Hearing loss is a widespread challenge for older individuals, but does it merit quitting driving? The response isn’t clear-cut, as driving habits vary among individuals.
While hearing loss is a component to consider when operating a vehicle, a competent driver remains capable even if they need to adjust the volume on the radio.
For individuals who commute on a regular basis the question of whether hearing loss poses a threat while driving is an important consideration. 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 ignore your decline.
There is a strong link between hearing health and brain health, as reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Struggling to hear forces the brain to use valuable resources just to understand what individuals are saying. It is a contributing factor to brain atrophy, which results in dementia. Driving is certainly out of the question for a person who has dementia.
Should you drive with hearing loss?
Driving requires robust observational skills and some of that is auditory, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drive with hearing loss. The Center for Hearing and Communication estimates about 48 million Americans have significant hearing loss, and a good portion of them still drive.
Tips for driving if you have hearing loss
You can still be a safe driver if you make some adjustments and follow these guidelines.
Quit procrastinating
Visit us, get a hearing test, and think about how hearing aids can change things for you. Hearing aids can help eliminate the “should I be driving with hearing loss” question.
Be a more observant driver
You will still need to be aware of what’s happening around your vehicle even if you have hearing aids.
Keep the noise down inside your car
This will help you be less distracted. Ask your passengers to talk more quietly and keep the radio down or off.
Keep an eye on your dash lights
When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can mount up. You might not be capable of hearing that clicking sound that your turn signal makes, for instance. So regularly look at your dashboard because your eyes will have to pick up the slack.
Make maintenance a priority
You may not hear that rattling noise under the hood now or the warning alarm alerting you to an issue with your engine or another crucial component. That is a major safety risk, so make a point of getting your car serviced routinely. That’s a good idea for most individuals but a necessity if you are driving with hearing loss.
Pay attention to other vehicles around you
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 as well because you might have missed the sirens. Use the behavior of other drivers to get some visual hints about traffic patterns around you.
Can you drive with hearing loss? That’s up to you. 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. But if you’re feeling worried about it, schedule an appointment to come see if we can help you better your situation, possibly with hearing aids.
Contact us today to schedule your hearing test and investigate hearing aid options for your unique lifestyle.
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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