Tag: hearing

Can Auditory Training help with Hearing Well-Being?

Post author By A & G Campbell
Post date 29 January 2025

Photo by Eric Nopanen on Unsplash

A Sound Idea for Everyone?

Auditory training might sound like something reserved for those with hearing challenges, but it’s actually a practice that can benefit everyone—from people with newly diagnosed hearing loss to those with perfectly good hearing. But what exactly is auditory training, and do you need fancy apps or pricey equipment to get started? Let’s explore.

What Is Auditory Training?

Photo by Christopher Campbell on Unsplash

Auditory training is a structured practice designed to improve how your brain processes sound. It’s often likened to physical therapy for your ears and brain, helping you interpret and understand the sounds around you. This training can be especially beneficial for:

People with hearing loss: It helps sharpen listening skills and adapt to changes, such as wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Those with good hearing: It improves focus in noisy environments and enhances overall listening ability.

Why Should You Consider It?

If you are newly diagnosed with hearing loss, auditory training can ease the adjustment period, helping you make the most of hearing aids or other devices. The process retrains your brain to focus on essential sounds, like conversations, while filtering out background noise.

Even if you have no hearing loss, auditory training can enhance your ability to concentrate in busy environments, like offices or crowded restaurants. It’s also a fun way to fine-tune your listening skills, which are essential for communication.

Can You Do It at Home Without Breaking the Bank?

Absolutely! While there are excellent apps and professional programs available, many auditory training exercises can be done at home with minimal or no cost. Here are a few ideas:

Photo by Eric Nopanen on Unsplash

Sound Identification Games: Sit quietly and try to identify as many background sounds as possible—birds chirping, a clock ticking, or distant traffic. This improves your auditory awareness.
Focused Listening: Listen to audiobooks or podcasts and try to pick out specific words or phrases. You can also follow along with a transcript to ensure accuracy.
Music Practice: Listen to songs and focus on specific instruments or lyrics. Gradually challenge yourself with more complex pieces.
Speech-in-Noise Practice: Play recordings of conversations with added background noise (YouTube has free options), and focus on following the dialogue.
Mindful Listening: Take a few minutes daily to focus solely on the sounds around you. This practice sharpens your auditory attention.

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Auditory training is not just a good idea—it’s a great one. It doesn’t matter if you have perfect hearing or are just beginning your hearing loss journey; the benefits are wide-reaching. Best of all, you don’t need to spend a fortune to start improving your listening skills.

By incorporating simple, cost-free activities into your daily routine, you can train your ears and your brain to be better in tune with the world around you. So, why not give it a try?

We would love to hear about your experiences of auditory training please Click here to contact us

Tags Auditiory Training, ears, hearing, Tinnitus, train

Dance Sound Warriors Videos

The Fusion of Fashion and Function

Post author By A & G Campbell
Post date 15 September 2024

Photo by Etty Fidele on Unsplash

Rock Your Look with the Ultimate Fashion Statement

Ready to turn heads while protecting your hearing?

Noise-cancelling earplugs are making waves as the must-have accessory for gigs, bars, discos, and anywhere the music’s pumping! It’s time to elevate your style game and keep your ears in tip-top shape—because nothing’s cooler than looking good and feeling great.

Photo by Steve Harvey on Unsplash

Noise-Cancelling Earplugs: From Utility to Trendsetter

Gone are the days when earplugs were just for work zones or long flights. Today, they’re the latest trend in social scenes, from electric concerts to lively festivals. As we all become more aware of the need to protect our hearing, these tiny gadgets are taking center stage as a blend of practicality and style.

Fashion-Forward and Functional

What makes these earplugs so cool? It’s all about the fusion of fashion and function. Imagine earplugs that match your outfit or mood—sleek black for a classic vibe, or bright colors that pop against the neon lights. With designs that range from minimalist to bold, they’re as much a part of your ensemble as your favorite pair of sunglasses or a killer jacket. And don’t forget the trendy cases—they’re perfect for clipping onto your bag or even wearing as an accessory.

