Is loss of hearing interfering with your summertime fun? If you’re not aware of your hearing loss, it’s probably even worse. The slow decrease of your hearing that comes with aging and certain ear diseases will mean that you won’t always realize that there are some things you don’t hear anymore. When you don’t hear as well it’s very likely that you won’t attend many awesome summer activities. There are various solutions to your loss of hearing that will get you back out there having summer fun.
Summer Barbecues
Cooking out during the summer will get challenging when you have hearing loss. One of the toughest things is background noise. People are talking all around you. Kids could be having fun in the grass or pool. You get the sounds of nature like singing birds, barking dogs, and the crackling sound of cooking on the grill.
If you do have some measure of hearing loss, all of these various noises and sounds can be quite challenging. Background noises will overwhelm someone who has hearing loss.
There are some things you can try to compensate such as:
Find a quiet spot to sit to eliminate some of that overpowering background noise. You may need to look at peoples lips so turn your back to the sun.
- Shut off the background music or turn it down, at least. You might decide to go without the music if you are the host of the barbecue. Tell the host about your issue if you are attending someone else’s cookout.
- Now and then just walk away. Working to hear takes a lot of energy. Every hour or so go indoors or away from all the noise.
- Inform others that you can’t hear. Don’t attempt to fake it because that can frustrate others. If you don’t hear what someone said, let them know. Cupping your ear and other visual clues can indicate that you can’t hear to others. They will quickly step closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t try to hear everything. Understand that you can’t get involved in every conversation. Set realistic limits for yourself and try to take part in smaller groups instead.
Head Outdoors
Do you really know what you might be missing outside? Don’t be scared to walk outside the house and focus on the sounds of the natural world. No, you won’t be able to hear everything but with a little concentration, you may hear more than you might think.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Birds singing
- Insects buzzing
- Crickets at night
- Blowing leaves
- The rain falling
- Kids running around and playing
- Dogs barking
- Splashing waves
If you only try to listen to one thing at a time, you can manage your expectations every time you go outside, head for the beach or walk in the park.
Enjoy Day Trips or Even a Much Needed Vacation
Isn’t that what summertime is all about? What kind of vacation do you enjoy? What constraints come with your hearing loss that will affect it? For example, a theme park may be a little too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work perfectly. Going out into nature would also work. Take a walk on the boardwalk near the beach or head to a museum.
You have a chance to travel this summer so you shouldn’t let your hearing loss take that away from you. If you’re going to fly, inform the airline that you have hearing loss when you book your ticket. Alert the hotel or resort, as well, so they can give you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired including smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.
Improve Yourself
Look for methods to better yourself this summer like taking a fitness class or learning to paint. If you would like to find a place up front, get there early. If you miss anything, it would be good to have a friend or two with you to let you know what you might have missed.
This Summer You Should Take Safety Measures
There are a couple of summer traditions that require you to take safety measures to protect yourself, your ears, and any costly hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- Taking care while by the pool or beach. Make sure you protect your hearing aids from water damage and use some earplugs when you go swimming to prevent ear infections.
- Take someone with you on those nice evening walks. You may not hear the warning sounds from potential threats such as oncoming traffic or maybe even a threatening stranger walking up behind you.
- Safeguard what hearing you may have by using ear protection if you go to watch the fireworks for Independence Day or to an outdoor concert.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
Most of these summertime challenges become less substantial when you do three simple things.
- Have your ears checked by a hearing specialist. It may be possible your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing examination, so you know if you do actually have hearing loss.
- Wear good-quality hearing aids. They can filter out background noises so you hear what is important.
Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t let the loss of hearing take it away from you.
