Hearing loss is a common challenge for older individuals, but does it warrant giving up driving? The response isn’t straightforward, as driving habits vary among individuals.
While hearing loss is a factor to consider when operating a vehicle, a seasoned driver remains proficient even if they need to adjust the radio volume.
For people who commute on a regular basis the question of whether hearing loss presents a threat while driving is an important consideration. Is your driving becoming unsafe because of hearing loss?
Think beyond driving…
Early stage hearing loss probably won’t negatively effect your driving, but if it’s neglected, driving will become increasingly unsafe.
Johns Hopkins Medicine has found there is a definite connection between hearing and brain health. Struggling to hear forces the brain to use valuable resources just to understand what people are saying. It is a contributing factor to brain atrophy, which leads to dementia. Driving is certainly out of the question for somebody with dementia.
If you have hearing loss, can you still drive?
You can continue to drive with hearing loss, but it should be noted that safe driving requires strong observational skills including auditory awareness. The Center for Hearing and Communication estimates about 48 million Americans have substantial hearing loss, and a good number of them still drive.
Driving with hearing loss
You can still be a safe driver if you make some adjustments and use these tips.
Quit putting off
Visit us, have your hearing tested, and consider how hearing aids can change things for you. Hearing aids can help remove the “should I be driving with hearing loss” question.
Be a more observant driver
Even with hearing aids, you will still need to be a more aware driver to make sure you aren’t missing anything in or surrounding your vehicle.
Keep the noise down inside your car
This will let you focus your listening on driving without being distracted. Turn the radio off or down and ask your passengers to keep the chit-chat to a minimum.
Learn to look at your dashboard frequently
It’s the little things that will mount up when you drive with hearing loss. For example, you will no longer hear that clicking sound that tells you that your turn signal is blinking. So routinely check your dashboard because your eyes will have to pick up the slack.
Make maintenance a priority
You may not hear that rattling noise under the hood anymore or the warning alarm telling you there is an issue with your engine or another essential component. Get your car serviced regularly so you can avoid this significant safety risk. That’s a good plan for most people but a necessity if you are driving with hearing loss.
Watch the other cars closely
This is a no-brainer for everyone but if you have hearing loss it’s even more poignant. You might not hear emergency sirens, for instance, so if the cars are pulling over to the side, you should as well. Look to see how other drivers are reacting to their surroundings to get clues on what you may not be hearing.
Can you drive when you have hearing loss? It’s really a personal choice. It is possible to be a good driver even if your hearing is not what it once was because most likely your other senses will help you make the adjustment. But if you’re feeling worried about it, make an appointment to come see if we can help you improve your situation, possibly by using hearing aids.
Contact us today to schedule your hearing exam and look into hearing aid options for your unique lifestyle.
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss
