Is loss of hearing getting in the way of your summertime fun? If you’re not aware of your hearing loss, it’s even worse. The slow decrease of your hearing that comes with getting older and certain ear diseases will mean that you don’t always recognize that there are some things which you can’t hear any longer. If you love summer fun, then why would you want to get left behind just because you can’t hear that well? There are some solutions to your loss of hearing that will get you right back out there having summer fun.
Summer Barbecues
Summertime barbecues do get a little tricky if you have hearing loss. One of the toughest things is background noise. Everywhere around you, people are talking. Kids could be playing in the grass or swimming pool. You have the sounds of nature like singing birds, barking dogs, and the sound of food cooking on the grill.
All that noise interferes with any residual hearing you may have left. This amount of background noise will easily overtake someone who has hearing decline.
Here are a few ideas to help you 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 look at peoples lips so put your back to the sun.
- You can turn down the volume of background music. You could choose not to have music if you are hosting the barbecue. At other peoples cookouts make sure you tell the host that you have hearing difficulties.
- Now and then simply walk away. It can be fatiguing when you are struggling to hear. Step indoors and away from people for a short time every hour and go someplace quiet to recharge.
- Let others know if you can’t hear. People will get annoyed when you try 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 difficulty hearing. They will automatically move closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. Actively taking part in every discussion is not a possibility. As an alternative, try to participate in small groups of people and set practical limits for yourself.
Head Outdoors
If you just stay inside you won’t recognize what you’re missing out on. Don’t be scared to step outside and concentrate on the sounds of the natural world. You won’t hear everything, but with a small amount of focus, you may be amazed by the sounds you can hear.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Singing birds
- Insects buzzing
- Crickets at night
- Blowing leaves
- Rain on your roof
- 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
That’s truly what summer is all about, isn’t it? Determine what kind of vacation you might like and if there are constraints that come along with your hearing loss. As an example, an amusement park could be a little too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work nicely. Going out into nature would also work. Stroll on the boardwalk by the beach or go to a museum.
Don’t let your loss of hearing rob you of your opportunity to travel this summer. Tell the airline about your condition when you get your ticket if you are flying. Alert the hotel or resort, as well, so they can get you a room with accommodations for the hearing impaired such as smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs that have closed captioning.
Work on Yourself
Learn to paint or take a fitness class to help better yourself this summer. Show up early, so you can get a place up front. If you do 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 Measures
There are a couple of summer activities which 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 when at the pool or swimming. Make sure you take care of your hearing aids from water damage and put in some earplugs if you go into the water to avoid ear infections.
- If you choose to walk after dark to enjoy the night air, take a friend with you. You may not hear the warning sounds from potential dangers such as oncoming traffic or maybe even a threatening stranger coming up behind you.
- Wear ear protection at fireworks shows and at live shows.
Making The Most of it This Summer
These summertime obstacles can be largely avoided by doing three simple things.
- Get your ears checked by a hearing specialist. It is possible your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, to determine if you do have hearing loss.
- Get high-quality hearing aids. They will get rid of background noises so that you hear what’s relevant.
Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t let hearing loss take it away from you.
