For you and the people in your life, living with hearing loss can take some work to adjust to. It can also come with some hazards.
What happens if a smoke detector is going off or somebody is shouting out your name but you can’t hear them? Car noises can indicate hazards ahead, but if you have neglected 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 someone with untreated hearing loss needs to do is get a hearing assessment. Here are a few recommendations to help keep individuals with hearing aids and their loved ones safer whether or not they are wearing their hearing aid.
1. Don’t go out alone
Bring someone with good hearing out with you if possible. If that’s not possible, request that people face you when talking to you so you will have an easier time hearing them.
2. Stay focused when you’re driving
It’s essential to remain focused when you’re driving because you can’t depend on your hearing as much for cues. Pull over if you need to plot a route and stay away from your GPS and phone. If you suspect you have a problem with your hearing aid, come see us before getting behind the wheel.
If there are times while you’re driving that you may need to have your passengers quiet down or turn off the radio, there’s no shame. Safety first!
3. Think about getting a service animal
You think of service dogs as helpful for individuals with visual impairment, epilepsy, or other conditions. But they can also be very helpful to those who have auditory challenges. A service dog can be trained to alert you to danger. They can let you know when someone is at your door.
They can help you with your hearing issues and they are also excellent companions.
4. Have a plan
Before an emergency comes about, prepare a plan. Discuss it with other people. If you plan to go into the basement during a tornado, make sure your family knows where they’ll find you. In case of a fire, choose a specified location that you’ll be outside the house.
This way, if something were to go wrong and you became trapped, family and emergency workers can act rapidly to assist you.
5. Adjust yourself to visual cues while driving
Your hearing loss has likely worsened over time. If your hearing aids aren’t regularly fine-tuned, you might find yourself depending more on your eyes. You might not hear sirens so look out for flashing lights. Be extra attentive when pedestrians are nearby.
6. Let family and friends know about your hearing trouble
Nobody wants to disclose that they have hearing loss, but people close to you need to be aware of it. 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 assume you hear it too.
7. Be vigilant about the maintenance of your vehicle
Your car may start making unusual sounds that your hearing loss stops you from detecting. These noises may indicate a mechanical problem with your vehicle. If ignored, they can do long-term damage to your car or put you at risk. 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. Have your hearing loss treated
This is the most critical thing you can do to remain safe. In order to know if you require a hearing aid, get your hearing tested annually. Don’t allow pride, money, or time constraints deter you. Modern hearing aids are discreet, functional, and surprisingly affordable. A hearing aid can help you remain safer in many settings at home, work, park, shopping, and driving.