Many older people experience hearing loss, but does that mean it’s hazardous for them to drive? Driving habits vary amongst different people so the response isn’t clear-cut.
Even if some adjustments have to be made to the radio volume, hearing loss shouldn’t mean a competent driver needs to quit driving.
Whether hearing loss presents a risk while driving is an important consideration for individuals planning everyday commutes or winter road trips. Is your driving becoming hazardous because of hearing loss?
Think beyond driving…
Early stage hearing loss probably won’t negatively effect your driving, but if it’s neglected, driving will become increasingly unsafe.
Johns Hopkins Medicine has found there is a definite connection between hearing and brain health. Battling to hear forces the brain to use valuable resources just to comprehend what people are saying. It is a contributing factor to brain atrophy, which leads to dementia. Driving is certainly off the table for someone with dementia.
If you have hearing loss, can you still drive?
You can continue to drive with hearing loss, but it should be noted that safe driving demands good observational skills including auditory awareness. Among the approximately 48 million Americans who have hearing loss, the majority of them still drive as reported by the Center for Hearing Communication.
Driving with hearing loss
You can still be a safe driver if you make some adjustments and use these tips.
Stop putting off
Come in to see us for a hearing test and find out if hearing aids will help your condition. The question of whether you should be driving can be removed by using hearing aids.
Be a more observant driver
Even if you have hearing aids, you will still need to be a more observant driver to make sure you aren’t missing anything in or surrounding your vehicle.
Keep the noise down inside your car
This will allow you to focus your listening on driving without being distracted. Ask your passengers to chat more quietly and keep the radio down or off.
Learn to look at your dashboard frequently
When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can mount up. For instance, you won’t hear that clicking sound that tells you that your turn signal is blinking. So routinely check your dashboard because your eyes will need to pick up the slack.
Keep your vehicle well maintained
Perhaps your car is making a strange noise in the engine but you are unable to hear it. Have your car serviced routinely so you can prevent this major safety risk. For individuals with hearing loss, this is crucial, even more so than it would be for somebody without hearing loss.
Watch the other cars closely
Obviously, you would do that anyway, but you want to watch for signs you may be missing something. If you see other cars pulling to the side of the road, you should do that also because you may have missed the sirens. watch to see how other drivers are responding to their surroundings to get hints on what you might not be hearing.
Can you drive when you have hearing loss? It’s really a personal decision. It is possible to be a safe driver even if your hearing isn’t what it once was because most likely your other senses will help you make the adjustment. But if you’re feeling worried about it, schedule an appointment to come see if we can help you better your situation, possibly with hearing aids.
Come in and let us help you improve your quality of life by looking at the hearing solutions that will be appropriate for your unique hearing situation.
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss
