, especially if these or any other summer sounds seem to be different to you these days. If you have recognized your hearing loss then you need to get something done about it.
Your summer can be more enjoyable with hearing aids
For most, hearing aids are really about building connections. They’re about communication. You’ll be more mindful of what’s happening around you, better able to communicate with those around you, and appreciate the sounds in your world. And that’s particularly important at those summer barbecues, for instance.
Contemporary hearing aids have some amazing technology that will help you savor those summer sounds. Here are some instances of some of that potent technology:
- Automatic programming: Modern hearing aids can automatically adapt to new surroundings or times of day, depending on how you program them. This function makes them more effective and easier to use.
- Machine learning: Fancy algorithms (called machine learning) can help your hearing aids adjust to what you need, even before you know you need it. This is especially handy when filtering sounds or in a loud environment.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Boating on the lake and want to enjoy some tracks? Well, your hearing aids can be connected to the boat’s stereo using Bluetooth.
- Rechargeability: You can recharge your hearing aid while you sleep and enjoy full batteries throughout the day. Essentially, you can charge your hearing aids the same way you charge your cellphone. And when you vacation with your hearing aids, it becomes very stress free.
- Smartphone compatibility: You can connect your hearing aids to your cellphone and begin making the most of all kinds of features. Many cell phones will now permit you to download apps that help you manage the settings on your hearing aids, so you can adjust for birdsong or grandkid’s laughter depending on what you want to hear at that moment.
- Noise reduction: You’ll want to get hearing aids that can differentiate particular sounds (your ears once did this) so you can appreciate those crashing waves without having the traffic behind you amplified as well. Noise reduction features are common in modern hearing aids so you will be able to dial in the sounds you want to hear.
You can ask us about how your set of hearing aids are suitable for your favorite adventures (for example, you can ask whether you can use them while you’re swimming or hiking up a mountain, that sort of thing). Hearing aids and water-sports don’t always get along. But as a whole, your hearing aids will make your summer an all around richer experience.
Also, asking us basic questions about your hearing aid model will be a practical plan. Will your hearing aids have an issue with hot weather, for instance? And you should also ask, how do I safeguard my hearing aids from moisture in the air? Depending on the model of hearing aid, the answer to these questions will vary.
Some loud sounds you may want to steer clear of
Some summer sounds, unlike the dawn chorus, will be harmful to your ears and you should make sure to avoid them. These loud sounds are a real hazard! And they’re harmful to everyone’s ears, not just those who have pre-existing hearing loss. Here are some of those sounds:
- Live music: Outdoor concerts are a big part of summer, but they can be damaging to your ears. This means you may want to be selective about which shows you see (rather than going to a festival every weekend).
- Boat engines: These engines are loud, so exercise some caution about distance and duration. Try not to leave the motor idling when you’re fishing. Or, an even better plan would be to use some earplugs.
- Fireworks: Dogs have the right idea. Your hearing can most certainly be damaged by fireworks. This includes both commercial and home launched fireworks. Best to just avoid fireworks altogether.
This list is not exhaustive. For individuals who are coping with hearing loss, summer might have a few less of these noisy activities.
But even with hearing loss you most likely won’t want to stay away from every loud summer activity. So what can you do? Wearing ear protection is the best solution. For example, before you go to a concert, put in a set of earplugs so you can reduce a lot of the damage. But it’s important that the hearing protection you chooses is effective.
Appreciate the sounds of summer
As the heat of summer becomes more oppressive, if you have hearing loss, the summer sounds may feel like they’re getting further away. Which means, much of the joy of the season could pass you by.
So you might need to pay us a visit if you want to make sure you get the most out of your summer. We can help identify the state of your hearing and, if needed, help determine what type of hearing aid will be the best choice for you.
So if you want to appreciate the dawn chorus, that’s where you need to begin. And you’ll also be able to enjoy all of the other wonderful summer sounds.
Get the most from your ears this summer and beyond. Call us for a hearing test and discover if hearing aids are the right choice for you.