Have you ever woken up after a night’s sleep and heard birds singing a pleasant song through your open window? Most individuals probably aren’t even aware that the name for those bird-songs is the “dawn chorus”. For whatever reason, birds see the sun rising and decide to start belting out their favorite songs. The songs of these birds, when they’re all sounding together, are a lovely symphony.
Of course, if you have untreated hearing loss, you might not hear the dawn chorus at all. Which is a pity.
That’s especially true because it isn’t just birdsong you may be missing out on. Summer is full of amazing sounds. And if you find yourself oblivious to the sounds of summer, it might be due to some undiagnosed (or diagnosed and ignored) hearing loss. The good news in these cases is that a device like a hearing aid may help you appreciate and more fully enjoy your summer.
The sounds of summer
You likely think of a really hot sun in a clear blue sky when you think about summer. But if you stay in your imagination a little longer, you’ll begin incorporating highlights that make this blue sky seem more like summer, the sounds that fill in the day. You may be thinking about:
- The sound of your grandchildren laughing and playing.
- The sound of birds performing mating songs. (Love songs aren’t just enjoyed by humans.)
- The crashing of waves on the beach (or a babbling creek if you’re in a more inland area).
- The symphony of frogs croaking at night, especially in the early hours of the night.
- Bees buzzing around helping nature bloom by pollinating flowers.
You get the idea. There are a bunch of sounds happening. These are the sounds that fill in your summer, give it texture, and help deliver that overall vibe. And these sounds by themselves bring great happiness.
It’s feasible that hearing loss might have crept up on you, especially if these or any other summer sounds sound to be foreign to you these days. If you have detected your hearing loss then you should get something done about it.
Hearing aids can help you enjoy summer
Building connections is what hearing aids are really all about for most. Communication is key. They make it easier to converse with others, to hear what’s going on around you, and to appreciate the sounds that you hear. And that’s particularly important at those summer barbecues, for example.
The latest models of hearing aids can help you bask in the sounds of summer, and they come with some really great built in tech, too. For instance, most modern hearing aids offer:
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Perhaps you want some tunes while you’re out boating. Well, your hearing aids can be connected to the boat’s stereo using Bluetooth.
- Machine learning: Cutting-edge algorithms (called machine learning) can help your hearing aids adjust to what you need, even before you need it. This is particularly handy when filtering sounds or in a loud setting.
- Smartphone compatibility: You can connect 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 by utilizing an app you can download on most cell phones.
- Automatic programming: You can dial in your modern hearing aids to automatically change settings depending on the time of day or setting you find yourself in. This function makes them more reliable and simpler to use.
- Noise reduction: You’ll want to get hearing aids that can differentiate particular sounds (your ears once did this) so you can enjoy those crashing waves without having the traffic behind you amplified as well. Modern hearing aids have considerable noise reduction capabilities, so you can hear what you really want to hear.
- Rechargeability: You can recharge your hearing aid while you sleep and get full batteries throughout the day. It’s much like charging your phone. And when you vacation with your hearing aids, it becomes especially hassle free.
We can help you learn how your particular hearing needs can be met by your hearing aids (for example, you can ask whether you can use them while you’re swimming or hiking in the country, that type of thing). Hearing aids and water-sports don’t always get along. But in general, 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 good plan. Will your hearing aids have an issue with hot weather, for example? Also, does humidity have any impact on my hearing aid and how can I protect it? The answer to both questions 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 loud sounds are a real hazard! And they’re harmful to everyone’s ears, not just individuals who have pre-existing hearing loss. Some of those sounds include:
- Fireworks: Dogs have the right idea. Going to fireworks shows can definitely harm your ears. This includes both commercial and home launched fireworks. It’s best for your hearing to stay away from fireworks entirely.
- Boat engines: Be cautious of how close you get and how long you spend near these engines because they’re really loud. When you’re fishing, shut the engine off. Or, better yet, put in some earplugs for the duration of your boat trip.
- Live music: It’s a lot of fun to go and see a live music concert but the loud volume can be harmful to your ears. This means you might want to be particular about which shows you see (rather than attending a festival every weekend).
This list isn’t exhaustive. Summer activities for people who have hearing loss might not include quite as many of those fireworks and loud noise situations.
Having said that, you might not be capable of, or even want to, avoid all loud noises during the summer. So what can you do? Well, you can wear ear protection. For example, before you go to a live show, put in a set of earplugs so you can decrease most of the damage. But it’s essential that the hearing protection you chooses is reliable.
Appreciate the sounds of summer
As the heat of summer gets 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 may need to come in and see us if you want to make sure you get the most out of your summer. We can help figure out the state of your hearing and, if necessary, help determine what type of hearing aid will be the best choice for you.
So start here if you’re ready to enjoy the dawn chorus. And you’ll also be able to enjoy all of the other wonderful summer sounds.
Get the most out of your ears this summer and beyond. Call us for a hearing test and find out if hearing aids are the right option for you.