Is hearing loss interfering with your summer fun? In the worse case you’re not even aware you have loss of hearing. Some ear diseases and aging can bring a slow decline of hearing which you may not even recognize. If you really love summer fun, then why would you really want to miss out simply because you can’t hear very well? There are a few solutions to your loss of hearing that should get you right back out there having summertime fun.
Summer Barbecues
Summer cookouts do get a little challenging when a person has loss of hearing. For starters, there is a large amount of background noise. All around you, people are conversing. On the lawn and in the pool kids are shouting and having fun. There is the crackling of the stuff cooking on the grill and, of course, the wondrous sounds of nature.
Whatever hearing that may remain can’t compete with all that noise. When someone has hearing loss, background sounds have a tendency to take over.
Here are some tips to help you compensate:
Look for a peaceful spot to sit to minimize some of that overwhelming background noise. You may need to look at peoples lips so turn your back to the sun.
- You can reduce the volume of background music. Deciding not to play music is an option if you’re the host. When you are at other peoples cookouts be sure to tell the host that you have hearing difficulties.
- Walk away from time to time. Working to hear takes a lot of energy. Every hour or so go inside or a little ways away from all the noise.
- Let people know when you can’t hear. It’s aggravating for you and people near you when you try to fake it. If you can’t hear what someone said, let them know. You can also utilize visual hints 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. Understand that you can’t participate in every discussion. As an alternative, attempt to take part in small groups of people and set sensible limits for yourself.
Go Outdoors
Do you really know what you are missing outside? Don’t be scared to step outside and concentrate on the sounds of the natural world. 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
- The rain falling
- People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
- Dogs barking
- Waves splashing
Temper expectations when you go 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 really what summertime is meant for, isn’t it? Figure out what type of vacation you would like and if there are restrictions that come along with your hearing loss. As an example, a theme park might be a bit too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work perfectly. Spend the day walking around a nature preserve or maybe go to the zoo. A museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk next to the beach are excellent 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 or resort, also, so they can give you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired like smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs that have closed captioning.
Improve Yourself
Learn to paint or take an exercise class to better yourself this summer. If you would like to find a place in the front, be sure to get there early. If you do miss anything, it would be prudent 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 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:
- While you are at the pool or beach, make sure you play it safe. Don’t let your hearing aids get wet and use earplugs when you go in the water.
- Remember not to go on evening walks on your own. You may not hear the warning sounds from potential hazards such as oncoming traffic or maybe even a threatening stranger coming up behind you.
- Safeguard what hearing you do have left by wearing 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 examined by a hearing care 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.
- Wear good-quality hearing aids. They can filter out background noises so you will hear what is important.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t permit hearing loss rob you of that.