Many older individuals have hearing loss, but does that mean it’s unsafe for them to drive? Driving habits vary amongst different individuals so the response isn’t straightforward.
While hearing loss is a factor to consider when operating a vehicle, a skilled driver is still proficient even if they have to adjust the volume on the radio.
Whether hearing loss poses a risk while driving is a critical consideration for people planning everyday commutes or winter road trips. Is your hearing loss making you a unsafe driver?
Think beyond driving…
If you are noticing hearing loss, it won’t have a substantial impact on your ability to drive…yet. That day is coming, though, if you choose to simply ignore your decline.
Johns Hopkins Medicine reports there is a definite connection between hearing and brain health. The brain has to work overtime struggling to hear, which causes it to have fewer resources for other daily activities. It is a contributing factor to brain atrophy, which results in dementia. Driving is certainly out of the question for a person who has dementia.
Should you drive if you have hearing loss?
You can still drive with hearing loss, but it should be noted that safe driving requires good observational skills including auditory awareness. The Center for Hearing and Communication reports that around 48 million Americans have substantial hearing loss, and a good portion of them still drive.
Driving with hearing loss
With a few adjustments, you can still stay safe on the road. Here are some tips.
Stop procrastinating
Visit us, have your hearing tested, and consider how hearing aids can change things for you. The question of whether you should be driving can be eliminated by using hearing aids.
Be a more observant driver
You will still need to be aware of what’s happening around your vehicle even if you have hearing aids.
Keep the noise down inside your car
This will help you be less distracted. Turn the radio off and ask your passengers to keep the chatter to a minimum.
Keep an eye on your dash lights
When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can add up. You might not be able to hear that clicking sound that your turn signal makes, for instance. You will have to rely on your eyes to compensate, so get in the habit of scanning your dashboard to see what your car is trying to tell you.
Keep your vehicle well maintained
You may not hear that rattling noise under the hood anymore or the warning alarm telling you there is a problem with your engine or another crucial component. Get your car serviced routinely so you can prevent this significant safety hazard. For people with hearing loss, this is important, even more so than it would be for somebody who doesn’t have 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. If you see other cars pulling off the road, you should do that also because you may have missed the sirens. Use the behavior of other drivers to get some visual clues about traffic patterns around you.
Can you drive with hearing loss? It’s really a personal decision. Your other senses will usually adjust to help keep you safe, which means it is feasible to drive safely even if your hearing has started to go. But if you’re feeling concerned about it, make an appointment to come see if we can help you improve your situation, possibly with hearing aids.
Come in and let us help you improve your quality of life by looking at the hearing options that will be appropriate for your unique hearing situation.
Call Today to Set Up an Appointment
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss