Living with hearing loss can be a difficult adjustment for you and your family members. It can also come with some perils.
What happens if a smoke detector is going off or somebody is shouting out your name but you can’t hear them? If you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t hear those car sounds that could be signaling an approaching threat.
Don’t stress yourself out over the “what ifs”. If you have neglected hearing loss, getting a hearing assessment is the first thing you need to do. For people who wear hearing aids, we have some recommendations to help you and your family stay safe, even when you aren’t likely to be using your hearing aids.
1. Don’t go out alone
Bring someone with good hearing out with you if possible. If you have to go out by yourself, ask people to come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Avoid distractions while driving
Because you can rely less on your hearing, it’s essential to minimize other distractions behind the wheel. Pull off the road if you need to plot a route and stay away from your GPS and phone. Before you drive, if you are worried that you may have an issue with your hearing, call us for an evaluation.
If there are times while you’re driving that you might need to have your passengers quiet down or turn off the radio, there’s no shame. It’s better to err on the side of caution!
3. Think about getting a service animal
You think of service animals as helpful for individuals with visual impairment, epilepsy, or other disorders. But if you’re dealing with auditory issues, they can also be really helpful. A service dog can be trained to warn you of hazards. They can inform you when someone is at your door.
They can help you with your hearing problems and they are also good companions.
4. Make a plan
Before an emergency comes about, prepare a plan. Speak with others in your life about it. As an example, make sure your family knows that you will be in the basement if a tornado hits. In case of a fire, choose a delegated place that you’ll be outside the house.
This way, emergency personnel, and your family will know where to find if something were to happen.
5. Adjust yourself to visual cues when driving
Over time, it’s likely that your hearing loss has gotten worse. You may need to rely on your eyes more if you don’t routinely get your hearing aids calibrated. Be alert to flashing lights on the road since you may not hear sirens. When children or pedestrians are around, stay extra vigilant.
6. Share your limitations with family and friends
It might be difficult to admit, but it’s important that people in your life are aware of your hearing issues. You may need to get to safety and people around you will be able to warn you about something you may have missed. They most likely won’t bother alerting you if they assume you hear it too.
7. Be vigilant about the maintenance of your vehicle
Your car might begin making strange sounds that your hearing loss stops you from hearing. These can indicate a serious issue. Your car could take significant damage and your safety could be at risk if these noises aren’t addressed. It’s a smart idea to ask a trustworthy mechanic for their opinion on the condition of your vehicle when you bring it in for an oil change or inspection.
8. Treat your hearing loss
This is the most imperative thing you can do to remain safe. In order to identify if you require a hearing aid, get your hearing examined yearly. Don’t hesitate because of time constraints, money, or pride. Modern hearing aids are discreet, functional, and surprisingly affordable. A hearing aid can help you stay safer in many situations at home, work, park, shopping, and driving.
