Lots of older individuals experience hearing loss, but does that mean it’s hazardous for them to drive? Driving habits differ amongst different individuals so the response isn’t clear-cut.
Even if some adjustments have to be made to the radio volume, hearing loss shouldn’t mean a skilled driver has to quit driving.
For individuals who commute on a regular basis the question of whether hearing loss poses a threat while driving is an important consideration. Is your hearing loss making you a hazardous driver?
Think beyond driving…
Early stage hearing loss likely won’t negatively impact your driving, but if it goes untreated, driving will become increasingly unsafe.
There is a solid link between hearing health and brain health, as reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine. The brain has to work extra hard fighting to hear, which causes it to have fewer resources for other everyday tasks. It is a contributing factor to brain atrophy, which leads to dementia. Somebody suffering from dementia certainly can’t drive.
Should you drive with hearing loss?
Driving requires good observational skills and some of that is auditory, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drive if you have hearing loss. The Center for Hearing and Communication estimates about 48 million Americans have substantial hearing loss, and a good portion of them still drive.
Driving with hearing loss
With a few adjustments, you can still remain safe on the road. Here are some tips.
Quit procrastinating
Visit us, get a hearing test, and think about how hearing aids can help things for you. The question of whether you should be driving can be removed by using hearing aids.
When you drive, be more observant
You will still need to be aware of 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 help you be less distracted. Ask your passengers to talk more quietly and keep the radio down or off.
Learn to check your dashboard frequently
It’s the little things that will add up when you drive with hearing loss. For example, you will no longer hear that clicking sound that lets you know that your turn signal is on. You will have to rely on your eyes to compensate, so get used to scanning your dashboard to see what your car is attempting to tell you.
Keep your vehicle well maintained
Maybe your car is making a weird noise in the engine but you are unable to hear it. Have your car serviced regularly so you can prevent this significant safety hazard. For individuals with hearing loss, this is crucial, even more so than it would be for somebody 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. You might 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? That’s up to you. Your other senses will normally adjust to help keep you safe, which means it is feasible to drive safely even if your hearing has started to go. But if you’re feeling worried about it, make an appointment to come see if we can help you improve your situation, possibly with hearing aids.
Come in and let us help you better your quality of life by exploring the hearing options that will be suited to 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