For you and the people in your life, living with hearing loss can be difficult to adjust to. Sometimes, it can even be hazardous.
What’s going to happen if you can’t hear a fire alarm or someone yelling your name? Car noises can indicate hazards ahead, but if you have neglected hearing loss, you won’t hear them.
But the “what ifs” aren’t something you should worry about. The first thing that a person with untreated hearing loss should do is get a hearing test. For individuals who use hearing aids, we have a few recommendations 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 alone
If you can, take someone with you who isn’t 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 while driving
Because you can depend on your hearing less, it’s important to minimize other distractions when driving. Pull off the road if you need to plot a route and stay away from your phone and GPS. If you think you have a problem with your hearing aid, come see us before getting behind the wheel.
If there are moments while you’re driving that you may need to have your passengers quiet down or turn off the radio, there’s no shame. 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’re dealing with auditory challenges, they can also be very helpful. You can be alerted to danger by a service dog. They can let you know when someone is at your door.
Not only can they help with these challenges, but they also make a great companion.
4. Make a plan
Before an emergency happens, prepare a plan. Talk it over it with other people. If you’re planning to move into the basement during a tornado, be certain your family knows where they’ll find you. In case of a fire, plan 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 clues
Over time, it’s likely that your hearing loss has worsened. If your hearing aids aren’t regularly adjusted, you might find yourself relying more on your eyes. You may not hear sirens so watch out for flashing lights. Be extra diligent when pedestrians are nearby.
6. Share your hearing trouble with friends and family
Nobody wants to disclose that they have hearing loss, but people in your life need to be aware of it. You might need to get to safety and people around you will be able to make you aware of something you might have missed. If they don’t know that you can’t hear, they will assume that you hear it too.
7. Be diligent about the maintenance of your vehicle
As someone living with hearing loss, you may not be able to hear strange thumps, clicks, or screeches when you’re driving. These sounds may indicate a mechanical problem 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 trustworthy mechanic for their opinion on the condition of your vehicle when you take it in for an oil change or inspection.
8. Manage your hearing loss
If you want to stay safe, getting your hearing loss treated is vital. In order to identify if you need to get a hearing aid, get your hearing tested yearly. Don’t let pride, money, or time constraints stop you. Hearing aids nowadays are very functional, affordable, and discreet. A hearing aid can help you stay safer in all aspects of your life.
