Lots of older people have hearing loss, but does that mean it’s hazardous for them to drive? Driving habits vary amongst different individuals so the response isn’t straightforward.
Even if some adjustments need to be made to the radio volume, hearing loss shouldn’t mean a competent driver needs to quit driving.
For people who commute on a regular basis the question of whether hearing loss creates a threat while driving is an important consideration. Is your hearing loss making you a dangerous driver?
Think beyond driving…
If you are detecting hearing loss, it won’t have a significant impact on your driving ability…yet. That day is coming, though, if you choose to simply disregard your decline.
Johns Hopkins Medicine has found there is a definite connection between hearing and brain health. Struggling to hear forces the brain to use valuable resources just to comprehend what people are saying. It is a contributing factor to brain atrophy, which results in dementia. Driving is definitely out of the question for a person with dementia.
Should you drive with hearing loss?
You can still drive with hearing loss, but it should be mentioned that safe driving requires good observational skills and this includes auditory awareness. The Center for Hearing and Communication reports that around 48 million Americans have significant hearing loss, and a good portion of them still drive.
Driving with hearing loss
With some adjustments, you can still stay safe on the road. Here are some tips.
Quit putting off
Visit us, get a hearing test, and consider how hearing aids can change things for you. The question of whether you should be driving can be removed by using hearing aids.
Be a more aware driver
You will still need to be aware of what’s going on around your vehicle even if you use hearing aids.
Don’t let it get too noisy in your car
This will help you be less distracted. Ask your passengers to chat more quietly and keep the radio down or off.
Keep an eye on your dash lights
It’s the little things that will add up when you drive with hearing loss. You may not be able to hear that clicking sound that your turn signal makes, for instance. So routinely check your dashboard because your eyes will have to pick up the slack.
Keep your vehicle well maintained
Maybe your car is making a weird noise in the engine but you can’t hear it. That is a major safety hazard, so make a point of having your car serviced routinely. That’s a good idea for most individuals but a necessity if you are driving with hearing loss.
Pay close attention to other vehicles around you
This is a no-brainer for everyone but if you have hearing loss it’s even more poignant. If you see other cars pulling off the road, you should do that as well because you might have missed the sirens. watch to see how other drivers are reacting to their surroundings to get clues on what you may not be hearing.
Can you drive with hearing loss? It’s really a personal choice. It is possible to be a safe driver even if your hearing isn’t what it once was because odds are your other senses will help you make the adjustment. If the idea makes you uneasy, though, then it’s time to come see us and find a solution to improve your situation, like using hearing aids.
Give us a call today to schedule your hearing exam and investigate hearing aid options for your distinctive lifestyle.
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss
