For you and the people you love, coping with hearing loss can take some work to adjust to. It can also come with some perils.
What’s going to happen if you can’t hear a smoke detector or someone yelling your name? Car sounds can indicate dangers 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”. The first thing that a person with neglected hearing loss should do is get a hearing assessment. For those with hearing aids, we have a few recommendations to help you and your loved ones stay safe, even when you aren’t likely to be using your hearing aids.
1. Take a friend with you when you go out
Bring somebody with healthy hearing out with you if you can. If that’s not possible, request that people face you when speaking to you so they are easier to hear.
2. Stay focused when you drive
Because you can rely less on your hearing, it’s important to minimize other distractions when driving. Pull off the road if you need to plot a route and avoid your GPS and phone. 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 need 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. Consider a service dog
For individuals who have visual impairment, epilepsy, or other problems, a service dog seems obvious. But if you have auditory problems, they can also be very helpful. You can be warned about danger by a service dog. They can let you know when somebody is at your door.
They can assist you with your hearing problems and they are also excellent companions.
4. Have a plan
Know what you’ll do before an emergency strikes. Speak with others in your life about it. If you’re planning to move into the basement during a tornado, make 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 go wrong and you became trapped, family and emergency workers can act quickly to help you.
5. When you’re driving, pay attention to visual cues
Your hearing loss has most likely worsened over time. You may need to depend on your eyes more if you don’t routinely get your hearing aids tuned. Be aware of flashing lights on the road since you may not hear sirens. When children or pedestrians are around, be extra alert.
6. Let friends and family know about your limitations
It may be hard to admit, but it’s important that people in your life are aware of your hearing loss. They can warn you about something you might not hear so that you can go to safety. They most likely won’t bother alerting you if they assume you hear it too.
7. Keep your car well-maintained
Your car may start making unusual sounds that your hearing loss stops you from detecting. These can signal a serious issue. Your car could take serious damage and your safety could be at risk if these sounds aren’t dealt with. When you take your vehicle in for routine maintenance, ask your mechanic to give your car an overall once-over.
8. Treat your hearing loss
If you want to be safe, getting your hearing loss treated is crucial. In order to know if you require a hearing aid, have your hearing screened annually. Don’t hesitate because of time constraints, money, or pride. Hearing aids today are very functional, affordable, and unobtrusive. A hearing aid can help you remain safer in all aspects of your life.