For you and the people in your life, coping with hearing loss can take some work to adjust to. It can also come with some dangers.
What if you can’t hear a fire alarm or somebody calling your name? If you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t hear those car noises that could be signaling an impending threat.
But the “what ifs” aren’t something you should stress over. If you have neglected hearing loss, getting a hearing assessment is the first thing you should do. Here are a few recommendations to help keep people with hearing aids and their loved ones safer whether or not they’re wearing their hearing aid.
1. Bring a friend with you when you go out
Bring someone with good hearing out with you if possible. If you need to go out alone, request that people come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Stay focused when you drive
It’s essential to remain focused when you’re driving because you can’t depend on your hearing as much for cues. Don’t use your phone or GPS while driving, just pull over if you need to reroute. If you suspect you have a problem with your hearing aid, come see us before getting behind the wheel.
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 reason to be embarrassed. Safety first!
3. Think about getting a service animal
You think of service animals as helpful for those with visual impairment, epilepsy, or other disorders. But they can also be really helpful to people who have auditory problems. You can be warned about danger by a service dog. They can inform you when someone is at your door.
They can assist you with your hearing problems and they are also wonderful companions.
4. Make a plan
Before an emergency comes about, prepare a plan. Discuss it with others. If you plan to go into the basement during a tornado, be certain your family knows where they’ll find you. Plan a specific location outside your house in the case of a fire.
This way, if something were to go wrong and you became trapped, family and emergency personnel can act rapidly to assist you.
5. When you’re driving, adjust to visual cues
Over time, it’s likely that your hearing loss has worsened. If your hearing aids aren’t regularly adjusted, you might find yourself relying more on your eyes. Be aware of flashing lights on the road since you may not hear sirens. When children or pedestrians are around, be extra alert.
6. Let friends and family know about your limitations
Nobody wants to disclose that they have hearing loss, but people in your life need to be aware of it. You might need to get to safety and people around you will be able to make you aware of something you might have missed. If they don’t know that you can’t hear, they will think that you hear it too.
7. Be diligent about the maintenance of your vehicle
Your car might start making strange sounds that your hearing loss stops you from detecting. These noises may suggest a mechanical problem with your vehicle. If dismissed, they can do long-term damage to your vehicle 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. Get 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, have your hearing tested annually. Don’t hesitate because of time constraints, money, or pride. Modern hearing aids are discreet, functional, and surprisingly affordable. A hearing aid can help you stay safer in many situations at home, work, park, shopping, and driving.