Hearing, in addition to vision, is a major way we navigate driving. The sense of hearing allows us to detect hazards, car issues, and increases spatial awareness which is critical for road safety. For people with hearing loss, hearing aids provide ample support that maximizes hearing. In addition to wearing hearing aids, there are strategies you can integrate to increase safety while driving.
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Always Wear Hearing Aids While Driving
Wearing your hearing aids while driving is essential for your safety. Your device which is customized to meet your specific hearing needs maximizes your capacity to hear and process sound. This increases your spatial awareness which is critical for your safety while driving as well as the safety of others. Hearing aids allow you to better understand the environments you are driving through as well as hear hazardous sounds like sirens and honks. This allows you to be better prepared to navigate your surroundings. Be sure to also keep extra batteries in your car so that you do not have to deal with your hearing aids powering off while driving. Also, always make sure that your batteries are fully charged and ready to last the entire day.
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Reduce Background Noise
Background noise can be distracting. Being surrounded by excess noise provides your brain with more sound to process which can be overwhelming. To enhance focus, reduce background noise as much as you can. There are several ways you can do this including the following:
- turning down the radio, podcasts, or other sources of audio in the car
- if you are driving with others, asking them to speak quietly
- driving with the windows rolled up so you are exposed to less environmental noise
It is important to be as tuned into driving and road safety as much as possible and reducing background noise is a helpful way to do this.
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Minimize Distractions
Another effective way to enhance focus is by minimizing distractions. This includes avoiding activities like texting, eating, drinking, etc. while driving. It can be easy to think that you can send a quick message or answer the phone while in your car but these actions can be dangerous. If you need to perform a task, be sure to pull over so that your attention is not taken off the road. Multitasking while driving increases the risk of accidents so be sure to do all that you can to avoid being distracted!
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Keep Up With Hearing Aid Maintenance
Be sure that your hearing aids are always working optimally. A critical way to ensure that Your hearing aids are performing as effectively as they should be, by keeping up with maintenance. Hearing aids are highly durable devices that offer longevity but they can be impacted by daily wear and tare. This includes exposure to natural debris in the ears: earwax, moisture, dust, hair sweat, skin oils etc. It is important to prevent these substances from accumulating in your ears and on your device. This requires you to regularly and thoroughly clean your hearing aids. It is helpful to establish and practice a nightly routine that involves cleaning your hearing aids as well as storing them properly. It could also be useful to invest in accessories like a dehumidifier which helps keep your hearing aids dry. Another great practice for hearing aid maintenance is to get your hearing aids professionally cleaned every few months. These measures keep your hearing aids working optimally and increase their longevity.
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Enhance Visual Cues
Enhancing visual capacity is particularly helpful for people with hearing loss. There are ways you can enhance access to visual cues which also supports road safety. This includes:
- have your eyes and vision examined annually so that your ability to see is supported
- use a larger rear view mirror which expands range of sight and decreases blidspots
- Keep your windows and windshield clean so you are able to see as clearly as possible
Visual cues are important ways you receive information and make sense of your
environment so be sure to maximize your vision.
Lastly, be sure to have your hearing assessed at least annually! We provide comprehensive hearing health services and we look forward to serving you. If you are ready to address your hearing health, contact us today!
