For you and the people in your life, coping with hearing loss can be difficult to adjust to. In some cases, it can even be hazardous.
What happens if a smoke detector is sounding or somebody is shouting 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.
Don’t worry about the “what ifs”. If you are dealing with untreated hearing loss, getting a hearing assessment is the first thing you need to do. Here are some recommendations to help keep people with hearing aids and their families safer whether or not they’re using their hearing aid.
1. Don’t go out alone
Bring someone with healthy hearing out with you if possible. If that’s not possible, ask people to face you when talking to you so that they are easier to hear.
2. Stay focused when you drive
Because you can rely less on your hearing, it’s essential to decrease other distractions when driving. Don’t use your phone or GPS when you’re driving, just pull over if you need to reroute. Before driving, if you are worried that you might have a problem with your hearing, call us for an assessment.
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. It’s better to err on the side of caution!
3. Consider a service animal
For people who have loss of vision, epilepsy, or other problems, a service animal seems obvious. But if you have auditory problems, they can also be really helpful. You can be alerted to danger by a service dog. They can inform you when somebody is at your door.
They can assist you with your hearing problems and they are also good companions.
4. Have a plan
Before an emergency comes about, prepare a plan. Speak with people in your life about it. As an example, be certain your family knows that you will be in the basement in the case of a tornado. Plan a specific location outside your house in the case of a fire.
This way, emergency personnel, and your family will know where to find if something were to happen.
5. When you’re driving, pay attention to visual cues
Your hearing loss has probably gotten worse over time. You may need to rely on your eyes more if you don’t routinely get your hearing aids tuned. Be alert to flashing lights on the road since you might not hear sirens. When kids or pedestrians are around, stay extra vigilant.
6. Share your limitations with family and friends
Nobody wants to disclose that they have hearing loss, but people close to you need to be aware of it. They can alert you to something you may not hear so that you can go to safety. They most likely won’t bother alerting you if they think you hear it too.
7. Be vigilant about the maintenance of your vehicle
Your car might begin making peculiar sounds that your hearing loss stops you from detecting. These sounds could indicate a mechanical issue with your vehicle. Your car could take serious damage and your safety may be at risk if these sounds aren’t dealt with. When you take your vehicle in for routine maintenance, ask your mechanic to give your car an overall once-over.
8. Address your hearing loss
If you want to stay safe, getting your hearing loss treated is essential. Have your hearing checked annually to determine when your hearing loss is severe enough to require an assistive device. Don’t wait because of time constraints, money, or pride. Modern hearing aids are discreet, functional, and very affordable. A hearing aid can help you stay safer in all facets of your life.