Have you ever woken up after a night’s sleep and heard birds singing a wonderful 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 best melody. The songs of these birds, when they’re all singing together, are a lovely symphony.
But you might not hear 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 could be missing. And if you find yourself oblivious to the sounds of summer, it could be the result of some undiagnosed (or diagnosed and ignored) hearing loss. The good news in these situations is that a device like a hearing aid could help you appreciate and more fully enjoy your summer.
Summer sounds
You most 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 grandkids playing and laughing.
- The babbling of a creek or the crashing of waves.
- Peepers and crickets chirping a symphony as the sun sets.
- The buzzing of bees as they fly around pollinating flowers and helping nature bloom.
- The sound of birds performing mating songs. (Love songs aren’t just enjoyed by humans.)
You get the idea. There are lots of sounds happening. These are the sounds that fill in your summer, give it quality, and help establish that overall vibe. Plus, there is so much joy in these simple sounds themselves.
It’s feasible that hearing loss may have crept up on you, especially if these or any other summer sounds seem to be different to you these days. Once you’ve noticed that problem, the next step is to do something about it.
Hearing aids can help you enjoy summer
Building relationships is what hearing aids are really all about for most. They’re about communication. They make it easier to talk to others, to hear what’s happening around you, and to appreciate the sounds that you hear. And at those summer barbecues, for example, that’s even more relevant.
Contemporary hearing aids have some amazing technology that will help you savor those summer sounds. Here are some examples of some of that powerful technology:
- Automatic programming: Contemporary hearing aids can automatically adapt to new surroundings or times of day, depending on how they’re programmed. This makes them simpler to use and more reliable.
- Rechargeability: Your battery will remain charged throughout the day after charging while you sleep at night. It’s much like charging your phone. This also makes traveling with hearing aids much easier.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Boating on the lake and want to enjoy some music? Well, your hearing aids can be connected to the boat’s stereo using Bluetooth.
- Noise reduction: If you want to hear the crashing of the waves, but not the thunder of traffic behind you, you’ll want hearing aids that can help you sort out these sounds (in the same way your ears used to do). Noise reduction features are normal in modern hearing aids so you will be capable of dialing in the sounds you want to hear.
- Machine learning: Fancy algorithms (called machine learning) can help your hearing aids adapt to what you need, even before you know you need it. This is particularly convenient when filtering sounds or in a noisy environment.
- Smartphone compatibility: You can start to appreciate all kinds of features by syncing your hearing aid to your smartphone. 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.
We can help you discover how your particular hearing needs can be met by your hearing aids (you can ask us if you can take your hearing aids into the water or on a mountain hike for instance). Hearing aids and water-sports don’t always get along. 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 idea. Will your hearing aids have an issue with hot weather, for example? And you should also ask, how do I protect my hearing aids from moisture in the air? The answer to both will depend on the model of hearing aid you have.
Perhaps avoid these sounds
As much as you enjoy the sound of the dawn chorus, there are some other summer sounds that could actually be harmful to your hearing, so you’ll probably want to steer clear of them. These noisy sounds are a real hazard! And everyone’s ears are vulnerable even if they don’t have pre-existing hearing loss. Some of those sounds include:
- Live music: Outdoor concerts are a great part of summer, but they can be damaging to your hearing. This means you may want to be particular about which shows you see (rather than attending a festival every weekend).
- Boat engines: Be cautious of how close you get and how long you spend near these engines because they are really loud. Try not to leave the motor running when you’re fishing. Or, better yet, pop in some earplugs for the entirety of your boat trip.
- Fireworks: Dogs have the right idea. Going to fireworks shows can definitely harm your ears. Similarly, being close to home-launched fireworks can also be damaging to your ears (and limbs). It’s best for your hearing to keep away from fireworks entirely.
This list isn’t exhaustive. For people who are coping with hearing loss, summer might have a few less of these loud events.
Having said that, you might not be capable of, or even want to, stay away from all loud noises during the summer. So what’s the strategy? Well, you can wear ear protection. For instance, before you go to a concert, put in a set of earplugs so you can minimize most of the damage. But it’s important that the hearing protection you chooses is reliable.
Appreciate the sounds of summer
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.
Getting the most out of your summer then, might require making a pit stop with us. We can help figure out the state of your hearing and, if needed, help determine what kind of hearing aids will be the best choice for you.
So if you want to enjoy the dawn chorus, that’s where you need to start. Because birdsongs are only the beginning of those awesome summer sounds.
Get your hearing tuned up this summer. Make an appointment today to find out which hearing aids are right for you!
