Many older people experience hearing loss, but does that mean it’s unsafe for them to drive? Driving habits vary amongst different people so the response isn’t straightforward.
Even if some adjustments need to be made to the radio volume, hearing loss shouldn’t mean a skilled driver has to quit driving.
For individuals who commute frequently the question of whether hearing loss presents a threat while driving is a significant consideration. Is your driving becoming dangerous because of hearing loss?
Think beyond driving…
If you are noticing hearing loss, it won’t have a substantial impact on your driving ability…yet. That day is coming, though, if you choose to simply disregard your decline.
There is a solid link 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 people are saying. It is a contributing factor to brain atrophy, which leads to dementia. Somebody suffering from dementia certainly can’t drive.
Should you drive if you have hearing loss?
You can continue to drive with hearing loss, but it should be noted that safe driving demands good observational skills including auditory awareness. Among the approximately 48 million Americans who have hearing loss, most of them still drive as reported by the Center for Hearing Communication.
Guidelines for driving if you have hearing loss
You can still be a safe driver if you make some adjustments and follow these guidelines.
Quit procrastinating
Come in to see us for a hearing exam and find out if hearing aids will help your condition. The question of whether you should be driving can be eliminated by using hearing aids.
When you drive, be more aware
You will still need to be observant about what’s happening around your vehicle even if you use hearing aids.
Keep the noise down inside 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.
Remember to look at your dashboard frequently
When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can add up. For example, you will no longer hear that clicking noise that tells you that your turn signal is blinking. So routinely check your dashboard because your eyes will have to compensate.
Keep your vehicle well maintained
You may not hear that rattling noise under the hood anymore or the warning alarm alerting you to a problem with your engine or another crucial component. Get your car serviced routinely so you can prevent 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 close attention to other vehicles around you
Obviously, you would do that anyway, but you want to watch for signs you may be missing something. You may not hear emergency sirens, for instance, so if the cars are pulling over to the side, you should as well. watch to see how other drivers are responding to their surroundings to get clues on what you may not be hearing.
So is it possible to safely drive when you have hearing loss? That’s up to you. Your other senses will usually adjust to help keep you safe, which means it is feasible to drive safely even if your hearing is beginning to go. If the idea makes you uneasy, though, then it’s time to consult us and find a treatment to improve your situation, like using hearing aids.
Contact us today to schedule your hearing test and investigate hearing aid options for your distinctive lifestyle.
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss