The arrival of summer brings with it a vibrant audio landscape filled with lawn mowers, cicadas, and joyous laughter from children. However, while we relish these sounds, we often neglect to consider the necessity of protecting our hearing. As an audiologist’s daughter and a neuroscience writer, I urge you to value the auditory experiences in your life and reflect on the importance of sound, not just from a scientific perspective, but as an essence of everyday enjoyment.
People readily identify their favorite colors, yet they often struggle to articulate their favorite sounds. Deanna Meinke, an audiologist at the University of Northern Colorado, highlights this discrepancy by collecting favorite sounds from various individuals—laughter, rain, music, and even nature’s whispers—prompting us to ponder the diverse auditory elements that enrich our lives. Appreciating these sounds can enhance our overall well-being, reminding us of the beauty surrounding us daily.
As we age, hearing loss becomes an inevitable reality for most individuals. Frank Lin, an otolaryngologist and epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, notes that auditory cells that detect sounds can’t regenerate, leading to a gradual decline over time. This issue, however, extends beyond the ears; studies have revealed a significant connection between hearing and cognitive function. Interventions for hearing loss, like the use of hearing aids, can mitigate the cognitive decline that often accompanies aging, preserving memory and thinking skills.
A notable contributor to hearing degradation is noise exposure, comparable to sun exposure. Lin emphasizes that while a single instance of loud noise may not be damaging, continuous exposure can accumulate harm over time. Therefore, safeguarding our hearing must become a priority. Meinke advocates for increased awareness and appreciation of hearing, suggesting that individuals should actively monitor their auditory health, just as they track blood pressure or weight.
To assist individuals in understanding their hearing capabilities, Lin and colleagues have created a free app, Hearing Number, allowing users to test their hearing at home. Such tools provide a baseline for one’s hearing and can encourage people to prioritize auditory health. Tracking hearing over time can empower individuals to take action in preserving it through practical measures like reducing volume levels, distancing themselves from loud environments, or wearing hearing protection when necessary.
Finally, choosing the appropriate hearing protection is essential, although the specifics may vary based on the situation. Both Lin and Meinke convey that comfort plays a vital role; whether earmuffs, foam plugs, or specialized earplugs for concerts, the primary goal is to safeguard hearing while still enjoying the sounds we cherish. Meinke’s favorite sound, the call of the sandhill crane at dawn, serves as a poignant reminder of the auditory beauty present in the environment, urging everyone to cherish their hearing and the myriad of delightful sounds summer has to offer.
