Is loss of hearing interfering with your summertime fun? Chances are it’s much worse if you don’t know it. Some ear conditions and aging carry a prolonged decline of hearing that you might not even notice. When you don’t hear as well it’s likely that you won’t even participate in many fun summer activities. Look for solutions to the challenges which come with the loss of hearing, so you can get out there and enjoy the fun with everyone else.
Summertime Cookouts
Summertime barbecues do get a little tricky when a person has loss of hearing. To begin with, there is a lot of background noise. There are so many discussions going on all around you. Kids are running around yelling and playing. There is the crackling of the food cooking on the grill and, of course, the wondrous sounds of nature.
If you do have some amount of loss of hearing, all of these noises and sounds can be extremely challenging. When a person has hearing decline, background noises tend to take over.
Try to do these things to compensate:
Sitting in a quiet place for short periods of time can help eliminate some of that overpowering background noise. Turning away from the sun will allow you to see people when they talk and read their lips to figure out words you miss.
- You can reduce the volume of background music. You could decide not to have music if you are the host of the barbecue. At other peoples cookouts make sure you tell the host that you have hearing difficulties.
- Get away from time to time. It takes a lot of energy struggling to hear. Every hour or so try to go indoors or a little ways away from all the noise.
- Let people know if you can’t hear. Don’t try to fake it because that can irritate others. If you can’t hear what someone said, tell them. You can also use visual clues that you are struggling such as cupping your ear. They will automatically step closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t try to hear everything. Understand that you can’t get involved in every conversation. Alternatively, attempt to participate in small groups of people and set practical limits for yourself.
Head Outdoors
If you just remain inside you won’t recognize what you’re missing out on. Don’t be frightened to go outside and focus on the sounds of the natural world. You won’t be able to hear everything, but with a little focus, you may be surprised by the things you will hear.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Birds singing
- Insects buzzing
- Crickets at night
- The leaves blowing
- Falling rain
- People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
- Dogs barking
- Splashing waves
If you simply attempt to hear one thing at a time, you can manage your expectations every time you go outside, head to the beach or walk in the park.
Enjoy Day Trips or Even a Much Needed Vacation
Isn’t that what summertime is meant for? What sort of vacation would you enjoy? What restrictions come with your hearing loss that will affect it? As an example, a theme park could be a little too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work nicely. Go to the zoo or perhaps go to a nature preserve. Stroll on the boardwalk by the beach or head to a museum.
You have a chance to travel this summer so don’t let your hearing loss take that away from you. If you’re going to fly, notify the airline that you have hearing loss when you book the ticket. Inform the hotel or resort, as well, so they can give you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired such as smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.
Improve Yourself
Learn how to paint or perhaps take a fitness class to improve yourself this summer. Show up early, so that you can find a place up front. If you miss anything, it would be good to have a couple of friends with you to fill in the blanks.
Safety Precautions Should Be Taken This Summer
There are a couple of summertime traditions which require you to take precautions to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- Playing it safe when by the pool or beach. Don’t let your hearing aids get wet and use earplugs while swimming.
- If you choose to take a walk after dark to appreciate the cool night air, take a friend with you. Hearing loss means you don’t always perceive things like cars driving towards you or even someone coming up behind you.
- Protect what hearing you may have left by using ear protection if you go to watch the fireworks for Independence Day or to an outdoor concert.
Making The Most of it This Summer
Many of these summer obstacles become less significant if you do three easy things.
- Have your ears examined by a hearing care specialist. It may be possible your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, so you know if you do actually have hearing loss.
- Get good-quality hearing aids. They will get rid of any background noises so that you will hear what’s relevant.
Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t let the loss of hearing take it away from you.
