Living with hearing loss can be quite an adjustment for you and your family. In some cases, it can even be dangerous.
What if you can’t hear a smoke detector or somebody calling your name? If you have untreated hearing loss, you won’t hear those car sounds that could be signaling an impending hazard.
Don’t stress yourself out over the “what ifs”. The first thing that someone with neglected hearing loss should do is get a hearing exam. Here are some tips to help keep individuals with hearing aids and their families safer whether or not they are using their hearing aid.
1. Bring a friend with you when you leave the house
If possible, take somebody with you who is not dealing with hearing loss. If you have to go out alone, request that people come closer and look at you when they talk.
2. Stay focused when you drive
Because you can depend on your hearing less, it’s important to reduce other distractions when driving. Pull over if you need to plot a route and stay away from your phone and GPS. Before you drive, if you are concerned that you might have an issue with your hearing, call us for an evaluation.
Don’t feel embarrassed if you have to turn off the radio or ask passengers to stop talking during more critical moments of your drive. It’s better to err on the side of caution!
3. Consider a service animal
For people who have loss of vision, epilepsy, or other issues, a service dog seems obvious. But if you’re dealing with auditory issues, they can also be really helpful. You can be warned about danger by a service dog. They can let you know when somebody is at your door.
Not only can they assist you with these challenges, but they also make a wonderful companion.
4. Make a plan
Before an emergency happens, prepare a plan. Talk to others in your life about it. If you’re planning 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, emergency workers, and your family will know where to find if something were to go wrong.
5. When you’re driving, pay attention to visual clues
Over time, it’s likely that your hearing loss has worsened. If your hearing aids aren’t regularly adjusted, you might find yourself depending more on your eyes. You may not hear sirens so be aware of flashing lights. Be extra diligent when pedestrians are nearby.
6. Let family and friends know about your hearing trouble
No one wants to admit that they have hearing loss, but people close to you need to be aware of it. They can alert you to 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. Keep your car well-maintained
Your car may begin making unusual noises that your hearing loss stops you from detecting. These can signal a serious problem. Your car could take significant damage and your safety could be at risk if these noises aren’t addressed. It’s a smart 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 imperative thing you can do to stay safe. In order to know if you require a hearing aid, get your hearing screened annually. Don’t hesitate because of time constraints, money, or pride. Modern hearing aids are discreet, functional, and very affordable. A hearing aid can help you stay safer in all facets of your life.