Photo by Stephen Mease on Unsplash

Celebs and Influencers Are All In

If you think earplugs are just for the cautious, think again. Celebrities, musicians, and influencers are rocking them, making hearing protection not just responsible, but downright fashionable. When your favorite artist shows off their stylish earplugs on stage, it sends a clear message: protecting your hearing is the new cool.

Photo by Matty Adame on Unsplash

Why They’re a Must-Have

Let’s talk benefits—because these earplugs are more than just a pretty accessory. They’re your best defense against the roar of a night out, reducing harmful noise while still letting you enjoy the music and conversation. Say goodbye to the post-party ringing in your ears and hello to long-term hearing health. Plus, with customizable fit options, they’re super comfortable, so you can wear them all night without a second thought.

Own the Look, Own the Night

Here’s the best part: noise-cancelling earplugs are all about confidence. Wear them like you own the place. Mix and match with your crew for a coordinated look, or stand out with a color that screams your personality. Whether you’re at a packed gig or dancing the night away at a club, earplugs are your ticket to looking fierce and staying smart.

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

The Future of Party Fashion

As the world wakes up to the importance of hearing health, noise-cancelling earplugs are here to stay—and they’re only getting cooler. By jumping on this trend, you’re ahead of the curve, showing everyone that being mindful and stylish can go hand in hand. Next time you’re out on the town, slip in those earplugs and step out with confidence—because the coolest thing you can wear is a healthy future.

Which Ones Will You Choose?

Metalics or pastel colours, its your choice. See what’s available on the market in Charlotte Vossen’s review of Next Gen Ear Plugs.

Next Gen Era Plugs review by Charlotte Vossen

Tags Dance, Disco, gig, hearing, protect, protection, well-being

Competitions Dance In the Community Sound Warriors Videos

Dance Smart and Love your Ears

Post author By A & G Campbell
Post date 1 February 2024

Feel the vibe!

Young people love the sense of excitement that loud music brings. It helps them to escape from the day-to-day world and transcend to new shared experiences, but listening to loud music over a prolonged period can have a damaging effect on our ears. The World Health Organisation has estimated that 50% of all our 12-35-year-olds will have hearing loss by the time they are 50. Read on to find out how Sound Warriors can help you ensure that your child dosen’t become another WHO statistic.

LoH and loud music

Inspired by Dr Ava Hunt Associate Professor of Applied Theatre at Derby University, the young performers of Derby Youth Theatre wanted to tell their friends about the dangers of loud music so they created the character LoH.

LoH’s name stands for Loss of Hearing, and he is doing his best to make sure that the volume is as loud as it can be. LoH hides in plain sight so that people forget he is around, but he is everywhere, at the disco, dance class, gym, cinema, and sports events. He even conceals himself in computer games.

Watch LoH in action on the Derby Theatre Page of our website.

Knowledge is power

The great news is that although noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible, it’s entirely preventable. Can you help us to spread awareness about ear empowerment? Here are some ideas for you to start a conversation with a young person to stop LoH before he can do any harm.

Talk about hearing and how different sounds can change your mood – the sea, birdsong, a pneumatic drill, a computer game, a rock band. How do loud sounds make you feel?
Try this riddle “What things you can hear but can’t see?
Try to communicate without voice for a few minutes. How does it make you feel?
Imagine Loh getting up to mischief. Where does he like to hang out? What does he do to make it uncomfortable for others? How can you banish LoH from your life?
There are lots more ideas on the activities pages of our website

Love your Ears

Here are some practical measures that you can take to protect your hearing and love your ears.

Follow the 60/60 rule – turn the volume to no more than 60%. Take a break after 60 minutes.
Wear earplugs in noisy environments. There are lots on the market but we especially like the ones created by Loop Earplugs because we think the vibrant colours will appeal to young people.
Use a free app such as dB X from SkyPaw or the innovative Sound Print to measure sound levels
Talk to your GP if you have ringing in the ears that doesn’t go away after a few days