Though hearing loss is no joke, that doesn’t mean preserving your hearing health can’t be fun. Now that we’re living in the age of COVID-19, most of us have more time than ever before to try out some new daily hearing exercises in our homes. Below are some exercises you can try alone or with a partner.
Hearing Exercises with a Partner
Here are some exercises that you can practice with a loved one.
Overcoming Background Noise
Most people with hearing loss would agree that trying to have a conversation when background noise is present is an especially challenging listening situation. You can practice conversing in noisy situations by simulating such environments at home. Do this by turning on the radio or TV at normal volume, then hold a conversation with someone in the same room. Focus on what your partner is saying to you while trying to tune out all the other sounds.
Stationary Marco Polo
Another exercise we suggest is reminiscent of the game Marco Polo. Close your eyes or get a blindfold, and ask your partner to quietly move to a new spot in the room and make noise. See if you can identify the direction of the sound as well as how far away they are.
Hearing Exercises to Try Solo
If you have time to yourself, that doesn’t mean you can’t practice your listening skills. Try these solo home hearing exercises.
Meditation
While not strictly related to hearing, meditation is beneficial for improving attention, concentration and blood flow, all of which benefit your brain’s ability to process sound. According to one 2016 article, “Meditation is increasingly being looked at as a tool to increase blood flow in the brain and improve memory, and holds promise for increasing pre-attentive and attentive auditory discrimination skills in a clinical population.” You can practice meditating at home or somewhere peaceful like Lake Okeechobee.
Sound Isolation
This type of active listening exercise is good practice for your brain to recognize sounds. Start by finding a comfortable place to sit with your eyes closed. Identify as many sounds in your environment as you can, isolating and focusing your attention on each one for a few seconds.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an expert audiologist, call Aaron’s Hearing Aid & Audiology Clinic today.