For you and the people in your life, living with hearing loss can be difficult to adjust to. In some cases, it can even be unsafe.
What happens if a fire alarm is going off or someone is yelling out your name but you can’t hear them? Car noises can warn you about hazards 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 a few tips to help keep individuals with hearing aids and their loved ones safer whether or not they are using their hearing aid.
1. Don’t go out alone
If you can, bring someone with you who is not struggling to hear. If you need to go out by yourself, request that people come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Stay focused when you’re driving
Because you can depend on your hearing less, it’s important to decrease other distractions behind the wheel. Don’t use your phone or GPS when you’re driving, just pull over if you need to reroute. Before driving, if you are concerned that you may have a problem with your hearing, call us for an assessment.
Don’t feel embarrassed if you need to turn off the radio or ask passengers to stop talking during more decisive moments of your drive. Safety first!
3. Think about getting a service animal
For individuals who have loss of vision, epilepsy, or other problems, a service dog seems obvious. But they can also be really helpful to people with auditory problems. A service dog can be trained to warn you of hazards. They can let you know when someone is at your door.
Not only can they help with these issues, but they also make a terrific companion.
4. Have a plan
Know what you’ll do before an emergency happens. Speak with people in your life about it. For example, be certain your family is aware 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, 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 cues when driving
Over time, it’s likely that your hearing loss has gotten worse. You might need to rely on your eyes more if you don’t routinely get your hearing aids calibrated. Be alert to flashing lights on the road since you might not hear sirens. When kids or pedestrians are nearby, be extra attentive.
6. Let family and friends know about your hearing trouble
Nobody wants to admit that they have hearing loss, but people in your life need to know. They can warn you about something you might not hear so that you can go to safety. If they’re not aware that you’re unable to hear, they will think that you hear it too.
7. Be diligent about the maintenance of your vehicle
Your car might begin making peculiar sounds that your hearing loss stops you from hearing. These noises may indicate 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. When you bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance, ask your mechanic to give your car an overall once-over.
8. Manage your hearing loss
This is the most imperative thing you can do to stay safe. In order to identify if you require a hearing aid, get your hearing tested yearly. Don’t let pride, money, or time constraints stop you. Modern hearing aids are discreet, functional, and surprisingly affordable. A hearing aid can help you remain safer in all aspects of your life.