For you and the people in your life, living with hearing loss can take some work to adjust to. It can also come with some hazards.
What happens if a fire alarm is going off or someone is shouting out your name but you can’t hear them? Car sounds can indicate hazards ahead, but if you have neglected hearing loss, you won’t be able to hear them.
But the “what ifs” aren’t something you should stress over. The first thing that someone with untreated hearing loss needs to do is get a hearing exam. Here are some tips to help keep people with hearing aids and their families safer whether or not they’re wearing their hearing aid.
1. Don’t go out alone
Bring somebody with healthy hearing out with you if possible. If you need to go out by yourself, request that people come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Avoid distractions while driving
Because you can depend on your hearing less, it’s essential to minimize other distractions behind the wheel. Don’t use your phone or GPS while driving, just pull over if you need to change your route. Before driving, if you are worried that you might have a problem with your hearing, call us for an assessment.
If there are times while you’re driving that you may need to have your passengers quiet down or turn off the radio, there’s no reason to be embarrassed. It’s better to err on the side of caution!
3. Consider a service animal
For people who have loss of vision, epilepsy, or other issues, a service animal seems obvious. But if you have auditory issues, they can also be very helpful. You can be warned about danger by a service dog. They can let you know when somebody is at your door.
Not only can they assist you with these issues, but they also make a wonderful companion.
4. Have a plan
Know what you’ll do before an emergency strikes. Speak with people in your life about it. For example, be certain your family is aware that you will be in the basement in the case of a tornado. In case of a fire, plan a designated place that you’ll be outside the house.
This way, if something were to happen and you became trapped, family and emergency workers can act quickly to assist you.
5. When you’re driving, pay attention to visual cues
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 aware of flashing lights on the road since you might not hear sirens. Be extra diligent when pedestrians are nearby.
6. Let friends and family know about your hearing trouble
It may be tough to admit, but it’s crucial that people in your life are aware of your hearing loss. They can warn you about something you may not hear so that you can go to safety. If they’re not aware that you can’t hear, they will think that you hear it too.
7. Keep your car well-maintained
As someone living with hearing loss, you may not be able to hear strange thumps, clicks, or screeches when you’re driving. These noises could suggest a mechanical problem with your vehicle. Your car could take serious damage and your safety might be at risk if these noises aren’t dealt with. When you take your vehicle in for routine maintenance, ask your mechanic to give your car an overall once-over.
8. Treat your hearing loss
This is the most critical thing you can do to stay safe. Have your hearing tested yearly to determine when your hearing loss is substantial enough to require an assistive device. 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 remain safer in all facets of your life.
