Have you ever woken up after a night’s sleep and heard birds singing a beautiful song through your open window? Most people probably aren’t even aware that the name for those bird-songs is the “dawn chorus”. Birds see the sunrise and, for some reason, decide it’s time to sing out their favorite melody. Each species has its own set of chirps and notes, and together, they sound like a symphony of nature.
But you may not notice the “dawn chorus” at all if you have neglected hearing loss. Which is a pity.
There are a lot of amazing sounds during the summer besides birdsongs that you may be missing. And you might be missing those summer sounds because you have hearing loss that’s gone undiagnosed or simply ignored. But you can start to enjoy all of those amazing summer sounds again with the help of a device like a hearing aid.
Summer sounds
When you think about summer, you probably begin by visualizing the sun in a blue sky. And, a really, really hot sun (whew). And then you start to imagine the summer soundtrack that comes with this vision. Some sounds you may think about:
- The buzzing of bees as they fly around pollinating flowers and helping the landscape bloom.
- The babbling of a brook or the crashing of waves.
- Peepers and crickets chirping a symphony as the sun goes down.
- The sound of birds performing mating songs. (Humans aren’t the only species to use love songs.)
- Something as simple as your grandkids laughing, maybe as they run around the yard or as you watch a baseball game together.
These are just a few examples. Summer is alive with amazing sounds. These are the sounds that complete your summer, give it texture, and help create that overall vibe. Plus, there is so much pleasure in these everyday summertime sounds themselves.
It’s possible 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 detected your hearing loss then you should get some help with it.
Hearing aids can help you enjoy summer
For most people, hearing aids are really about building connections. Communication is key. You’ll be more aware of what’s taking place around you, better able to communicate with those around you, and enjoy the sounds in your life. And that’s particularly significant at those summer barbecues, for instance.
Contemporary hearing aids have some fantastic technology that will help you savor those summer sounds. Here are some examples of some of that powerful technology:
- Smartphone compatibility: You can sync your hearing aids to your cellphone and start making the most of all kinds of features. Depending on the particular hearing situation, you will be able to manage the settings on your hearing aids using an app you can download on most cell phones.
- Machine learning: Cutting-edge algorithms (called machine learning) can help your hearing aids adapt to what you need, even before you need it. In loud environments or when eliminating particular sounds, this can be especially convenient.
- Rechargeability: You can recharge your hearing aid while sleeping and enjoy full batteries all through the day. Essentially, you can charge your hearing aids in the same way you charge your cellphone. This also makes vacationing with hearing aids a lot easier.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Boating on the lake and want to enjoy some tracks? Well, your hearing aids can be synced to the boat’s stereo via Bluetooth.
- Automatic programming: You can dial in your modern hearing aids to automatically switch settings depending on the time of day or environment you find yourself in. This makes them easier to use and more effective.
- Noise reduction: You’ll want to have 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 too. Modern hearing aids have substantial noise reduction features, so you can hear what you actually want to hear.
You can ask us about how your pair of hearing aids are appropriate for your favorite adventures (for example, you can ask whether you can wear them while you’re swimming or hiking in the country, that sort of thing). Hearing aids and water-sports don’t always get along. But all in all, your hearing aids will make your summer an all around livelier experience.
Also, asking us basic questions about your hearing aid model will be a good plan. Will your hearing aids have a problem with hot weather, for example? And you should also ask, how can I protect my hearing aids from moisture in the air? The answer to both questions will depend on the model of hearing aid you have.
Maybe avoid these sounds
Some summer sounds, unlike the dawn chorus, will be harmful to your ears and you should be certain to steer clear of them. These are sounds that are, well, loud! And they’re harmful to everyone’s ears, not just those with pre-existing hearing loss. Here are some of those sounds:
- Fireworks: Dogs have the right idea. Going to fireworks shows can certainly damage your hearing. This includes both commercial and home launched fireworks. Best to simply stay away from fireworks completely.
- Boat engines: These engines are loud, so use some caution about distance and exposure time. Try not to keep the motor running when you’re fishing. Or, an even better plan would be to use some earplugs.
- Live music: Outdoor concerts are a fun part of summer, but they can be damaging to your hearing. This means you may want to be selective about which shows you see (rather than attending a festival every weekend).
This list isn’t exhaustive. For people who are dealing with hearing loss, summer might have a few less of these loud events.
But even with hearing loss you probably won’t want to stay away from every noisy summer activity. So what’s the strategy? Using ear protection is the best strategy. Popping in a pair of earplugs before you see any live music show can minimize a lot of the damage, for example. But it’s important that the hearing protection you chooses is reliable.
Enjoy the sounds of summer
If you are dealing with hearing loss, the sounds of summer could feel like they’re getting further and further away (even as the heat of summer becomes more and more oppressive). And that means you might miss a lot of the season’s joy.
So you may need to come in and see us if you want to make sure you get the most from your summer. We can help identify the state of your hearing and, if necessary, help decide what type of hearing aids will best suit your needs.
So if you want to appreciate the dawn chorus, that’s where you should start. And you’ll also be able to enjoy all of the other wonderful summer sounds.
Get your hearing tuned up this summer. Make an appointment today to find out which hearing aids are right for you!