Why permit your summer to get wrecked by bad hearing? Most likely it’s even worse if you don’t know it. The slow decrease of hearing that comes with aging and certain ear diseases can mean that you won’t always recognize that there are some things you can’t hear any longer. You may also hold back on doing fun summertime events you love simply because you can’t hear as well. There are some solutions to your loss of hearing that should get you right back out there having summer fun.
Summer Barbecues
Summertime barbecues do get a bit challenging if you have loss of hearing. Background noise is one big difficulty you will have. Lots of people are talking all around you. Kids might be playing in the grass or yelling in the pool. There is the crackling of the food cooking on the grill and, of course, the wondrous sounds of nature.
If you do have some measure of loss of hearing, all of these various noises and sounds can be extremely challenging. This type of background noise will easily overwhelm someone that has hearing loss.
Here are some tips to help you compensate:
Sitting in a peaceful spot for short periods will help get rid of some of that overwhelming background noise. You might need to see peoples lips so turn your back to the sun.
- You can turn down the volume of background music. You might decide to go without the music if you are hosting the barbecue. At other peoples cookouts be sure to tell the host about your hearing difficulties.
- Now and then simply walk away. Working to hear takes a lot of energy. Go inside and away from everyone for a few minutes every hour and go someplace quiet to recharge.
- Inform others that you can’t hear. Don’t attempt to fake it because that can frustrate others. If you can’t hear what someone said, tell them. You can also utilize visual clues that you are struggling such as cupping your ear. They will automatically move closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. Engaging in every discussion is not an option. Set realistic limits for yourself and try to participate in smaller groups instead.
Go Outdoors
Do you really understand what you might be missing outside? Don’t be frightened 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 think possible.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Birds singing
- Insects buzzing
- Crickets at night
- Rustling leaves
- Rain on your roof
- Kids running around and playing
- Dogs barking
- Waves splashing
Manage expectations when you go outside, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by attempting to listen to one thing at a time.
Enjoy Day Trips or Even a Much Needed Vacation
That’s truly what summer is all about, isn’t it? What sort of vacation do you enjoy? What constraints come with your hearing loss that will affect it? For instance, a theme park might be a little too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work perfectly. Spend a day walking around a nature preserve or perhaps go to the zoo. Stroll on the boardwalk by the beach or head to a museum.
You have an opportunity to travel this summer so don’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, too, 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
Learn to paint or perhaps take a fitness class to help better yourself this summer. Arrive early, so you can find a spot up front. Take a friend or two with you and let them fill you in on what you might miss during the session.
Safety Precautions Should Be Taken This Summer
There are a number of summertime traditions that require you to take safeguards to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- Playing it safe when by the pool or swimming. Don’t let your hearing aids get wet and put in earplugs while swimming.
- If you decide to walk in the evening to appreciate the night air, bring a friend with you. The loss of hearing means you won’t always perceive things like cars driving towards you or even a stranger coming up behind you.
- Use ear protection at fireworks and at concerts.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
Three easy things will help you prevent most of these things.
- Have your ears examined by a hearing specialist. It is possible that your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, to determine if you do have hearing loss.
- Wear good-quality hearing aids. They can get rid of background noises so you hear what is important.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t permit hearing loss rob you of that.