Living with hearing loss can be a difficult adjustment for you and your loved ones. It can also come with some dangers.
What happens if a smoke detector is sounding or someone is yelling out your name but you can’t hear them? Car noises 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 worry about. The first thing that somebody with untreated hearing loss should do is get a hearing exam. For those who wear hearing aids, we have a few recommendations to help you and your family stay safe, even when you aren’t likely to be using your hearing aids.
1. Bring a friend with you when you go out
Bring someone with healthy hearing out with you if you can. If that’s not possible, request that people face you when talking to you so you will have an easier time hearing them.
2. Avoid distractions while driving
It’s important to remain 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 avoid your phone and GPS. If you suspect you have a problem with your hearing aid, come see us before driving.
If there are moments while you’re driving that you might need to have your passengers quiet down or turn off the radio, there’s no shame. Safety first!
3. Consider a service animal
For individuals who have loss of vision, epilepsy, or other problems, a service dog seems obvious. But if you have auditory problems, they can also be really helpful. A service dog can be trained to warn you of hazards. They can inform you when somebody is at your door.
Not only can they assist you with these issues, but they also make a terrific companion.
4. Make a plan
Before an emergency takes place, make a plan. Discuss it with other people. If you plan to go 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. When you’re driving, adjust to visual clues
Your hearing loss has probably worsened over time. You may need to depend on your eyes more if you don’t routinely have your hearing aids tuned. You may not hear sirens so watch out for flashing lights. When kids or pedestrians are nearby, be extra vigilant.
6. Share your hearing trouble with friends and family
It might be difficult to admit, but it’s essential that people in your life know about your hearing issues. You might need to get to safety and people around you will be able to warn you about something you might have missed. They most likely won’t bother alerting you if they assume you hear it too.
7. Keep your car well-maintained
Your car may begin making strange sounds that your hearing loss stops you from detecting. These sounds could suggest a mechanical issue with your vehicle. Your car could take significant 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 bring it in for an oil change or inspection.
8. Get your hearing impairment treated
This is the most critical thing you can do to stay safe. In order to know if you require a hearing aid, have your hearing screened annually. Don’t wait because of time constraints, money, or pride. Hearing aids today are very functional, affordable, and discreet. A hearing aid can help you stay safer in many situations at home, work, park, shopping, and driving.
