Hearing loss is a widespread challenge for older individuals, but does it warrant giving up driving? The response isn’t clear-cut, as driving habits differ among individuals.
While hearing loss is a component to consider when operating a vehicle, a skilled driver remains proficient even if they have to lower the volume on the radio.
Whether hearing loss presents a risk while driving is a critical consideration for those planning everyday commutes or winter road trips. Is your driving becoming unsafe because of hearing loss?
Think beyond driving…
If you are detecting hearing loss, it won’t have a huge impact on your driving ability…yet. That day is coming, though, if you decide to just dismiss your decline.
There is a solid link between hearing health and brain health, as reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Battling to hear forces the brain to use valuable resources just to understand what individuals are saying. It has a negative effect on cognition and can contribute to the onset of dementia. Someone suffering from dementia definitely can’t drive.
Should you drive if you have hearing loss?
You can still drive with hearing loss, but it should be mentioned that safe driving requires strong observational skills including auditory awareness. Among the approximately 48 million Americans who suffer from hearing loss, most of them still drive as reported by the Center for Hearing Communication.
Driving with hearing loss
With a few adjustments, you can still continue to be safe on the road. Here are some tips.
Quit procrastinating
Come in to see us for a hearing test and find out if hearing aids will help your situation. Hearing aids can help get rid of the “should I be driving with hearing loss” question.
When you drive, be more aware
You will still need to be aware of what’s happening around your vehicle even if you use hearing aids.
Keep the noise down inside your car
This will help you be less distracted. Ask your passengers to talk more quietly and keep the radio down or off.
Learn to look at your dashboard often
When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can add up. For example, you won’t hear that clicking sound that lets you know that your turn signal is blinking. So routinely look at your dashboard because your eyes will have to compensate.
Keep your vehicle well maintained
Maybe your car is making a strange noise in the engine but you can’t hear it. Have your car serviced regularly so you can avoid this significant safety risk. For individuals with hearing loss, this is important, even more so than it would be for someone who doesn’t have hearing loss.
Pay close attention to other vehicles around you
This is a no-brainer for everyone but if you have hearing loss it’s even more poignant. If you see other cars pulling to the side of the road, you should do that too because you might have missed the sirens. Look to see how other drivers are responding to their surroundings to get clues on what you may not be hearing.
Can you drive when you have hearing loss? That’s up to you. It is possible to be a safe driver even if your hearing isn’t what it used to be because most likely your other senses will help you make the adjustment. But if you’re feeling concerned about it, schedule an appointment to come see if we can help you better your situation, possibly with hearing aids.
Contact us right away to schedule your hearing test and investigate hearing aid options for your distinctive lifestyle.
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss
