While hearing loss doesn’t impact the ability to drive the same way vision loss does, it can still create safety barriers. Even a mild hearing loss can affect your ability to hear sirens, horns and other warning signs over the sound of the car engine and the passengers. Below are six tips for staying aware of your surroundings for drivers with hearing loss.
Always Wear Your Hearing Aids
If you have hearing aids, wear them every time you’re in the car. Not only will this help you be more aware of your surroundings, but you’ll get the most benefit out of your devices when you wear them consistently during all waking hours.
Charge/Change Batteries Before a Trip
Not only should you make sure to wear your hearing aids, it’s important to make sure they’re charged or have fresh batteries, especially when you’re planning a longer road trip. The last thing you want is for your devices to die when you’re on the highway.
Keep the Radio Low or Off
While music can help pass the time during a trip, it can be distracting and keep you from hearing important warning sounds. If having the radio on is very important to you, be sure to keep it at the lowest volume you can hear.
Get a Large Rearview Mirror
Some states require people with hearing loss to install a large rearview mirror in their car. Eliminating blind spots and having a wider view can help compensate for hearing loss by allowing you to have a better view of the road and see potential approaching lights from emergency vehicles.
Turn up the Volume of the GPS
Looking down at the GPS on your phone or dashboard takes your attention off the road and puts you in potential danger. Instead, having loud verbal cues can help keep you focused on watching the road for potential hazards.
Keep the Window Closed
Wind and water are bad for hearing aids, so keeping the window up will help preserve their lifespan. It is a good idea to keep the window closed even during warm, dry days in order to better hear without noise from the wind.
For more tips about hearing loss or to schedule an appointment to be fit with hearing aids, call Decibel Hearing today!