Coping with hearing loss can be a difficult adjustment for you and your family members. Sometimes, it can even be dangerous.
What happens if a smoke detector is sounding or somebody is yelling out your name but you can’t hear them? Car noises can warn you about dangers ahead, but if you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t hear them.
Don’t stress yourself out over the “what ifs”. The first thing that someone with neglected hearing loss should do is get a hearing test. For individuals who wear hearing aids, we have a few tips to help you and your family remain safe, even when you’re not likely to be using your hearing aids.
1. Don’t go out by yourself
Bring someone with good hearing out with you if you can. If you have to go out alone, ask people to come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Stay focused when you drive
It’s important to remain focused when you’re driving because you can’t depend on your hearing as much for cues. Pull over if you need to plot a route and stay away from your GPS and phone. If you suspect you have an issue with your hearing aid, come see us before driving.
Don’t feel ashamed if you have to turn off the radio or ask passengers to stop talking during more critical moments of your drive. Safety first!
3. Think about getting a service dog
For people who have visual impairment, epilepsy, or other problems, a service dog seems obvious. But if you have auditory challenges, they can also be really helpful. You can be warned about danger by a service dog. When someone is at your door they can inform you.
Not only can they assist you with these challenges, but they also make a wonderful companion.
4. Have a plan
Identify what you’ll do before an emergency hits. Speak with others in your life about it. If you plan to go into the basement during a tornado, be certain your family knows where they’ll find you. In case of a fire, plan a designated location that you’ll be outside the house.
This way, if something were to happen and you became trapped, family and emergency workers can act quickly to help you.
5. When you’re driving, pay attention to visual clues
Over time, it’s likely that your hearing loss has gotten worse. If your hearing aids aren’t regularly adjusted, you may find yourself depending more on your eyes. Be aware of flashing lights on the road since you might not hear sirens. Be extra attentive when pedestrians are nearby.
6. Let friends and family know about your limitations
No one wants to admit that they have hearing loss, but people in your life 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 may have missed. If they don’t know that you can’t hear, they will think that you hear it too.
7. Keep your car well-maintained
As a person living with hearing loss, you may not be able to hear unusual thumps, clicks, or screeches when you drive. These can indicate a serious issue. If disregarded, they can do long-term damage to your car or put you in danger. It’s a good idea to ask a trusted mechanic for their opinion on the condition of your vehicle when you take it in for an oil change or inspection.
8. Treat your hearing loss
If you want to be safe, having your hearing loss treated is essential. Get your hearing tested yearly to identify when your hearing loss is severe enough to require an assistive device. Don’t wait 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 aspects of your life.