Is the loss of hearing getting in the way of your summertime fun? The worse thing is when you’re not even aware you have hearing loss. The prolonged decrease of hearing that goes along with aging and certain ear diseases can mean that you don’t always recognize that there are some things which you can’t hear any longer. When you don’t hear as well it’s very likely that you won’t go to many fun summer activities. Search for remedies to the difficulties that come along with the loss of hearing, so you can get out there and enjoy the fun with everyone else.
Summer Barbecues
Summer barbecues do get a bit tricky when a person has hearing loss. One of the toughest things is background noise. Everywhere around you, people are chatting. On the lawn and in the pool children are yelling and playing. You have the sounds of nature like singing birds, barking dogs, and the sound of cooking on the grill.
All that noise interferes with any residual hearing you have left. Background noises will overwhelm someone with hearing loss.
There are some things you can try to compensate such as:
Some of the overpowering background noise can be lessened by going to a peaceful place to sit for a while. You may 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 play music. If you are visiting somebody else’s cookout, describe the issue to the host.
- Walk away from time to time. It can be tiring when you are struggling to hear. Step inside and away from people for a short time each hour and sit someplace quiet to recharge.
- Let people know when you can’t hear. It’s frustrating for you and people near you when you try to fake it. Tell people 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 move closer to you or speak louder to help.
Don’t try to hear everything. The fact that you can’t take part in every conversation is something you need to understand. Instead, attempt to participate in small groups of people and set sensible limits for yourself.
Go Outdoors
If you just stay inside you don’t know what you’re missing out on. Don’t be afraid to go 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 might think.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Birds chirping
- Buzzing insects
- Crickets in the evening
- Blowing leaves
- Rain on your roof
- People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
- Dogs barking
- Splashing waves
If you simply try to hear one thing at a time, you can manage your expectations every time you go outdoors, head to the beach or walk in the park.
Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip
Isn’t that what summer is all about? Figure out what sort of vacation you might like and if there are constraints that come with your hearing loss. For example, an amusement park might be a little too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work nicely. Go to the zoo or possibly go to a nature preserve. Going to a museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk next to the beach are great 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. Alert the hotel, also, so they can offer you a room with accommodations for the hearing impaired such as smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.
Improve Yourself
Look for methods to improve yourself this summer such as taking a fitness class or learning to paint. If you would like to find a spot in the front, get there early. If you miss anything, it would be prudent to have a friend or two with you to fill in the blanks.
Take Safety Precautions This Summer
There are a couple of summertime 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:
- While you are enjoying the pool or beach, make sure you play it safe. Use earplugs to avoid ear infections and keep your hearing aids dry.
- Take someone with you on those nice evening walks. You may miss the warning sounds from potential dangers like oncoming vehicles or maybe even a frightening stranger walking up behind you.
- Wear ear protection at fireworks shows and at concerts.
Making The Most of it This Summer
Most of these summertime difficulties become less substantial if you do three simple things.
- Get your ears examined by a hearing care specialist. It is possible that your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, to determine if you do actually have hearing loss.
- Get high-quality hearing aids. They can filter out background noises so you will hear what is relevant.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t permit hearing loss rob you of that.