I am thinking about hearing and the sound of silence in our remote Norfolk home in a very different way as in the last couple of months I’ve experienced hearing degradation of more than 40% across both ears. This has been a difficult time for me as I’m living with hearing in very different ways: learning to cope with noise, valuing silent moments and understanding how to adapt using tech assisted approaches to listening and tuning in!
Observing baby True as he boisterously explores the world, I’m noticing how silence and quiet time is so so important for him and his parents too. The value of silent moments in our lives as adults and children is shared in this wonderful NRP article I recently came across (https://lnkd.in/erPdTxfM). The article states that silence is difficult to find and create for adults and kids alike, but when the world is quieter our brains pay more attention!
A few points that stand out for me and I’d love to share with you:
🗣️ When you repeat things to yourself, you remember them: As we teach baby True to speak, singing nursery rhymes and telling him about the sounds around him like birds chirping and bees buzzing, are all ways he is learning about noise and how to interact with it.
🎸 Making meaningful sounds like playing a musical instrument or singing is said to build and strengthen neural connections! So, singing songs while riding on our tandem brings joy and fun, as well as brain power!
🍃 Tuning in a little more to our natural sound environments by listening to the running water of a stream and leaves rustling can be totally calming and connect us to our planet too!
The stigma around hearing difficulties is astounding to me – the majority of people who have an eye test and require glasses will get them, whereas more than half of those who have hearing degradation say no thank you to help and turn away!
What are the silent moments in your life you cherish? Please share in the comments! So appreciate your support as I lean into this theme of listening and sound over the coming months.
#listening #learning #silentmoments #takecareofhearing
