Is the loss of hearing getting in the way of your summer fun? Chances are it’s even worse if you don’t know it. The slow decline of your hearing that comes with aging and some ear diseases will mean that you don’t always realize that there are things you don’t hear anymore. If you really love summer fun, then why would you really want to miss out just because you can’t hear very well? Search for solutions to the difficulties that come along with loss of hearing, so you can go out there and enjoy the fun with everyone else.
Summertime Cookouts
Summertime barbecues do get a bit challenging if a person has loss of hearing. Background noise is one big problem. There are a lot of conversations happening around you. Kids are running around screaming and enjoying themselves. You have the sounds of nature like singing birds, barking dogs, and the sound of food cooking on the grill.
If you do have some measure of loss of hearing, all of these various noises and sounds can be quite challenging. Background sounds will overwhelm someone who has hearing decline.
Here are some ideas to help you compensate:
Sitting in a peaceful spot for short periods of time will help get rid of some of that overpowering background noise. You might need to look at peoples lips so turn your back to the sun.
- You can turn down the volume of background music. Deciding not to have music is an option if you’re the host. If you are visiting somebody else’s barbecue, describe the issue to the host.
- Get away from time to time. Working to hear takes a lot of energy. Go indoors and away from everyone for a few minutes each hour and go somewhere quiet to recharge.
- Let others know when you can’t hear. People will get annoyed when you try to fake it. Tell people when you can’t hear them. Cupping your ear and other visual hints can suggest that you can’t hear to others. They will quickly get closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t try to hear everything. Taking part in every discussion is not a possibility. Set sensible limits for yourself and try to participate in small groups instead.
Head Outdoors
If you just stay inside you don’t know what you’re missing. Don’t be scared to go outside and focus on the sounds of the natural world. No, you won’t be able to hear everything but with a little concentration, you may hear more than you might think.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Birds chirping
- Insects buzzing
- Crickets in the evening
- Blowing leaves
- The rain falling
- Kids running around and playing
- Dogs barking
- Splashing waves
Manage expectations when going outdoors, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by trying to hear one thing at a time.
Enjoy Day Trips or Even a Much Needed Vacation
That’s truly what summer is all about, isn’t it? Decide what kind of vacation you might like and if there are limitations that come with your hearing loss. Sailing or fishing would be perfect but a theme park would probably be a little too much stimulation. Spend the day at a nature preserve or go to the zoo. Walk on the boardwalk by the beach or go to a museum.
Don’t let your hearing loss rob you of your opportunity to travel this summer. Tell the airline about your condition when you get your ticket if you are flying. Inform the hotel or resort, as well, so they can give you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired such as smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.
Work on Yourself
Look for methods to better yourself this summer like taking an exercise class or learning to paint. If you would like to find a place up front, be sure to get there early. Bring a couple of friends with you and have them fill you in on what you might miss during the session.
This Summer You Should Take Safety Precautions
There are a couple of summer traditions that require you to take safeguards to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- When you are at the pool or beach, play it safe. Make sure you take care of your hearing aids from water damage and use some earplugs when you go into the water to avoid ear infections.
- Take a friend with you when you go on those pleasant evening walks. You may miss the warning sounds from potential threats like oncoming traffic or maybe even a threatening stranger coming up behind you.
- Use ear protection at fireworks and at live shows.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
These summertime challenges can be largely eliminated by doing three simple things.
- Get your ears examined by a hearing specialist. It may be possible your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing examination, so you know if you do actually have hearing loss.
- Get good-quality hearing aids. They will filter out background noises so that you will hear what is relevant.
Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t permit the loss of hearing take it away from you.