Living with hearing loss can be a difficult adjustment for you and your family. Sometimes, it can even be dangerous.
What happens if a smoke detector is sounding or somebody is yelling out your name but you can’t hear them? Car noises can indicate dangers ahead, but if you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t hear them.
Don’t worry about the “what ifs”. If you have neglected hearing loss, getting a hearing exam is the first thing you need to do. Here are a few tips to help keep people with hearing aids and their families safer whether or not they are wearing their hearing aid.
1. Don’t go out alone
Bring someone with good hearing out with you if possible. If that isn’t possible, ask people to face you when talking to you so you will have an easier time hearing them.
2. Avoid distractions when you’re driving
Because you can rely on your hearing less, it’s essential to reduce other distractions when driving. Don’t use your phone or GPS while driving, just pull over if you need to reroute. If you think you have a problem with your hearing aid, come see us before driving.
If there are circumstances while you’re driving that you may need to have your passengers quiet down or turn off the radio, there’s no shame. Safety first!
3. Consider a service dog
You think of service dogs as helpful for individuals with visual impairment, epilepsy, or other disorders. But they can also be very helpful to those with auditory issues. A service dog can be trained to warn you of hazards. When someone is at your door they can let you know.
They can help you with your hearing issues and they are also excellent companions.
4. Have a plan
Before an emergency occurs, prepare a plan. Discuss it with other people. If you plan 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, if something were to happen and you became trapped, family and emergency workers can act rapidly to help you.
5. Pay extra attention to visual clues when driving
Your hearing loss has most likely worsened over time. You may need to depend on your eyes more if you don’t regularly get your hearing aids calibrated. Be aware of flashing lights on the road since you may not hear sirens. Be extra attentive when pedestrians are nearby.
6. Let friends and family know about your hearing trouble
No one wants to admit that they have hearing impairment, but people in your life need to know. They can alert you to something you might 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. Keep your car well-maintained
Your car might start making peculiar noises that your hearing loss stops you from hearing. These can indicate a serious problem. If dismissed, they can do long-term damage to your car or put you at risk. It’s a smart idea to ask a trusted mechanic for their opinion on the condition of your vehicle when you bring it in for an oil change or inspection.
8. Have your hearing impairment treated
This is the most critical thing you can do to stay safe. In order to identify if you need to get a hearing aid, have your hearing screened annually. Don’t delay because of time constraints, money, or pride. Hearing aids these days are very functional, affordable, and discreet. A hearing aid can help you remain safer in many situations at home, work, park, shopping, and driving.
