Spring is here again. The weather is warmer, and the days are longer, which makes it a perfect time of year to visit Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory to catch a glimpse of the pectoral sandpipers.
However, if you have hearing loss, you may be missing out on one of the more soothing sounds, birds chirping.
Struggling to Hear High Frequency Sounds
As we age, hearing loss becomes more common. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly half of US adults over the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss. One study estimates that roughly thirty-one percent of people with hearing loss have high-frequency hearing loss.
Hearing loss that is aged-related is known as sensorineural hearing loss. What this means is that damage has occurred to the hair cells of the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is gradual and progressive. One of the first signs is struggling to hear higher-frequency sounds, like birds chirping. Although the average birdsong is between 1,000 and 9,000 Hz, some birds like the Cedar Waxwing and Blackpoll Warbler produce sounds that are entirely within a higher frequency range.
Another early sign is struggling to hear consonant sounds in speech, especially when conversing with those who have higher-pitched voices, like women and children.
Hearing Loss Can Make You Feel Disconnected
As the range of sounds you are able to hear narrows, you can start to feel more disconnected from the world around you. If you enjoy bird watching or just like hearing them on your morning walks, missing out can be frustrating. It may be hard to locate a bird’s position even when you can hear its call.
In many cases, the most upsetting part of hearing loss is struggling to connect with your loved ones. Family dinners and parties with friends become more exhausting and less enjoyable when you struggle to follow what is being said.
Hearing Aids Let You Hear the Sounds You’ve Missed
Thankfully, you don’t have to continue to miss out on the sounds you love. If you have problems hearing, make an appointment with an audiologist. They will perform tests to determine the cause and severity of your hearing loss.
Hearing aids are the most common treatment plan for hearing loss and our audiologist will work with you to find a pair that best serves your needs.
During this customization process, let your audiologist know what sounds are most important to you as well as what features you’d like your hearing aids to have. They can program your device to hear a wider range of sounds or help filter out background noise, as well as make other adjustments.
Take control of your hearing health today and call Victory Hearing & Balance to speak with an expert or schedule an appointment.