Hearing loss is a common challenge for older individuals, but does it require quitting driving? Driving habits differ amongst different people so the response isn’t clear-cut.
While hearing loss is a factor to think about when driving a vehicle, a seasoned driver remains capable even if they need to adjust the radio volume.
Whether hearing loss presents a risk while driving is a critical consideration for individuals planning everyday commutes or winter road trips. Is your driving becoming hazardous because of hearing loss?
Think beyond driving…
If you are detecting hearing loss, it won’t have a substantial impact on your ability to drive…yet. That day is coming, though, if you decide to simply ignore your decline.
Johns Hopkins Medicine reports there is a distinct link between hearing and brain health. Struggling to hear forces your brain to use valuable resources just to comprehend what individuals are saying. It has a detrimental effect on cognition and can play a role in the onset of dementia. Somebody suffering from dementia definitely can’t drive.
Should you drive with hearing loss?
You can continue to drive with hearing loss, but it should be mentioned that safe driving requires strong observational skills and this includes auditory awareness. Among the approximately 48 million Americans who have hearing loss, the majority of them still drive as reported by the Center for Hearing Communication.
Driving with hearing loss
With a few adjustments, you can still continue to be safe on the road. Here are some tips.
Quit procrastinating
Come in to see us for a hearing exam and find out if hearing aids will help your condition. The question of whether you should be driving can be eliminated by using hearing aids.
Be a more observant driver
Even with hearing aids, you will still need to be a more aware driver to ensure you’re not missing anything in or surrounding your vehicle.
Keep the noise down inside your car
This will let you focus your listening on driving without distractions. Ask your passengers to talk more quietly and keep the radio down or off.
Remember to check your dashboard often
It’s the little things that will add up when you drive with hearing loss. For example, you won’t hear that clicking sound that tells you that your turn signal is on. You will have to depend on your eyes to pick up the slack, so get used to scanning your dashboard to see what your car is attempting to tell you.
Make maintenance a priority
Maybe your car is making a strange noise in the engine but you are unable to hear it. That is a significant safety risk, so make a point of having your car serviced regularly. That’s a smart plan for most individuals but a necessity if you are driving with hearing loss.
Watch the other cars closely
This is a no-brainer for everybody but if you have hearing loss it’s even more poignant. If you see other cars pulling off the road, you should do that too because you might have missed the sirens. watch to see how other drivers are responding to their surroundings to get hints on what you may not be hearing.
Can you drive when you have hearing loss? It’s really a personal choice. Your other senses will usually adjust to help keep you safe, which means it is possible to drive safely even if your hearing is beginning to go. If the thought of this makes you uneasy, though, then it’s time to come see us and find a solution to improve your situation, like wearing hearing aids.
Come in and let us help you improve your quality of life by exploring the hearing solutions that will be suited to your unique hearing situation.
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss
