Many older individuals have hearing loss, but does that mean it’s hazardous for them to drive? Driving habits vary amongst different people so the response isn’t straightforward.
While hearing loss is a component to think about when operating a vehicle, a competent driver is still capable even if they need to lower the volume on the radio.
For people who commute frequently the question of whether hearing loss poses a threat while driving is a significant consideration. Is your hearing loss making you a hazardous driver?
Think beyond driving…
If you are detecting hearing loss, it won’t have a significant impact on your ability to drive…yet. That day is coming, though, if you decide to just disregard your decline.
There is a strong link between hearing health and brain health, as reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Struggling to hear forces your brain to use valuable resources just to understand what individuals are saying. It is a contributing factor to brain atrophy, which leads to dementia. Driving is certainly off the table for a person who has dementia.
Should you drive if you have hearing loss?
You can continue to drive with hearing loss, but it should be mentioned that safe driving requires strong observational skills and this includes auditory awareness. Among the approximately 48 million Americans who suffer from hearing loss, most of them still drive according to the Center for Hearing Communication.
Guidelines for driving if you have hearing loss
You can still be a safe driver if you make some adjustments and use these tips.
Quit putting off
Visit us, have your hearing tested, and think about how hearing aids can change things for you. The question of whether you should be driving can be eliminated by using hearing aids.
Be a more aware driver
Even if you have hearing aids, you will still need to be a more aware driver to make sure you’re not missing anything in or surrounding your vehicle.
Keep the noise down inside your car
This will help you be less distracted. Ask your passengers to chat more quietly and keep the radio down or off.
Remember to check your dashboard frequently
When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can add up. You might not be able to hear that clicking noise that your turn signal makes, for example. So routinely look at 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. Get your car serviced routinely so you can avoid this significant safety risk. That’s a good idea for most individuals but a necessity if you are driving with hearing loss.
Pay close attention to other vehicles around you
Obviously, you would do that anyway, but you want to look for signs you might be missing something. If you see other cars pulling off the road, you should do that too because you may have missed the sirens. Use the actions of other drivers to get some visual clues about traffic patterns around you.
Can you drive when you have hearing loss? It’s really a personal decision. It is possible to be a good 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 concerned about it, schedule an appointment to come see if we can help you better your situation, possibly with hearing aids.
Call us right away to schedule your hearing exam and look into hearing aid solutions for your distinctive lifestyle.
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss