Hearing loss is a common challenge for older individuals, but does it merit quitting driving? Driving habits differ amongst different individuals so the response isn’t straightforward.
Even if some adjustments need to be made to the radio volume, hearing loss shouldn’t mean a seasoned driver has to quit driving.
For people who commute frequently the question of whether hearing loss presents a threat while driving is an important consideration. Is your driving becoming unsafe because of hearing loss?
Think beyond driving…
If you are noticing hearing loss, it won’t have a significant impact on your ability to drive…yet. That day is coming, though, if you choose to just dismiss your decline.
There is a solid connection between hearing health and brain health, as reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Struggling to hear forces your brain to use valuable resources just to comprehend what individuals are saying. It is a contributing factor to brain atrophy, which leads to dementia. Driving is certainly off the table for somebody who has dementia.
Should you drive if you have hearing loss?
You can still drive with hearing loss, but it should be mentioned that safe driving requires strong observational skills including auditory awareness. The Center for Hearing and Communication reports that about 48 million Americans have significant hearing loss, and a good portion of them still drive.
Driving with hearing loss
With a few adjustments, you can still stay safe on the road. Here are some tips.
Quit putting off
Come in to see us for a hearing exam and find out if hearing aids will help your condition. Hearing aids can help remove the “should I be driving with hearing loss” question.
Be a more aware driver
You will still need to be observant about what’s going on around your vehicle even if you use hearing aids.
Don’t let it get too loud in your car
This will allow you to focus your listening on driving without being distracted. Turn the radio off or down and ask your passengers to keep the chit-chat to a minimum.
Keep an eye on your dash lights
When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can add up. For example, you won’t hear that clicking noise that tells you that your turn signal is blinking. You will have to depend on your eyes to compensate, so get in the habit of scanning your dashboard to see what your car is attempting to tell you.
Keep your vehicle well maintained
Maybe your car is making a strange noise in the engine but you are unable to hear it. Get your car serviced routinely so you can avoid this significant safety hazard. For individuals with hearing loss, this is important, even more so than it would be for someone who doesn’t have hearing loss.
Pay attention to other vehicles around you
Obviously, you would do that anyway, but you want to look for signs you may be missing something. If you see other cars pulling to the side of the road, you should do that also because you might have missed the sirens. Look to see how other drivers are responding to their surroundings to get clues on what you may not be hearing.
Can you drive when you have hearing loss? It’s really a personal decision. It is possible to be a safe driver even if your hearing isn’t what it used to be because odds are your other senses will help you make the adjustment. 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 options 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
