For you and the people in your life, coping with hearing loss can be difficult to adjust to. It can also come with some dangers.
What’s going to happen if you can’t hear a smoke detector or someone calling your name? Car sounds can signal dangers ahead, but if you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t be able to hear them.
But the “what ifs” aren’t something you should stress over. If you have untreated hearing loss, getting a hearing exam is the first thing you should do. For individuals with hearing aids, we have a few recommendations to help you and your loved ones stay safe, even when you aren’t likely to be using your hearing aids.
1. Don’t go out alone
If possible, take someone with you who isn’t dealing with hearing loss. If that isn’t possible, request that people face you when talking to you so that they are easier to hear.
2. Avoid distractions while driving
It’s essential to stay focused when you’re driving because you can’t depend on your hearing as much for cues. Pull off the road if you need to plot a route and stay away from your GPS and phone. Before driving, if you are worried that you might have a problem with your hearing, call us for an assessment.
Don’t feel embarrassed if you have to turn off the radio or request that passengers stop talking during more decisive moments of your drive. Safety first!
3. Consider a service animal
For people who have loss of vision, epilepsy, or other problems, a service dog seems obvious. But if you’re dealing with auditory issues, they can also be really helpful. You can be warned about danger by a service dog. When someone is at your door they can let you know.
Not only can they help with these challenges, but they also make a great companion.
4. Have a plan
Before an emergency comes about, prepare a plan. Talk to others in your life about it. If you plan to move into the basement during a tornado, be sure your family knows where they’ll find you. Plan a specific location outside your house in the case of a fire.
This way, if something were to go wrong and you became trapped, family and emergency workers can act rapidly to assist you.
5. Pay extra attention to visual clues when driving
Over time, it’s likely that your hearing loss has worsened. You may need to rely on your eyes more if you don’t regularly get your hearing aids calibrated. Be alert to flashing lights on the road since you may not hear sirens. When kids or pedestrians are nearby, stay extra vigilant.
6. Share your hearing trouble with family and friends
It might be difficult to admit, but it’s crucial that people in your life are aware of your hearing problems. They can alert you to something you may not hear so that you can go to safety. They probably won’t bother alerting you if they think you hear it too.
7. Keep your car well-maintained
As somebody living with hearing loss, you might not be able to hear strange thumps, clicks, or screeches when you drive. These can signal a serious issue. Your car could take serious damage and your safety might be at risk if these noises aren’t dealt with. It’s a good 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. Have your hearing impairment treated
This is the most important thing you can do to remain safe. In order to identify if you require a hearing aid, get your hearing screened yearly. Don’t hesitate because of time constraints, money, or pride. Modern hearing aids are discreet, functional, and very affordable. A hearing aid can help you remain safer in all aspects of your life.