Hearing loss is a widespread challenge for older people, but does it require quitting driving? Driving habits differ amongst different people so the response isn’t straightforward.
Even if some adjustments need to be made to the volume of the radio, hearing loss shouldn’t mean a competent driver has to stop driving.
Whether hearing loss presents a risk while driving is an important consideration for individuals planning regular 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 huge impact on your ability to drive…yet. That day is coming, though, if you choose to simply disregard your decline.
There is a strong connection between hearing health and brain health, as reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine. The brain has to work overtime fighting to hear, which causes it to have fewer resources for other day-to-day activities. It is a contributing factor to brain atrophy, which leads to dementia. An individual suffering from dementia certainly can’t drive.
If you have hearing loss, can you still drive?
Driving requires good observational skills and some of that is auditory, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drive if you have hearing loss. The Center for Hearing and Communication estimates around 48 million Americans have substantial hearing loss, and a good portion of them still drive.
Guidelines for driving if you have hearing loss
You can still be a safe driver if you make some adjustments and follow these guidelines.
Stop procrastinating
Come in to see us for a hearing exam and find out if hearing aids will help your condition. Hearing aids can help get rid of the “should I be driving with hearing loss” question.
When you drive, be more aware
Even if you have hearing aids, you will still need to be a more aware driver to ensure you’re not missing anything in or around your vehicle.
Don’t let it get too noisy in your car
This will allow you to focus your listening on driving without distractions. Turn the radio off or down and ask your passengers to keep the chatter to a minimum.
Learn to look at your dashboard frequently
When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can mount up. For instance, you will no longer hear that clicking sound that tells you that your turn signal is on. You will have to rely on your eyes to compensate, so get in the habit of checking your dashboard to see what your car is trying to tell you.
Keep your vehicle well maintained
You might not hear that rattling noise under the hood anymore or the warning alarm telling you there is a problem with your engine or another essential component. Get your car serviced regularly so you can avoid this major safety risk. That’s a good 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. You might not hear emergency sirens, for example, so if the cars are pulling off to the side, you should as well. 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? That’s up to you. 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 nervous, though, then it’s time to come see us and find a treatment to improve your situation, like using hearing aids.
Come in and let us help you improve your quality of life by exploring the hearing solutions that will be appropriate for your distinctive hearing situation.
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References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss