Summer Sounds: Everyday Noises That Can Surprise Your Ears

Summer Sounds: Everyday Noises That Can Surprise Your Ears

With its long days, warm evenings and time spent outdoors, summer is a season full of sound. From the hum of neighbourhood activity to the comforting lull of ocean waves, our ears take in a wider range of noise than we often realise during the warmer months. Some of these sounds may be louder than expected, while others create the relaxing soundtrack many of us look forward to all year. Understanding the mix of summer sounds can help you feel more aware of what your ears experience each day and help support you in prioritising your hearing health. 

Everyday Noises That May Be Louder Than You Think

During summer, everyday activities can expose us to short bursts of higher sound levels. You might not always notice them because they are part of everyday life, but they can be surprisingly loud up close. Some sounds that may take you by surprise include:

• Lawn mowers: Machines like lawn mowers and whipper snippers often reach high noise levels, especially during prolonged use. 
• Blenders and kitchen appliances: Summer smoothies are refreshing, but kitchen appliances can produce sharp, sudden bursts of sound. 
• Traffic and road noise: With more people out and about, traffic may increase. Motorbikes, buses and roadworks can be unexpectedly loud. 
• Beach speakers: Portable speakers are common during summer gatherings. Depending on the size and distance, they may reach louder levels than expected. 
• Power tools and DIY projects: Outdoor repairs and weekend projects become more frequent in warmer weather and may involve strong bursts of noise.

Being aware of these sounds can help you feel more in control of your environment. If you feel uncomfortable or need a moment of quiet, stepping back or moving slightly further away can make a great difference. Short breaks are also beneficial for your hearing health.¹ 

The Sounds Of Summer We Love

Not all summer sounds are loud. Many of the season’s most enjoyable moments come with calming, gentle sounds that can help relax, de-stress, and connect to the world around you. These include:

• Waves rolling onto the shore: The sound of ocean waves create a steady, soothing rhythm that many find calming.² 
• Birdsong: The chatter of birds is particularly lively in the early mornings and can brighten the start of the day. 
• Light breezes through the trees: The rustling of tree leaves adds a refreshing ambience at parks and beaches. 
• Distant chatter and laughter: Whether it’s during a BBQ or picnic, the sound of laughter or distant chatter can make you feel part of the moment. 

These soft, natural sounds can remind us that hearing is not just about volume; it’s also about enjoyment, connection, and presence.

Small Habits That Support Your Hearing Health

If you enjoy summer activities that come with louder sounds, a few small listening habits can help you stay comfortable and protect your hearing:

• Start by noticing how sounds feel. Wanting to move away, turn music down, or feeling tired after noise can be signs it’s too loud.
• Take short breaks in quiet areas if your ears feel tired.
• Keep the volume moderate when playing music through portable speakers.³ 
• Be mindful of kitchen and garden equipment, especially if you are using them frequently. 

These small adjustments can help you stay comfortable without interrupting your day, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of summer. 
If you’ve noticed certain sounds feel sharper, louder, or more tiring than usual, a hearing check can help assess any changes to your hearing. Book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic where our friendly team can guide you through each step and help you find solutions that fit your needs.



1. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (n.d.), Protecting your hearing, www.health.gov.au, accessed 24 November 2025. 
2. National Geographic (22 May 2025), Going to the beach is good for your brain, according to science, www.nationalgeographic.com, accessed 24 November 2025. 
3. World Health Organisation (21 March 2025), Deafness and hearing loss: Safe listening, www.who.int, accessed 24 November 2025.