Coping with hearing loss can be quite an adjustment for you and your family members. Sometimes, it can even be hazardous.
What if you can’t hear a fire alarm or someone yelling your name? If you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t be able to hear those car noises that could be signaling an approaching hazard.
Don’t worry about the “what ifs”. If you are dealing with untreated hearing loss, getting a hearing test is the first thing you should do. For people who wear hearing aids, we have a few recommendations to help you and your loved ones remain safe, even when you’re not likely to be using your hearing aids.
1. Don’t go out by yourself
If possible, take someone with you who is not dealing with hearing loss. If you have to go out alone, request that people come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Avoid distractions while driving
It’s important to stay focused while driving because you can’t rely on your hearing as much for cues. Don’t use your phone or GPS when you’re driving, just pull over if you need to change your route. If you think you have an issue with your hearing aid, come see us before getting behind the wheel.
If there are circumstances while you’re driving that you may need to have your passengers quiet down or turn off the radio, there’s no reason to be embarrassed. Safety first!
3. Consider a service dog
For individuals who have loss of vision, epilepsy, or other issues, a service animal seems obvious. But they can also be really helpful to individuals who have auditory problems. A service dog can be trained to warn you of danger. When somebody is at your door they can inform you.
They can help you with your hearing issues and they are also wonderful companions.
4. Have a plan
Identify what you’ll do before an emergency hits. Talk to people in your life about it. As an example, make sure your family is aware that you will be in the basement if a tornado hits. In case of a fire, plan a delegated place that you’ll be outside the house.
This way, if something were to happen and you became trapped, family and emergency personnel can act quickly to help you.
5. Pay extra attention to visual clues when driving
Over time, it’s likely that your hearing loss has worsened. You might need to rely on your eyes more if you don’t routinely have your hearing aids calibrated. You might not hear sirens so be aware of flashing lights. When kids or pedestrians are nearby, be extra vigilant.
6. Let friends and family know about your limitations
Nobody wants to disclose that they have hearing loss, but those close to you need to know. You may need to get to safety and those around you will be able to warn you about something you might have missed. They most likely won’t bother alerting you if they think you hear it too.
7. Keep your car well-maintained
Your car might start making peculiar sounds that your hearing loss stops you from hearing. These sounds may suggest a mechanical problem with your vehicle. If dismissed, they can do long-term damage to your car or put you in danger. When you take your vehicle in for routine maintenance, ask your mechanic to give your car an overall once-over.
8. Treat your hearing loss
This is the most critical thing you can do to stay safe. Get your hearing checked yearly to determine when your hearing loss is significant enough to require an assistive device. Don’t hesitate because of time constraints, money, or pride. Hearing aids nowadays are very functional, affordable, and discreet. A hearing aid can help you stay safer in many situations at home, work, park, shopping, and driving.