For you and the people in your life, living 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 somebody yelling your name? Car noises can indicate hazards ahead, but if you have neglected hearing loss, you won’t be able to hear them.
But the “what ifs” aren’t something you should worry about. If you have untreated hearing loss, getting a hearing assessment is the first thing you should do. Here are several tips to help keep individuals with hearing aids and their families safer whether or not they’re wearing their hearing aid.
1. Don’t go out by yourself
Bring someone with good hearing out with you if possible. If you need to go out alone, request that people come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Stay focused when you’re driving
It’s important to remain focused while driving because you can’t depend on your hearing as much for cues. Pull over if you need to plot a route and avoid your phone and GPS. If you think you have a problem with your hearing aid, come see us before getting behind the wheel.
Don’t feel ashamed if you have 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. Think about getting a service dog
For individuals who have visual impairment, epilepsy, or other problems, a service animal seems obvious. But they can also be very helpful to individuals with auditory issues. You can be warned about danger by a service dog. When somebody is at your door they can inform you.
They can help you with your hearing problems and they are also great companions.
4. Make a plan
Identify what you’ll do before an emergency strikes. Talk it over it with other people. For instance, be sure your family knows that you will be in the basement if a tornado hits. In case of a fire, choose a delegated spot that you’ll be outside the house.
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 cues when driving
Your hearing loss has probably gotten worse over time. You may need to rely on your eyes more if you don’t regularly have your hearing aids calibrated. Be alert to flashing lights on the road since you might not hear sirens. When children or pedestrians are around, stay extra alert.
6. Share your hearing trouble with family and friends
It may be hard to admit, but it’s crucial that people in your life are aware of your hearing problems. They can warn you about something you might not hear so that you can get to safety. They probably won’t bother alerting you if they think you hear it too.
7. Keep your car well-maintained
Your car might begin making peculiar sounds that your hearing loss stops you from detecting. These noises could suggest a mechanical issue with your vehicle. If neglected, they can do long-term damage to your car or put you in danger. 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. Address your hearing loss
This is the most imperative thing you can do to remain safe. In order to identify if you require a hearing aid, have your hearing examined yearly. Don’t allow pride, money, or time constraints stop you. Modern hearing aids are discreet, functional, and surprisingly affordable. A hearing aid can help you remain safer in all aspects of your life.