Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
Latest posts by Bonnie L. Baehr, Au.D. (see all)
- All About Invisible Hearing Aids - September 3, 2024
- How to Enjoy Music Without Damaging Your Hearing - August 28, 2024
- Choosing the Right Hearing Aid - August 15, 2024
In today’s technology-driven world, we often deprioritize spending time in nature. Spending time outdoors can offer beauty and tranquility, but that’s not all. It also offers numerous health benefits! Nature can play a significant role in enhancing and preserving our hearing health. Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable benefits of immersing ourselves in nature and how this can positively impact our overall hearing health.
Reducing Noise Pollution
One of the primary advantages of spending time in nature is the escape from the constant barrage of noise pollution that accompanies urban living. City dwellers and those living in busy areas are often exposed to high decibel levels generated by traffic, machinery, and other human activities.
This persistent exposure to noise pollution can contribute to stress, sleep disturbances, and changes in mood. Constantly being surrounded by noise can also impact hearing health over time. Noise pollution can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss and listening fatigue.
By retreating to natural settings, you give your ears a much-needed break from these harmful sounds, allowing them to rest and recover. Nature can be a place to get away from the sounds of everyday life.
Calming and Soothing Sounds
The sounds of nature have a remarkable ability to calm our senses and create a more peaceful environment. Unlike the noises found in urban settings, nature’s sounds offer a different experience. The gentle rustling of leaves, the trickling of a brook, and the melodic chirping of birds offer a soothing listening experience.
These peaceful sounds not only reduce stress and anxiety levels but also promote relaxation, which indirectly benefits hearing health. By reducing tension in the body and mind, you can give your auditory system a rest, and improve overall physical health.
Auditory Stimulation and Brain Health
Immersing yourself in nature provides a rich sensory experience that stimulates the brain in unique ways. When we listen to the layered sounds in a forest or the waves crashing against the shore, our brains get exercise processing the intricate patterns, rhythms, and melodies.
This auditory stimulation helps improve our cognitive abilities, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. By actively engaging our auditory system in a natural environment, we promote healthy brain functioning, enhancing our ability to process and comprehend sounds effectively.
Amplifying Hearing Acuity
Exposing our ears to a diverse range of natural sounds can sharpen our hearing acuity. In nature, we encounter an array of sound frequencies, from the high-pitched trills of songbirds to the deep rumbles of thunder. This variation challenges our auditory system to adapt, enabling us to perceive nuances in pitch and volume more effectively.
Regular exposure to different sounds in nature can help refine our listening skills and potentially enhance our capacity to discern sound details in everyday situations, improving overall hearing acuity.
Mindfulness and Active Listening
Spending time in nature encourages us to be fully present and practice mindfulness. By enjoying the sights and sounds of the natural world, we become attuned to our surroundings and embrace active listening.
Mindful listening involves being fully engaged in the auditory experience, focusing on the different layers of sounds, and appreciating their intricate details. This intentional listening not only deepens our connection with nature but also enhances our overall auditory perception and appreciation in everyday life.
Visit Us to Learn More About Your Hearing Health
As we embrace the health benefits of spending time in nature, let’s not overlook the positive impact it has on our hearing health. By escaping noise pollution, stimulating our auditory senses, and practicing active listening, we can boost our hearing health.
This summer, make it a priority to get out in nature. Integrate nature walks, hikes, or picnics into your weekly routine to reap the benefits of spending time outdoors. Practice active listening during your outdoor adventures and take moments to lose yourself in the soothing sounds of nature. You will not only enhance your hearing health but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
Step outside, breathe in the fresh air, then visit us for a hearing test. Together we’ll find out more about your hearing needs and determine if you have hearing loss. We’ll talk about treatment options or preventative measures you can take to protect your hearing health.