Our Senses Connect Us to Our World

What sounds are you thankful to hear?

As Thanksgiving approaches, gratitude is on my mind. Our senses connect us to our world, and also remind us of past experiences. One sense connects to the next…the sound of sizzling bacon together with its aroma is a mouth-watering sensation. Take a few minutes to imagine your favorite sounds.

I love when my patients who are new to hearing aids are aware of sounds previously unheard. Often the first, in my office, is: I can hear the secretaries in the waiting room! (yes, I can too – that’s a good thing.)

Here are some sounds that come back into the “soundscape” when audibility is enhanced:

• Ice cubes cracking in a drink
• Toaster oven clicking off
• Patter of rain on the window
• Children laughing in pure joy
• Crackling fire
• “thwonk” of a well-placed tennis ball
• Tinkling of teaspoon stirring coffee
• Crunch of crisp apple
• Wind chimes in a light breeze
• A cello solo
• Crunching footsteps on fresh snow
• Baby’s first babbling
• Waves breaking rhythmically on the beach
• Choir singing a joyful song
• Birds chirping in early spring dawn
• Far away train
• Leaves rustling in the wind
• Applause

We are told to stop and smell the roses. True! I am so grateful for all our senses! Take a few minutes today to listen, look, smell, touch and taste. What sounds are you thankful to hear?