Coping with hearing loss can be a difficult adjustment for you and your loved ones. It can also come with some dangers.
What if you can’t hear a fire alarm or someone calling your name? Car noises can indicate hazards ahead, but if you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t be able to hear them.
Don’t stress yourself out over the “what ifs”. If you have untreated hearing loss, getting a hearing exam is the first thing you need to do. For those who wear hearing aids, we have a few tips to help you and your loved ones remain safe, even when you’re not likely to be using your hearing aids.
1. Take a friend with you when you leave the house
Bring somebody with healthy hearing out with you if you can. If you need to go out by yourself, ask people to come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Avoid distractions while driving
It’s essential to stay focused when you’re driving because you can’t rely on your hearing as much for cues. Don’t use your phone or GPS when you’re driving, just pull over if you need to reroute. If you think you have an issue with your hearing aid, come see us before getting behind the wheel.
If there are moments 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. Think about getting a service animal
For individuals who have loss of vision, epilepsy, or other issues, a service animal seems obvious. But they can also be very helpful to people with auditory issues. You can be alerted to danger by a service dog. When somebody is at your door they can let you know.
They can assist you with your hearing issues and they are also excellent companions.
4. Have a plan
Before an emergency occurs, prepare a plan. Talk it over it with others. For example, make sure your family is aware that you will be in the basement in the case of a tornado. In case of a fire, choose a designated location that you’ll be outside the house.
This way, emergency workers, and your family will know where to find if something were to go wrong.
5. When you’re driving, adjust to visual cues
Your hearing loss has most likely gotten worse over time. You may need to depend on your eyes more if you don’t routinely have your hearing aids calibrated. Be alert to flashing lights on the road since you might not hear sirens. When children or pedestrians are nearby, be extra vigilant.
6. Let family and friends know about your limitations
It may be hard to admit, but it’s essential that people in your life know about your hearing issues. They can alert you to something you may not hear so that you can go to safety. If they’re not aware that you can’t hear, they will assume that you hear it too.
7. Be diligent about the maintenance of your vehicle
As a person living with hearing loss, you may not be able to hear strange thumps, clicks, or screeches when you drive. These can indicate a serious issue. Your car could take significant damage and your safety could be at risk if these sounds aren’t addressed. 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. Address your hearing loss
This is the most critical thing you can do to stay safe. In order to know if you require a hearing aid, have your hearing tested yearly. Don’t let pride, money, or time constraints stop you. Modern hearing aids are discreet, functional, and surprisingly affordable. A hearing aid can help you stay safer in all facets of your life.