Is hearing loss getting in the way of your summer fun? If you’re not aware of your hearing loss, it’s even worse. A few ear diseases and aging can bring a prolonged loss of hearing that you might not even recognize. When you don’t hear as well it’s very likely that you won’t participate in many exciting summer activities. There are some solutions to your hearing loss that will get you back out there having summer fun.
Summer Barbecues
Summertime cookouts do get a bit challenging when you have loss of hearing. One of the most challenging things is background noise. There are a lot of conversations going on around you. Kids might be having fun in the yard or yelling in the pool. You get the sounds of nature like singing birds, barking dogs, and the sound of cooking on the grill.
If you do have some degree of loss of hearing, all of these noises and sounds will be very frustrating. Background sounds will overwhelm someone who has hearing decline.
There are some things you can do to compensate such as:
Sitting in a quiet spot for short periods will help get rid of some of that overwhelming background noise. Turning away from the sun will permit you to see people when they are talking and read their lips to figure out words you miss.
- You can turn down the volume of background music. You could choose to go without the music if you are the host of the barbecue. When you are at other peoples barbecues be sure to tell the host that you have hearing difficulties.
- Walk away from time to time. It takes a lot of energy struggling to hear. Go indoors and away from everyone for a few minutes every hour and sit somewhere quiet to recharge.
- Let people know if you can’t hear. People will get frustrated when you attempt to fake it. Let people know when you can’t hear them. Visual clues such as cupping your ears will help others realize that you’re having a problem hearing. They will quickly move closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t try to hear everything. The fact that you can’t participate in every conversation is something you need to understand. As an alternative, attempt to engage in smaller groups and set sensible limits for yourself.
Head Outdoors
What might you be missing by staying inside? Don’t be afraid to step outside the house and concentrate on the sounds of nature. No, you won’t be capable of hearing everything but with a little concentration, you might hear more than you might think.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Chirping birds
- Buzzing insects
- Evening crickets
- Rustling leaves
- Falling rain
- Kids running around and playing
- Dogs barking
- Splashing waves
Manage expectations when going outside, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by trying to hear one thing at a time.
Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip
Isn’t that what summer is all about? What type of vacation would you enjoy? What constraints come with your hearing loss that will affect it? Sailing or fishing would be perfect but a theme park might be a little too much. Spend the day walking around a nature preserve or alternatively go to the zoo. A museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk next to the beach are great choices.
You have a chance to travel this summer so don’t let your hearing loss take that away from you. If you are flying, tell the airline that you have hearing loss when you buy your ticket. Alert the hotel, also, so they can give you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired like smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.
Improve Yourself
Look for ways to better yourself this summer such as taking an exercise class or learning to paint. If you would like to find a spot in the front, get there early. Bring a friend or two with you and let them fill you in on what you are missing during the session.
Take Safety Measures This Summer
There are a number of summertime traditions which require you to take safeguards to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- While you are enjoying the pool or beach, make sure you play it safe. Keep your hearing aids dry and wear earplugs while swimming.
- Take a friend with you when you go on those pleasant evening walks. You may miss the warning sounds from potential dangers such as oncoming vehicles or maybe even a frightening stranger walking up from behind you.
- Use ear protection at fireworks shows and at concerts.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
These summer difficulties can be largely averted by doing three simple things.
- Get your ears checked by a hearing specialist. It may be possible your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, to determine if you do have hearing loss.
- Get good-quality hearing aids. They can filter out background noises so that you hear what is relevant.
Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t let hearing loss rob you of that.