For you and the people you love, living with hearing loss can be difficult to adjust to. In some cases, it can even be hazardous.
What happens if a smoke detector is going off or someone is shouting out your name but you can’t hear them? Car noises can signal hazards ahead, but if you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t be able to hear them.
Don’t worry about the “what ifs”. If you have untreated hearing loss, getting a hearing assessment is the first thing you need to do. Here are a few recommendations to help keep individuals with hearing aids and their loved ones safer whether or not they are wearing their hearing aid.
1. Don’t go out alone
Bring somebody with healthy hearing out with you if you can. If that’s not possible, request that people face you when talking to you so that they are easier to hear.
2. Avoid distractions when you’re driving
It’s important to stay focused while driving because you can’t depend on your hearing as much for cues. Don’t use your phone or GPS while driving, just pull over if you need to reroute. Before you drive, if you are worried that you may have a problem with your hearing, call us for an evaluation.
If there are circumstances while you’re driving that you might need to have your passengers quiet down or turn off the radio, there’s no reason to be embarrassed. Safety first!
3. Think about getting a service dog
You think of service animals as helpful for individuals with visual impairment, epilepsy, or other disorders. But they can also be extremely helpful to people who have auditory issues. A service dog can be trained to warn you of hazards. They can inform you when somebody is at your door.
They can assist you with your hearing issues and they are also wonderful companions.
4. Have a plan
Before an emergency happens, prepare a plan. Talk to others in your life about it. If you’re planning to go into the basement during a tornado, be sure your family knows where they’ll find you. In case of a fire, plan a delegated place that you’ll be outside the house.
This way, emergency workers, and your family will know where to find if something were to happen.
5. Adjust yourself to visual clues while driving
Over time, it’s likely that your hearing loss has worsened. If your hearing aids aren’t regularly fine-tuned, you might find yourself depending more on your eyes. Be aware of flashing lights on the road since you may not hear sirens. Be extra attentive when pedestrians are nearby.
6. Share your limitations with friends and family
It may be difficult to admit, but it’s important that people in your life know about your hearing problems. You might need to get to safety and people around you will be able to make you aware of something you might have missed. They probably won’t bother alerting you if they assume you hear it too.
7. Keep your car well-maintained
As someone living with hearing loss, you might not be able to hear strange thumps, clicks, or screeches when you’re driving. These noises may indicate a mechanical issue with your vehicle. Your car could take serious damage and your safety could be at risk if these sounds aren’t addressed. It’s a good idea to ask a trusted mechanic for their opinion on the condition of your vehicle when you take it in for an oil change or inspection.
8. Address your hearing loss
This is the most critical thing you can do to remain safe. Have your hearing assessed annually to determine when your hearing loss is severe 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 stay safer in all facets of your life.