Let’s face it—the holiday season is known for being a festive, eventful, and sometimes hectic time of year. But within this whirlwind of everything-happening-at-once, we can still experience beauty in the “little things” that somehow dazzle even more during this standout time of year—and that includes sounds.
From the chatter of loved ones during holiday gatherings to the undertones of Mother Nature at the start of winter solstice, this season is filled with sounds that matter to every moment, and to the memories we make.
So, if you’ve been thinking about getting your hearing tested and treating whatever hearing loss you may have, there’s no better time than now. By hearing your best during the season, you won’t have to miss out on the sounds that bring out the best of the holidays.
Here are our top five:
1. Carols and music
What would the holiday season be without those special songs that evoke that one-of-a-kind joy and wonder only experienced at this time of the year? Whether it’s a traditional carol or a single that’s stood the test of decades, what fun it is to hear each one come to life as we sing along to the whimsical lyrics and accompaniment of sleighbells, strings, piano, and so on.
Such is the beauty of holiday music—bringing us together to celebrate seasonal nostalgia while transporting us to a more positive, upbeat place than where we started.
Better hearing through hearing aids can help ensure we never miss a note, a jingle, a word—whether we’re listening to our favorite albums at home, singing in our place of worship, or caroling around the neighborhood.
2. Season’s gatherings
Few things may be as comforting or representative of this time of year than the sound of togetherness. It could be the animated conversations of loved ones gathered in our home or a shared laugh with our best friend at holiday brunch. And what could be more merry or bright than celebratory toasts at dinner, or the giggles of little ones as they race around the house with their just-opened toys? All of this—under one roof.
Hearing aids can assist us in hearing our best, so we don’t have to miss a moment of the celebration. Even when the “joyful” sounds are happening all at once in the background, today’s hearing technology allows us to enjoy those special one-on-one conversations with the people we care about—reminding us of what really matters during the holiday season.
3. “Classic” movies
You have to hand it to holiday films—there’s literally something for everyone: Heartwarming rom-coms with feel-good, predictable plots (that we love anyway); comedic twists on the classics; or action flicks that spark the spirited debate as to whether they truly “qualify” as holiday movies (any die-hard believers out there?).
We simply have those annual movies we need to watch, snow or shine, because they allow us to escape into yuletide bliss, relaxation, and connection with others (there’s always someone who wants to say the lines with us, right?).
Improving our hearing with hearing aids can help us fully immerse ourselves in our chosen entertainment, and at the volume we want—thanks to the ability to stream audio to our devices. So, we won’t have to go without our favorite onscreen dialogs, actors, or cliffhangers. (Whatever makes your season bright!)
4. Gift time
After all the work and thought put into buying gifts, there’s nothing like hearing the mass tearing of wrapping paper and the squeals of delight that follow from the mouths of babes—or grownups, for that matter—as their surprise is revealed. Or the sincere words of thanks from a charity that fill us in the way the season of giving was meant to.
It may even be as simple as the whisper of giftwrap being cut, helping us to stay in the moment (even for just a moment)—which can mean a lot after an eventful day of shopping or celebrating.
With the gift of better hearing, we get to enjoy the season of giving and sharing to the fullest. Hearing aids have a wonderful way of helping us hear everything from high-pitched voices (like children’s) to the softer, everyday sounds (like digging through a bag of gift bows) that suddenly stand out like no other time of the year.
5. Peace and quiet (seriously)
Believe it or not, the greeting cards are on to something—we can experience the sound of peace during the holiday season. It’s whatever says “quiet” to us, such as the pulse of our cat purring on our lap after everyone has gone home and we’re basking in the smile of a gathering well done.
Or stepping outside amidst the murmur of snowflakes or winter rain falling to the ground. And what’s not to love about the gentle “good morning” of our percolating coffeemaker, easing us into the big day with the warmth of a hug?
By making hearing aids part of our holiday season and new year, we can find the splendor in the quiet, the joy in the noise, and the happiness and hope for the new year in the togetherness.
Wishing you holiday cheer from ear to ear—from all of us at Starkey.