Hearing loss is a common challenge for older individuals, but does it require quitting driving? The response isn’t clear-cut, as driving habits vary among individuals.
While hearing loss is a component to think about when driving a vehicle, a competent driver is still capable even if they need to adjust the radio volume.
Whether hearing loss poses a risk while driving is a crucial consideration for those planning regular commutes or winter road trips. Is your hearing loss making you a dangerous driver?
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 just disregard your decline.
Johns Hopkins Medicine reports there is a definite relationship between hearing and brain health. The brain has to work extra hard struggling to hear, which causes it to have fewer resources for other day-to-day tasks. It has a detrimental effect on cognition and can play a role in the onset of dementia. Driving is definitely off the table for someone with dementia.
If you have hearing loss, can you still drive?
You can still drive with hearing loss, but it should be noted that safe driving demands good observational skills and this includes auditory awareness. The Center for Hearing and Communication estimates about 48 million Americans have significant hearing loss, and a good number of them still drive.
Tips for driving if you have hearing loss
With a few adjustments, you can still stay safe on the road. Here are some tips.
Quit procrastinating
Visit us, get a hearing test, and consider how hearing aids can change things for you. Hearing aids can help remove the “should I be driving with hearing loss” question.
When you drive, be more aware
Even if you have hearing aids, you will still need to be a more aware driver to ensure you’re not missing anything in or around your vehicle.
Don’t let it get too noisy in your car
This will help you be less distracted. Ask your passengers to chat more quietly and keep the radio down or off.
Learn to check your dashboard often
It’s the little things that will add up when you drive with hearing loss. For example, you won’t hear that clicking noise that tells you that your turn signal is on. So routinely check your dashboard because your eyes will have to pick up the slack.
Keep your vehicle well maintained
Perhaps your car is making a strange noise in the engine but you can’t hear it. That is a major safety risk, so make a point of getting your car serviced routinely. That’s a good idea for most people but a necessity if you are driving with hearing loss.
Watch the other cars closely
This is a no-brainer for everybody but if you have hearing loss it’s even more poignant. If you see other cars pulling to the side of the road, you should do that also because you may have missed the sirens. 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? It’s really a personal choice. 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. But if you’re feeling concerned about it, schedule an appointment to come see if we can help you improve your situation, possibly with hearing aids.
Contact us today to schedule your hearing exam and investigate hearing aid solutions 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
