Hearing loss is a common challenge for older individuals, but does it merit giving up driving? The response isn’t straightforward, as driving habits vary among individuals.
Even if some adjustments need to be made to the volume of the radio, hearing loss shouldn’t mean a seasoned driver has to stop driving.
For individuals who commute frequently the question of whether hearing loss presents a threat while driving is an important consideration. Is your driving becoming hazardous because of hearing loss?
Think beyond driving…
Early stage hearing loss likely won’t negatively impact your driving, but if it’s neglected, driving will become progressively more dangerous.
Johns Hopkins Medicine reports there is a definite connection between hearing and brain health. The brain has to work overtime 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. Driving is definitely out of the question for somebody who has dementia.
If you have hearing loss, can you still drive?
Driving demands strong observational skills and some of that is auditory, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drive if you have hearing loss. Among the approximately 48 million Americans who suffer from hearing loss, most of them still drive as reported by the Center for Hearing Communication.
Guidelines for driving if you have hearing loss
You can still be a safe driver if you make some adjustments and follow these guidelines.
Quit putting off
Visit us, have your hearing tested, 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.
When you drive, be more observant
Even with hearing aids, you will still need to be a more observant driver to make sure you aren’t missing anything in or surrounding 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 chatter to a minimum.
Remember to check your dashboard frequently
When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can mount up. You may not be capable of hearing that clicking noise that your turn signal makes, for instance. So routinely check your dashboard because your eyes will have to pick up the slack.
Make maintenance a priority
Maybe your car is making a strange noise in the engine but you can’t hear it. That is a significant safety risk, so make a point of getting your car serviced routinely. That’s a good plan for most individuals but a necessity if you are driving with hearing loss.
Watch the other cars closely
Of course, you would do that anyway, but you want to watch for signs you might be missing something. You may not hear emergency sirens, for instance, so if the cars are pulling off to the side, you should as well. Use the actions of other drivers to get some visual hints about traffic patterns around you.
Can you drive with hearing loss? It’s really a personal choice. Your other senses will usually adjust to help keep you safe, which means it is feasible to drive safely even if your hearing is beginning to go. If the idea makes you uneasy, though, then it’s time to consult 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 appropriate for your distinctive hearing situation.
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss
