Should you just remain indoors and lose out on summer just because you can’t hear very well? The worse thing is when you don’t know you have loss of hearing. Certain ear conditions and aging carry a slow decline of hearing which you may not even recognize. If you love summer fun, then why would you choose to get left behind because you don’t hear very well? Look for solutions to the difficulties that come along with loss of hearing, so you can go out there and enjoy the good times with all your friends.
Summertime Cookouts
Barbecuing during the summer may be difficult when you have hearing loss. Background noise is one big problem. People are conversing everywhere. Kids could be playing in the grass or swimming pool. You get the sounds of nature including singing birds, barking dogs, and the crackling sound of cooking on the grill.
If you do have some degree of loss of hearing, all of these various noises and sounds can be extremely challenging. Background sounds will overtake someone with hearing loss.
Try to do these things to compensate:
Some of the overpowering background noise can be lessened by going to a quiet place to sit for a while. You may need to see peoples lips so turn your back to the sun.
- Shut off any background music or turn it down, at least. You could make the decision to go without the music if you are the host of the barbecue. If you are going to somebody else’s cookout, explain the issue to the host.
- Now and then just walk away. Struggling to hear takes a lot of energy. Every hour or so try to go inside or away from all the noise.
- Inform others that you can’t hear. It’s aggravating for you and people near you if you try to fake it. If you don’t hear what someone said, let them know. Cupping your ear and other visual clues can suggest that you can’t hear to others. They will automatically get closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. Actively taking part in every conversation is not an option. As an alternative, attempt to engage in small groups of people and set practical limits for yourself.
Go Outdoors
Do you really understand what you are missing outside? Don’t be frightened to step outside the house and focus on the sounds of the natural world. No, you won’t be capable of hearing everything but with a little focus, you may hear more than you think possible.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Singing birds
- Insects buzzing
- Crickets in the evening
- Blowing leaves
- Falling rain
- Kids running around and playing
- Dogs barking
- Waves splashing
Temper expectations when going outdoors, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by attempting to hear one thing at a time.
Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip
Isn’t that what summer is meant for? What sort of vacation would you enjoy? What limitations come along with your hearing loss that will affect it? As an example, an amusement park may be a bit too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work nicely. Spend the 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 excellent choices.
You have a chance to travel this summer so don’t let your hearing loss take that away from you. If you’re going to fly, inform the airline that you have hearing loss when you get the ticket. Inform the hotel, too, so they can give you a room with accommodations for the hearing impaired including smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs that have closed captioning.
Work on Yourself
Learn how to paint or take a fitness class to improve yourself this summer. Arrive early, so that you can find a spot up front. If you miss anything, it would be good to bring a couple of friends with you to fill in the blanks.
This Summer You Should Take Safety Precautions
There are a number of summertime traditions that require you to take safety measures to protect yourself, your ears, and any costly hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- Playing it safe while by the pool or swimming. Make sure you protect your hearing aids from water damage and put in some earplugs if you go swimming to avoid ear infections.
- Remember not to take evening walks by yourself. Hearing loss means you don’t always comprehend sounds including automobiles driving towards you or even someone lurking behind you.
- If you are attending fireworks or maybe a live performance, wear ear protection.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
These summertime difficulties can be mostly avoided by doing three simple things.
- Get your ears examined by a hearing care specialist. It is possible that your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, to determine if you do actually have hearing loss.
- Wear good-quality hearing aids. They will filter out any background noises so that you hear what’s relevant.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t allow hearing loss take it away from you.