Living with hearing loss can be quite an adjustment for you and your family members. It can also come with some dangers.
What’s going to happen if you can’t hear a smoke detector or someone yelling your name? Car sounds can indicate dangers ahead, but if you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t be able to hear them.
But the “what ifs” aren’t something you should stress over. The first thing that somebody with neglected hearing loss needs to do is get a hearing test. Here are a few recommendations to help keep individuals with hearing aids and their loved ones safer whether or not they’re wearing their hearing aid.
1. Take a friend with you when you go out
If possible, take somebody with you who isn’t dealing with hearing loss. If that’s not possible, request that people face you when speaking to you so that they are easier to hear.
2. Stay focused when you’re driving
It’s important to remain focused while 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. Before you drive, if you are concerned that you may 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 reason to be embarrassed. It’s better to err on the side of caution!
3. Think about getting a service dog
For people who have loss of vision, epilepsy, or other problems, a service dog seems obvious. But they can also be very helpful to individuals with auditory issues. You can be alerted to danger by a service dog. They can let you know when somebody is at your door.
Not only can they assist you with these problems, but they also make a wonderful companion.
4. Make a plan
Before an emergency happens, make a plan. Talk to others in your life about it. If you’re planning to go into the basement during a tornado, be sure your family knows where they’ll find you. Plan a specific location outside your house in the case of a fire.
This way, emergency workers, and your family will know where you will be if something were to go wrong.
5. When you’re driving, pay attention to visual clues
Your hearing loss has likely worsened over time. If your hearing aids aren’t regularly adjusted, you might find yourself depending more on your eyes. Be alert to flashing lights on the road since you may not hear sirens. Be extra attentive when pedestrians are nearby.
6. Let family and friends know about your limitations
Nobody wants to disclose that they have hearing impairment, but those close to you need to be aware of it. They can warn you about something you might not hear so that you can go to safety. They probably won’t bother alerting you if they think 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 hearing. These can indicate a serious problem. Your car could take serious damage and your safety might be in danger 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
If you want to stay safe, having your hearing loss treated is crucial. In order to know if you need to get a hearing aid, have your hearing tested yearly. Don’t delay 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 all aspects of your life.