Is hearing loss interfering with your summertime fun? Most likely it’s much worse if you’re not aware of it. A few ear diseases and aging carry a slow decline of hearing that you may not even detect. If you really love summer fun, then why would you want to miss out because you don’t hear that well? Look for solutions to the challenges which come along with loss of hearing, so you can go out there and enjoy the fun with all your friends.
Summer Barbecues
Hearing loss will be tricky at summer barbecues. To begin with, there is a lot of background noise. There are so many conversations happening around you. Kids might be having fun in the yard or yelling in the swimming pool. You get the sounds of nature like singing birds, barking dogs, and the crackling sound of food cooking on the grill.
If you do have some measure of loss of hearing, all of these various noises and sounds can be extremely frustrating. This type of background noise will easily overwhelm someone who has hearing loss.
Here are a few ideas to help you compensate:
Some of the overpowering background noise can be minimized by going to a quiet place to sit for a while. Turning away from the sun will permit you to look at people when they talk and use their lips to figure out words you miss.
- Shut off the background music or turn it down, at least. If you are hosting the barbecue, you can just choose not to have any music. Let the host know about your issue if you are going to someone else’s barbecue.
- Walk away from time to time. It can be tiring when you are struggling to hear. Go indoors and away from everyone for a few minutes every hour and sit somewhere quiet to recharge.
- Inform others that you can’t hear. Don’t try to fake it because that can irritate others. Let people know when you can’t hear them. You should also make use of visual hints that you are struggling such as cupping your ear. They will quickly get closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t try to hear everything. Engaging in every discussion is not a possibility. Alternatively, try to participate in smaller groups of people and set sensible limits for yourself.
Head Outdoors
Do you really know what you might be missing outside? Don’t be frightened to walk outside the house and focus on the sounds of the natural world. You won’t be able to hear everything, but with a little focus, you may be surprised by the things you can hear.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Singing birds
- Buzzing insects
- Crickets at night
- The leaves blowing
- Rain on your roof
- Kids running around and playing
- Barking dogs
- Splashing waves
If you only try to listen to one thing at a time, you can manage your expectations every time you go outside, head to the beach or walk in the park.
Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip
That’s truly what summertime is meant for, isn’t it? Decide what type of vacation you would like and if there are constraints that come along with your hearing loss. As an example, a theme park might be a little too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work nicely. Spend a day walking around a nature preserve or possibly go to the zoo. Walk on the boardwalk by the beach or go to a museum.
Don’t let your loss of hearing take away your chance to travel this summer. Tell the airline about your condition when you get your ticket if you are flying. Inform the hotel or resort, as well, so they can give you a room with accommodations for the hearing impaired including smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.
Work on Yourself
Learn how to paint or perhaps take an exercise class to better yourself this summer. If you would like to find a place up front, get there early. Take a couple of friends with you and have them fill you in on what you might miss during the session.
Take Safety Measures This Summer
There are a couple of summertime traditions that require you to take safety measures to protect yourself, your ears, and any costly hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- When you are enjoying the pool or beach, play it safe. Keep your hearing aids dry and put in earplugs when you go in the water.
- Take someone with you when you go on those nice evening walks. There are potential risks such as a car or truck driving toward you or someone lurking near you which you probably won’t hear.
- Use ear protection at fireworks shows and at live shows.
Making The Most of it This Summer
These summertime difficulties can be largely avoided by doing three simple things.
- Have your ears examined by a hearing care specialist. It is possible your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, so you know if you do actually have hearing loss.
- Get good-quality hearing aids. They can filter out background noises so you will hear what’s important.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t allow the loss of hearing take it away from you.
