Why let your summer be spoiled by flawed hearing? In the worse case you don’t know you have hearing loss. The slow decrease of hearing that comes with getting older and certain ear diseases will mean that you don’t always realize that there are some things you don’t hear anymore. If you love summer fun, then why would you want to miss out because you can’t hear that well? There are some solutions to your hearing loss that should get you right back out there having summer fun.
Summertime Cookouts
Loss of hearing will be challenging at summer barbecues. One of the hardest things is background noise. People are chatting everywhere. Kids might be playing in the yard or swimming pool. You get the sounds of nature such as singing birds, barking dogs, and the crackling sound of cooking on the grill.
Whatever hearing you may have left can’t contend with all that noise. Background noises will overtake someone who has hearing loss.
Here are a few ideas to help you compensate:
Some of the overpowering background noise can be reduced by finding a quiet place to sit for a while. You might need to look at peoples lips so put your back to the sun.
- You can turn down the volume of background music. You might make the decision not to have music if you are the host of the barbecue. If you are visiting somebody else’s barbecue, mention the issue to the host.
- Get away from time to time. Working to hear takes a lot of energy. Every hour or so go inside or away from all the noise.
- Let others know if you can’t hear. Don’t try to fake it because that can frustrate others. If you can’t hear what someone said, let them know. You can also make use of visual clues that you are struggling such as cupping your ear. Usually, people will move closer or speak louder to help you.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. The fact that you can’t take part in every discussion is something you need to accept. Alternatively, attempt to take part in smaller groups and set reasonable limits for yourself.
Go Outdoors
If you just remain indoors you won’t know what you’re missing. Don’t be afraid to walk outside the house and focus on the sounds of the natural world. You won’t hear everything, but with a little focus, you might be surprised by the sounds you can hear.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Chirping birds
- Insects buzzing
- Crickets at night
- Rustling leaves
- The rain falling
- People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
- Dogs barking
- Waves splashing
Manage expectations when going outdoors, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by trying to listen to one thing at a time.
Enjoy Day Trips or Even a Much Needed Vacation
Isn’t that what summer is all about? What sort of vacation do you enjoy? What restrictions come along with your hearing loss that will affect it? Sailing or fishing would be ideal but a theme park could be a bit too much stimulation. Spend a day walking around a nature preserve or possibly go to the zoo. Going to a museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk next to the beach are great choices.
You have an opportunity to travel this summer so you shouldn’t let your hearing loss take that away from you. Tell the airline about your condition when you get your ticket if you are flying. Inform the hotel, too, so they can offer you a room with accommodations for the hearing impaired including smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs that have closed captioning.
Improve Yourself
Look for methods to improve yourself this summer such as going to a fitness class or learning to paint. If you would like to find a spot in the front, be sure to get there early. Bring a friend or two with you and have them fill you in on what you might miss during the session.
Safety Precautions Should Be Taken This Summer
There are a couple of summer activities which require you to take safety measures to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- Taking care when by the pool or swimming. Make sure to protect your hearing aids from water damage and wear some earplugs when you go into the water to avoid ear infections.
- If you decide to take a walk after dark to appreciate the cool night air, take a friend with you. There are dangers like a car driving toward you or someone lurking close to you which you might not hear.
- Safeguard what hearing you may have left by using ear protection if you go to watch the fireworks for Independence Day or to an outdoor concert.
Making The Most of it This Summer
Three easy things will help you prevent most of these things.
- Get your ears checked by a hearing care specialist. It is possible that your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, so you know if you do have hearing loss.
- Get good-quality hearing aids. They will filter out any background noises so you will hear what is relevant.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t let hearing loss rob you of that.