For you and the people in your life, living with hearing loss can be difficult to adjust to. It can also come with some dangers.
What happens if a fire alarm is sounding or somebody is yelling out your name but you’re unable to hear them? Car sounds can indicate dangers ahead, but if you have neglected hearing loss, you won’t hear them.
But the “what ifs” aren’t something you should worry about. If you have untreated hearing loss, getting a hearing test is the first thing you need to do. For individuals who wear hearing aids, we have a few recommendations to help you and your loved ones remain safe, even when you aren’t likely to be using your hearing aids.
1. Don’t go out by yourself
Bring someone 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
Because you can depend less on your hearing, it’s essential to decrease other distractions when driving. Pull off the road if you need to plot a route and stay away from your GPS and phone. Before driving, if you are concerned that you may have a problem with your hearing, call us for an evaluation.
Don’t feel ashamed if you need to turn off the radio or ask passengers to stop talking during more critical moments of your drive. It’s better to err on the side of caution!
3. Think about getting a service animal
For individuals who have visual impairment, epilepsy, or other issues, a service dog seems obvious. But they can also be very helpful to people with auditory problems. A service dog can be trained to warn you of hazards. They can inform you when somebody is at your door.
Not only can they assist you with these challenges, but they also make a wonderful companion.
4. Have a plan
Before an emergency occurs, make a plan. Speak with people in your life about it. For instance, make sure your family knows that you will be in the basement if a tornado hits. In case of a fire, plan a delegated spot that you’ll be outside the house.
This way, if something were to go wrong and you became trapped, family and emergency workers can act rapidly to assist you.
5. Pay extra attention to visual clues while driving
Your hearing loss has probably worsened over time. You might need to rely on your eyes more if you don’t routinely have your hearing aids tuned. You might not hear sirens so watch out for flashing lights. When children or pedestrians are around, be extra attentive.
6. Let friends and family know about your limitations
It may be hard to admit, but it’s essential that people in your life are aware of your hearing issues. They can alert you to something you might not hear so that you can get to safety. If they’re not aware that you’re unable to hear, they will assume that you hear it too.
7. Keep your car well-maintained
Your car might begin making strange noises that your hearing loss stops you from detecting. These can signal a serious problem. Your car could take significant damage and your safety could be at risk if these noises aren’t dealt with. 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. Get your hearing loss treated
If you want to stay safe, having your hearing loss treated is vital. Get your hearing checked yearly to identify when your hearing loss is significant enough to require an assistive device. Don’t wait because of time constraints, money, or pride. Hearing aids nowadays are very functional, affordable, and unobtrusive. A hearing aid can help you remain safer in many situations at home, work, park, shopping, and driving.