Are you going to stay inside and miss out on summer just because you can’t hear well? If you’re not aware of your hearing loss, it’s even worse. The prolonged decline of hearing that goes along with aging and certain ear diseases can mean that you won’t always recognize that there are some things which you don’t hear anymore. When you don’t hear as well it’s likely that you won’t even enjoy many awesome summertime activities. You will still be able to get out and have a great time if you look for some solutions to your hearing loss difficulties.
Summer Barbecues
Loss of hearing will be tricky at summer barbecues. Background noise is one big problem. Everywhere around you, people are chatting. Kids could be having fun in the grass or yelling in the pool. You get the sounds of nature including singing birds, barking dogs, and the sound of cooking on the grill.
If you do have some degree of hearing loss, all of these noises and sounds will be very challenging. Background noises will overwhelm someone who has hearing decline.
Here are some tips to help you compensate:
Sitting in a quiet spot for short periods will help eliminate some of that overwhelming background noise. You might need to see peoples lips so put your back to the sun.
- Shut off any background music or turn it down, at least. If you are hosting the barbecue, you can simply choose not to have any music. When you are at other peoples cookouts be sure to tell the host that you have hearing difficulties.
- Now and then just walk away. It can be tiring when you are struggling to hear. Step indoors and away from people for a few minutes every hour and sit someplace quiet to recharge.
- Inform others that you can’t hear. Don’t try to fake it because that can irritate others. Tell people when you can’t hear them. Cupping your ear and other visual hints can show that you can’t hear to others. Usually, people will come closer to you or speak up to help.
Don’t try to hear everything. Taking part in every discussion is not a possibility. Alternatively, attempt to participate in small groups and set reasonable limits for yourself.
Head Outdoors
Do you really understand what you are missing outside? Don’t be scared to step outside and focus on the sounds of nature. You won’t be able to hear everything, but with a little focus, you may be surprised by the things you can hear.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Birds chirping
- Buzzing insects
- Evening crickets
- Rustling leaves
- Rain on your roof
- People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
- Barking dogs
- Splashing waves
If you only try to listen to one thing at a time, you can manage your expectations every time you go outside, head for the beach or walk in the park.
Enjoy Day Trips or Even a Much Needed Vacation
That’s truly what summertime is all about, isn’t it? Figure out what kind of vacation you might like and if there are constraints that come along with your hearing loss. For example, a theme park could be a little too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work nicely. Spend a 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 great choices.
Don’t let your hearing loss take away your chance to travel this summer. If you are flying, inform the airline that you have hearing loss when you buy the ticket. Inform the hotel or resort, too, so they can offer 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 such as taking an exercise class or learning how to paint. If you want to find a spot in the front, get there early. If you miss anything, it would be smart to have 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 couple of summertime traditions which require you to take safeguards to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- Taking care while by the pool or swimming. Don’t let your hearing aids get wet and use earplugs while swimming.
- Don’t go on evening walks by yourself. Hearing loss means you won’t always perceive sounds such as cars coming towards you or even someone lurking behind you.
- Safeguard what hearing you do have left by using ear protection if you go to see the fireworks for Independence Day or to an outdoor concert.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
Three simple things will help you avoid most of these things.
- Get your ears checked by a hearing specialist. It may be possible your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, so you know if you do actually have hearing loss.
- Get good-quality hearing aids. They will filter out any background noises so you hear what is important.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t allow the loss of hearing take it away from you.