Is hearing loss interfering with your summertime fun? In the worse case you don’t know you have loss of hearing. The slow decay of your hearing which comes with getting older and some ear diseases can mean that you don’t always recognize that there are some things which you don’t hear anymore. If you really love summer fun, then why would you really want to get left behind simply because you can’t hear very well? You will still be capable of getting out and having a blast if you look for certain solutions to your hearing loss challenges.
Summertime Cookouts
Barbecuing in the summer can get tricky when you have hearing loss. Background noise is one big problem. There are so many conversations going on all around you. Kids are running about shrieking and enjoying themselves. You have the sounds of nature including singing birds, barking dogs, and the sound of food cooking on the grill.
If you do have some degree of hearing loss, all of these various noises and sounds will be extremely frustrating. When a person has hearing loss, background noises have a tendency to take over.
There are things you can do to compensate including:
Some of the overwhelming background noise can be minimized by going to a peaceful place to sit for a while. Turning away from the sun will permit you to see people when they talk and use their lips to figure out words you miss.
- You can turn down the volume of background music. You might decide to go without the music if you are hosting the barbecue. At other peoples barbecues be sure to tell the host that you have hearing difficulties.
- Now and then just walk away. Struggling to hear takes a lot of energy. Step inside and away from everyone for a short time every hour and go someplace quiet to recharge.
- Let people know when you can’t hear. People will get frustrated if you attempt to fake it. Let people know when you can’t hear them. Cupping your ear and other visual clues can suggest that you can’t hear to others. Usually, people will come closer or speak louder to help you.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. Taking part in every conversation is not an option. Set sensible limits for yourself and try to participate in small groups instead.
Head Outdoors
What might you be missing out on by staying inside the house? Don’t be scared to go outside the house and concentrate on the sounds of nature. No, you won’t be capable of hearing everything but with a little focus, you might hear more than you think possible.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Singing birds
- Buzzing insects
- Evening crickets
- The leaves blowing
- Rain on your roof
- 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 attempting to listen to one thing at a time.
Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip
Isn’t that what summertime is meant for? Decide what kind of vacation you would like and if there are limitations that come with your hearing loss. Sailing or fishing would be ideal but an amusement park could be a little too much. Going out into nature should also work. A museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk next to the beach are great choices.
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. Inform the hotel, also, 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.
Improve Yourself
Look for ways to improve yourself this summer like taking a fitness class or learning how to paint. If you want to find a place up front, be sure to get there early. If you do miss anything, it would be smart to bring a friend or two with you to let you know what you might have missed.
This Summer You Should Take Safety Measures
There are a number of summertime activities that require you to take precautions to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- Playing it safe while at the pool or swimming. Make sure to take care of your hearing aids from water damage and wear some earplugs if you go swimming to prevent ear infections.
- Bring someone with you on those enjoyable evening walks. Loss of hearing means you don’t always hear sounds such as vehicles driving towards you or even a stranger lurking behind you.
- If you are attending fireworks or maybe a concert, wear ear protection.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
Most of these summertime difficulties become less substantial if you do three easy things.
- Get your ears examined by a hearing specialist. It may be possible 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 can get rid of any background noises so that you hear what’s relevant.
Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t allow hearing loss take it away from you.