For you and the people you love, coping with hearing loss can take some work to adjust to. It can also come with some dangers.
What if you can’t hear a smoke detector or someone calling your name? If you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t be able to hear those car noises that may be signaling an impending threat.
But the “what ifs” aren’t something you need to worry about. The first thing that a person with untreated hearing loss needs to do is get a hearing assessment. 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
If possible, take somebody with you who is not struggling to hear. If you need to go out alone, request that people come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Avoid distractions when you’re driving
It’s essential to remain focused when you’re driving because you can’t rely on your hearing as much for cues. Pull off the road if you need to plot a route and stay away from your phone and GPS. Before driving, if you are worried that you might have a problem with your hearing, call us for an evaluation.
Don’t feel ashamed if you need to turn off the radio or request that passengers stop talking during more decisive moments of your drive. It’s better to err on the side of caution!
3. Consider a service dog
You think of service dogs as helpful for those with visual impairment, epilepsy, or other conditions. But if you’re dealing with auditory challenges, they can also be really helpful. You can be warned about danger by a service dog. They can let you know when someone is at your door.
They can help you with your hearing issues and they are also good companions.
4. Make a plan
Before an emergency takes place, make a plan. Speak with others in your life about it. If you plan to move into the basement during a tornado, be sure your family knows where they’ll find you. In case of a fire, choose a delegated location that you’ll be outside the house.
This way, if something were to go wrong and you became trapped, family and emergency personnel can act quickly to help you.
5. When you’re driving, adjust to visual cues
Over time, it’s likely that your hearing loss has gotten worse. You might need to depend on your eyes more if you don’t regularly get your hearing aids calibrated. You may not hear sirens so be aware of flashing lights. When kids or pedestrians are around, stay extra attentive.
6. Share your limitations with family and friends
It might be tough to admit, but it’s important that people in your life know about your hearing loss. They can alert you to something you might not hear so that you can go to safety. If they’re not aware that you’re unable to hear, they will think that you hear it too.
7. Be diligent about the maintenance of your vehicle
Your car might begin making unusual sounds that your hearing loss stops you from detecting. These sounds could point to a mechanical problem with your vehicle. Your car could take significant damage and your safety might be in danger if these noises aren’t dealt with. It’s a smart idea to ask a trustworthy mechanic for their opinion on the condition of your vehicle when you bring it in for an oil change or inspection.
8. Address your hearing loss
This is the most imperative thing you can do to remain safe. In order to identify if you need to get a hearing aid, get your hearing tested yearly. Don’t hesitate because of time constraints, money, or pride. Modern hearing aids are discreet, functional, and surprisingly affordable. A hearing aid can help you remain safer in many settings at home, work, park, shopping, and driving.
