Coping with hearing loss can be a difficult adjustment for you and your family members. It can also come with some perils.
What happens if a smoke detector is going off or someone is yelling out your name but you can’t hear them? Car noises can warn you about hazards ahead, but if you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t be able to hear them.
Don’t worry about the “what ifs”. The first thing that somebody with neglected hearing loss needs to do is get a hearing test. For those 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 wearing your hearing aids.
1. Don’t go out alone
If you can, bring someone with you who isn’t dealing with hearing loss. If you have to go out by yourself, ask people to come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Avoid distractions when you’re driving
It’s important to remain focused while driving because you can’t rely on your hearing as much for cues. Pull over if you need to plot a route and stay away from your phone and GPS. Before you drive, if you are worried that you might have an issue 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 decisive moments of your drive. Safety first!
3. Think about getting a service animal
You think of service animals as helpful for individuals with visual impairment, epilepsy, or other disorders. But if you have auditory issues, they can also be very helpful. A service dog can be trained to alert you to hazards. When someone is at your door they can inform you.
Not only can they help with these issues, but they also make a wonderful companion.
4. Make a plan
Before an emergency happens, prepare a plan. Speak with people in your life about it. If you’re planning to move into the basement during a tornado, be sure your family knows where they’ll find you. Plan a specific location outside your house in the case of a fire.
This way, emergency workers, and your family will know where you will be if something were to go wrong.
5. When you’re driving, adjust to visual cues
Over time, it’s likely that your hearing loss has worsened. If your hearing aids aren’t regularly fine-tuned, you may find yourself depending more on your eyes. Be alert to flashing lights on the road since you might not hear sirens. Be extra vigilant when pedestrians are around.
6. Let family and friends know about your limitations
No one wants to admit that they have hearing impairment, but those close to you need to be aware of it. You may need to get to safety and those around you will be able to make you aware of something you may have missed. If they don’t know that you can’t hear, they will think that you hear it too.
7. Be diligent about the maintenance of your vehicle
Your car may begin making peculiar sounds that your hearing loss stops you from detecting. These sounds could suggest a mechanical problem with your vehicle. If neglected, they can do long-term damage to your vehicle or put you at risk. It’s a good idea to ask a trustworthy mechanic for their opinion on the condition of your vehicle when you take it in for an oil change or inspection.
8. Have your hearing loss treated
This is the most imperative thing you can do to stay safe. Get your hearing tested yearly to identify when your hearing loss is substantial enough to require an assistive device. Don’t wait because of time constraints, money, or pride. Modern hearing aids are discreet, functional, and very affordable. A hearing aid can help you remain safer in many settings at home, work, park, shopping, and driving.