Have you ever slept with your bedroom window open and awoke to the beautiful sound of birds singing as the sun is coming up? Turns out, there’s a term 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 species has its own kind of song, and together, they sound like a symphony of nature.
Of course, if you have neglected hearing loss, you might not hear the dawn chorus at all. And that’s sad.
That’s especially true because it’s not just birdsong you might be missing out on. Summer is full of amazing sounds. And you may 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 wonderful summer sounds again with the help of a device like a hearing aid.
Summer sounds
When you think about summer, you most likely begin by imagining the sun in a blue sky. And, a really, really hot sun (whew). But if you stay in your imagination a little longer, you’ll start incorporating highlights that make this blue sky feel more like summer, the sounds that fill out the day. Some sounds you might think about:
- The sound of birds chirping, particularly in the spring during, ahem, mating season. (Humans aren’t the only species to utilize love songs.)
- The sound of your grandkids playing and laughing.
- The crashing of waves on the beach (or a babbling creek if you’re in a more landlocked area).
- Peepers and crickets chirping a symphony as the sun sets.
- The buzzing of bees as they fly around pollinating flowers and helping the landscape bloom.
These are only a few examples. Summer is lively with amazing sounds. The experience and vibe of summer are considerably enhanced by these sounds. Plus, there is so much happiness in these simple sounds themselves.
If these sounds of summer (or any summer sounds) seem different to you these days, it’s probably because a noticeable amount of hearing loss has successfully snuck up on you. If you have recognized your hearing loss then you need to get some help with it.
Your summer can be more enjoyable with hearing aids
Building connections is what hearing aids are really all about for most. Communication is key. 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 life. And that’s particularly significant at those summer barbecues, for example.
The newest models of hearing aids can help you savor the sounds of summer, and they come with some rather great built in tech, as well. For example, most modern hearing aids offer:
- Machine learning: Fancy algorithms (called machine learning) can help your hearing aids adapt to what you need, even before you need it. This is especially handy when filtering sounds or in a loud environment.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Out on the boat and want to enjoy some music? Well, your hearing aids can be connected to the boat’s stereo via Bluetooth.
- Automatic programming: Modern hearing aids can automatically adjust to new environments or times of day, depending on how they’re programmed. This function makes them more reliable and easier to use.
- 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 out these sounds (just like your ears once did). Noise reduction features are common in modern hearing aids so you will be capable of dialing in the sounds you want to hear.
- Smartphone compatibility: You can connect your hearing aids to your cellphone and start enjoying 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 smartphones.
- Rechargeability: Your battery will stay charged throughout the day after charging when you are sleeping at night. Basically, you can charge your hearing aids the same way you charge your cellphone. And when you travel with your hearing aids, it becomes very stress free.
We can help you discover how your particular hearing needs can be met by your hearing aids (for instance, you can ask whether you can wear them while you’re swimming or hiking up a mountain, that sort of thing). Hearing aids often don’t get along with water. But you will have a deeper overall summer experience with your hearing aids.
Also, asking us basic questions about your hearing aid model will be a practical plan. Will your hearing aids have a problem with hot weather, for instance? 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 use.
Some loud sounds you may want to steer clear of
Some summer sounds, unlike the dawn chorus, will be harmful to your hearing and you should make sure to avoid 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:
- Boat engines: These engines are loud, so exercise some caution about proximity and duration. Try not to leave the motor idling when you’re fishing. Or, even better, pop in some earplugs for the entirety of your boat trip.
- Live music: Outdoor concerts are a great part of summer, but they can be harmful to your hearing. This means you might want to be particular about which shows you see (rather than attending a festival every weekend).
- Fireworks: The dogs are on to something. Attending fireworks shows can undoubtedly damage your hearing. Similarly, being near home-launched fireworks can also be harmful to your hearing (and limbs). Best to simply avoid fireworks altogether.
This is only a partial list. For people who are dealing with hearing loss, summer might have a few less of these loud events.
But even with hearing loss you most likely won’t want to avoid every noisy summer event. So what’s the solution? Using ear protection is the best strategy. Putting in a pair of earplugs before you see any live music show can mitigate much of the damage, for example. 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 are dealing with hearing loss, the summer sounds might seem like they’re getting further away. And that means you might miss a lot of the season’s joy.
So you might need to pay us a visit if you want to be certain that you get the most from your summer. We will be able to determine whether your hearing is failing or not, and what kind of hearing aid will be best for your situation.
So if you want to enjoy the dawn chorus, that’s where you should begin. Because birdsongs are just the beginning of those awesome summer sounds.
Get your hearing tuned up this summer. Schedule an appointment today to find out which hearing aids are best for you!