Have you ever woken up after a night’s sleep and heard birds singing a pleasant song through your open window? So happens, there’s a name for all those birdsongs: the dawn chorus. For whatever reason, birds see the sun coming up and decide to start belting out their favorite songs. Each type of bird has its own set of chirps and notes, and together, they sound like a symphony of nature.
Of course, if you have untreated hearing loss, you might not hear the dawn chorus at all. And that’s unfortunate.
There are a lot of incredible sounds during the summer besides birdsongs that you could be missing. And if you find yourself missing out on the sounds of summer, it may be due to some undiagnosed (or diagnosed and dismissed) hearing loss. The good news in these instances is that a device like a hearing aid could help you appreciate and more fully enjoy your summer.
Summer sounds
When you think about summer, you likely start off imagining the sun in a blue sky. And, a really, really hot sun (whew). And then you begin to visualize the summer soundtrack that goes along with this vision. Some sounds you may think about:
- The babbling of a brook or the crashing of waves.
- Peepers and crickets chirping a symphony as the sun sets.
- Bees buzzing about helping nature bloom by pollinating flowers.
- The sound of birds performing mating songs. (Humans aren’t the only species to use love songs.)
- Something as basic as your grandkids laughing, possibly as they run around the yard or as you watch a baseball game with each other.
These are only a few examples. There are a bunch of sounds going on. The experience and vibe of summer are considerably enhanced by these sounds. And these sounds by themselves bring great happiness.
If these summer sounds (or any sounds of summer) seem foreign to you these days, it’s most likely because a noticeable level of hearing loss has successfully crept up on you. 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
Building connections is what hearing aids are really all about for most. They’re about communication. You’ll be more aware of what’s happening around you, better able to communicate with people around you, and appreciate the sounds in your world. And at those summer cook-outs, for example, that’s even more important.
The latest models of hearing aids can help you bask in the sounds of summer, and they come with some really amazing built in tech, as well. Here are some illustrations of some of that powerful technology:
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Perhaps you want some music playing while you’re out boating. 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 setting you find yourself in. This function makes them more effective and simpler to use.
- Smartphone compatibility: You can sync your hearing aids to your smartphone and begin making the most of all sorts of features. Depending on the specific hearing situation, you will be able to manage the settings on your hearing aids by utilizing an app you can download on most cell phones.
- Machine learning: Fancy algorithms (called machine learning) can help your hearing aids adapt to what you need, even before you need it. In loud environments or when filtering out specific sounds, this can be especially handy.
- Noise reduction: If you want to hear the sound of crashing waves, but not the roar of traffic behind you, you’ll want hearing aids that can help you sort through these sounds (just like your ears once did). Noise reduction features are normal in modern hearing aids so you will be capable of dialing in the sounds you want to hear.
- Rechargeability: You can recharge your hearing aid while sleeping and enjoy full batteries all through the day. Basically, you can charge your hearing aids in the same way you charge your cellphone. And when you travel with your hearing aids, it becomes really stress free.
You can ask us about how your pair of hearing aids are suitable for your favorite adventures (for instance, you can ask whether you can wear them while you’re going for a swim or hiking in the country, that type of thing). Hearing aids frequently don’t get along with water. But you will have a richer overall summer experience with your hearing aids.
Also, asking us basic questions about your hearing aid model will be a good plan. For instance, you should ask, can hot weather impact my hearing aids? Also, does humidity have any impact on my hearing aid and how can I protect it? The answer to both will depend on the model of hearing aid you use.
Some loud sounds you may want to avoid
Some summer sounds, unlike the dawn chorus, will be harmful to your hearing and you should make sure to steer clear of them. These are sounds that are, well, loud! And everyone’s ears are at risk even if they don’t have pre-existing hearing loss. Some of those sounds include:
- Live music: Outdoor concerts are a big part of summer, but they can be harmful to your ears. So you may want to exercise some caution and be selective about which shows you attend and use earplugs.
- Fireworks: The dogs are on to something. Your hearing can most certainly be harmed by fireworks. This includes both commercial and home launched fireworks. It’s best for your hearing to stay away from fireworks completely.
- Boat engines: These engines are loud, so use some caution about distance and exposure time. Try not to leave the motor running when you’re fishing. Or, an even better idea would be to use some earplugs.
This list isn’t exhaustive. Summer activities for individuals with hearing loss might not include quite as many of those fireworks and loud noise situations.
But even with hearing loss you probably won’t want to stay away from every loud summer event. So what’s the strategy? Wearing 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 instance. You just need to make sure you’re using reliable ear protection.
Have fun this summer and enjoy the sounds
If you have hearing loss, the sounds of summer may feel like they’re getting further and further away (even as the heat of summer becomes more and more oppressive). Which means, a lot of the joy of the season could pass you by.
So you may need to pay us a visit if you want to be certain that you get the most out of your summer. We will be able to determine whether your hearing is waning or not, and what kind of hearing aid will be best for your situation.
So begin here if you’re ready to enjoy the dawn chorus. Because birdsongs are only the beginning of those amazing summer sounds.
Get the most out of your ears this summer and beyond. Schedule an appointment today to find out which hearing aids are right for you!