For you and the people you love, coping with hearing loss can be difficult to adjust to. It can also come with some hazards.
What’s going to happen if you can’t hear a fire alarm or somebody calling your name? Car sounds can signal dangers ahead, but if you have neglected hearing loss, you won’t hear them.
Don’t stress yourself out over the “what ifs”. If you are dealing with neglected hearing loss, getting a hearing exam is the first thing you need to do. For individuals with hearing aids, we have a few tips to help you and your loved ones remain safe, even when you’re not likely to be wearing your hearing aids.
1. Don’t go out by yourself
If you can, take somebody with you who isn’t dealing with hearing loss. If you have to go out alone, ask people to come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Stay focused when you’re driving
Because you can depend on your hearing less, it’s important to decrease other distractions behind the wheel. Don’t use your phone or GPS when you’re driving, just pull over if you need to change your route. If you think you have a problem with your hearing aid, come see us before driving.
If there are times while you’re driving that you might need to have your passengers quiet down or turn off the radio, there’s no reason to be embarrassed. It’s better to err on the side of caution!
3. Consider a service animal
You think of service dogs as helpful for people with visual impairment, epilepsy, or other conditions. But they can also be really helpful to people who have auditory challenges. A service dog can be trained to warn you of hazards. They can let you know when someone is at your door.
They can assist you with your hearing problems and they are also excellent companions.
4. Make a plan
Determine what you’ll do before an emergency happens. Speak with people in your life about it. For example, make sure your family knows that you will be in the basement if a tornado hits. In case of a fire, plan a delegated spot that you’ll be outside the house.
This way, emergency personnel, and your family will know where you will be if something were to go wrong.
5. Adjust yourself to visual clues when driving
Your hearing loss has likely worsened over time. If your hearing aids aren’t regularly fine-tuned, you may find yourself relying more on your eyes. You might not hear sirens so watch out for flashing lights. When kids or pedestrians are nearby, stay extra alert.
6. Share your hearing trouble with family and friends
Nobody wants to disclose that they have hearing impairment, but those close to you need to be aware of it. You may need to get to safety and those around you will be able to warn you about something you might have missed. If they’re not aware that you can’t hear, they will think that you hear it too.
7. Be vigilant about the maintenance of your vehicle
As a person living with hearing loss, you may not be able to hear unusual thumps, clicks, or screeches when you drive. These noises may suggest a mechanical problem with your vehicle. Your car could take serious damage and your safety may be in danger if these sounds aren’t dealt with. When you bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance, ask your mechanic to give your car a general once-over.
8. Treat your hearing loss
This is the most important thing you can do to remain safe. In order to know if you require a hearing aid, get your hearing examined yearly. Don’t delay 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 all facets of your life.
