Music, Voices, Birds Singing? Most Missed Sounds from Hearing Loss

With so many different sounds across the world, many people take the normal sounds they hear every day for granted. Sounds such as simple conversation or sounds from nature can seem like background noise after hearing them consistently for so long.

However, for people with hearing loss, simple sounds can sometimes be the best sounds. When a key sense becomes privileged, hearing things others sometimes take for granted can mean a lot.

Recently, hearing aid manufacturer Widex conducted a survey to find the most valuable sounds across seven different countries. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the top three were music, voices, and birds singing.

“The deep appreciation for bird song spans oceans, borders and cultures, but due to its high frequency, people are deprived of it at the onset of hearing loss,” said WSA Head of Audiology Lise Henningsen.

“And because hearing loss happens so gradually, over decades,
oftentimes you may never realize that a sound you so instinctively
cherished has disappeared. Hearing aids help us socialize and
communicate, yet they also ensure that we can continue to
appreciate life’s subtle and natural beauties regardless of our
age.”
-Lise Henningsen

While some areas might have the opportunity to hear birds or people talking more than others, it has become apparent that people from all cultures and walks of life enjoy these simple sounds.

Unfortunately, as we age we begin to have greater difficulty hearing the birds sing or our loved ones converse. Over 30 million people in the United States suffer from hearing loss, and that number continues to grow every day.

Some of the main side effects of hearing loss include muffled sounds, difficulty understanding words over background noises, and a general withdrawal from conversations. While many may take listening in on conversations for granted, those less fortunate who can’t hear daily dialogue may suffer from additional symptoms as a result.

In particular, those that are having difficulty understanding the songs of birds may suffer from high-frequency hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is marked by having difficulty understanding the voices of women and children, words that end in s, h, f, or th, and having difficulty understanding the speech of others.

Statistically, those with hearing loss have a much greater chance for developing anxiety, depression, and social awkwardness as a result of not participating in social situations. Older adults with hearing loss may report feelings of depression. Because hearing loss can make conversation difficult, some people experience feelings of isolation. Also, hearing loss is associated with cognitive impairment and decline.

However, if you believe you suffer from hearing loss it is not too late to make a change that could significantly improve your quality of life. If you miss the high-frequency sounds of bird calls or the simple sounds of your family conversing, consult a hearing professional now to receive an evaluation.

Hearing loss, if left untreated, can only degenerate over time. But, if you make the conscious decision to do something about it, it may not be too late for you to hear the sweet sounds that so many take for granted.

If you or someone you love suffers from hearing loss in the Las Vegas area, consider consulting Hearing Associates of Las Vegas for all of your hearing aid needs. Something as simple as taking a quick, five-minute hearing quiz online could significantly change the way you hear and the way you live.

If you believe you may need hearings aids, sign up for a hearing exam and receive a free, 30-day trial. Our hearing experts will tailor an approach to meet your unique hearing needs, getting you back on track to hear your favorite noises.