Living with hearing loss can be a difficult adjustment for you and your family. In some cases, it can even be unsafe.
What if you can’t hear a smoke detector or somebody yelling your name? Car noises can warn you about dangers ahead, but if you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t hear them.
But the “what ifs” aren’t something you need to worry about. If you have untreated hearing loss, getting a hearing assessment is the first thing you should do. For people who wear hearing aids, we have some tips to help you and your family remain safe, even when you’re not likely to be using your hearing aids.
1. Don’t go out by yourself
Bring someone with healthy hearing out with you if possible. If that’s not possible, request that people face you when speaking to you so that you will have an easier time hearing them.
2. Avoid distractions while driving
Because you can rely less on your hearing, it’s essential to minimize other distractions behind the wheel. Don’t use your phone or GPS when you’re driving, just pull over if you need to reroute. Before you drive, if you are concerned that you might have a problem with your hearing, call us for an assessment.
Don’t feel embarrassed if you have to turn off the radio or ask passengers to stop talking during more decisive moments of your drive. It’s better to err on the side of caution!
3. Think about getting a service dog
You think of service dogs as helpful for people with visual impairment, epilepsy, or other disorders. But they can also be really helpful to individuals with auditory problems. A service dog can be trained to alert you to hazards. They can let you know when somebody is at your door.
Not only can they assist you with these problems, but they also make a wonderful companion.
4. Have a plan
Before an emergency comes about, prepare a plan. Speak with people in your life about it. For example, make sure your family is aware that you will be in the basement in the case of a tornado. Plan a specific location outside your house in the case of a fire.
This way, if something were to happen and you became trapped, family and emergency workers can act rapidly to assist you.
5. Adjust yourself to visual clues when driving
Your hearing loss has most likely gotten worse over time. You might need to rely on your eyes more if you don’t routinely get your hearing aids tuned. You may not hear sirens so watch out for flashing lights. Be extra attentive when pedestrians are nearby.
6. Share your hearing trouble with friends and family
It might be tough to admit, but it’s important that people in your life are aware of your hearing problems. You may need to get to safety and those around you will be able to warn you about something you may have missed. They probably won’t bother alerting you if they think you hear it too.
7. Be vigilant about the maintenance of your vehicle
Your car may begin making peculiar sounds that your hearing loss stops you from hearing. These sounds may suggest a mechanical problem with your vehicle. Your car could take significant damage and your safety could be in danger if these noises aren’t dealt with. It’s a smart 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. Have your hearing impairment treated
This is the most critical thing you can do to remain safe. Get your hearing assessed annually to determine when your hearing loss is significant enough to require an assistive device. Don’t let pride, money, or time constraints stop you. 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.
