Hearing loss is a widespread challenge for older individuals, but does it merit quitting driving? The response isn’t straightforward, as driving habits differ among individuals.
While hearing loss is a factor to think about when operating a vehicle, a skilled driver remains proficient even if they need to adjust the volume on the radio.
Whether hearing loss presents a risk while driving is a crucial consideration for those planning regular commutes or winter road trips. Is your hearing loss making you a unsafe driver?
Think beyond driving…
If you are detecting hearing loss, it won’t have a substantial impact on your driving ability…yet. That day is coming, though, if you choose to simply dismiss your decline.
Johns Hopkins Medicine reports there is a definite relationship between hearing and brain health. The brain has to work extra hard struggling to hear, which causes it to have fewer resources for other day-to-day activities. It is a contributing factor to brain atrophy, which results in dementia. An individual 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 noted that safe driving requires good observational skills and this includes auditory awareness. Among the approximately 48 million Americans who have hearing loss, the majority of them still drive according to the Center for Hearing Communication.
Driving with hearing loss
You can still be a safe driver if you make some adjustments and use these tips.
Quit putting off
Come in to see us for a hearing exam and find out if hearing aids will help your situation. Hearing aids can help remove the “should I be driving with hearing loss” question.
Be a more aware driver
Even with hearing aids, you will still need to be a more aware driver to ensure you aren’t missing anything in or around your vehicle.
Keep the noise down inside your car
This will help you be less distracted. Turn the radio off or down and ask your passengers to keep the chit-chat to a minimum.
Remember to check your dashboard often
When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can mount up. For instance, you won’t hear that clicking noise that lets you know that your turn signal is blinking. You will have to depend on your eyes to pick up the slack, so get in the habit of scanning your dashboard to see what your car is trying to tell you.
Keep your vehicle well maintained
You may not hear that rattling noise under the hood anymore or the warning alarm telling you there is an issue with your engine or another critical component. That is a significant safety risk, so make a point of having your car serviced routinely. For individuals with hearing loss, this is crucial, even more so than it would be for someone without hearing loss.
Pay 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 to the side of the road, you should do that too because you might have missed the sirens. Use the behavior of other drivers to get some visual clues about traffic patterns around you.
Can you drive with hearing loss? It’s really a personal decision. It is possible to be a safe driver even if your hearing is not what it once was because most likely your other senses will help you make the adjustment. If the idea makes you nervous, though, then it’s time to come see us and find a treatment to improve your situation, like wearing hearing aids.
Come in and let us help you better your quality of life by looking at the hearing options that will be appropriate for your distinctive hearing situation.
Call Today to Set Up an Appointment
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss
