Should you just sit inside and lose out on summer fun just because you don’t hear well? The worse thing is when you don’t know you have hearing loss. The slow decrease of your hearing which comes with aging and some ear diseases can mean that you don’t always recognize that there are things you can’t hear any longer. When you don’t hear as well it’s likely that you won’t participate in many awesome summertime activities. You will still be able to get out and have a great time if you look for a few practical solutions to your hearing loss difficulties.
Summertime Cookouts
Barbecuing during the summertime might be tricky when you have loss of hearing. Background noise is one big problem. All around you, people are chatting. Kids are running about shouting and playing. There is the crackling sound of the stuff cooking on the grill and, of course, the wonderful sounds of nature.
All that noise interferes with any residual hearing you have left. This type of background noise can easily overwhelm someone who has hearing loss.
Try these things to compensate:
Sitting in a peaceful spot for short periods of time will help eliminate some of that overpowering background noise. You may need to see peoples lips so put your back to the sun.
- You can reduce the volume of background music. You might choose to go without the music if you are the host of the barbecue. Tell the host about your problem if you are going to someone else’s cookout.
- Get away from time to time. Struggling to hear takes a lot of energy. Every hour or so try to go inside or a little ways away from all the noise.
- Inform others that you can’t hear. People will get frustrated when you try to fake it. Tell people when you can’t hear them. Visual clues such as cupping your ears will let people know you’re having a problem hearing. Usually, people will move closer or speak up to help.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. Accept that you can’t get involved in every conversation. Alternatively, try to take part in smaller groups of people and set practical limits for yourself.
Head Outdoors
Do you really understand what you might be missing outside? Don’t be afraid to step outside and concentrate on the sounds of the natural world. You won’t be able to hear everything, but with a little focus, you may be amazed by the sounds you will hear.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Chirping birds
- Buzzing insects
- Crickets at night
- Rustling leaves
- Rain on your roof
- Kids running around and playing
- Dogs barking
- Waves splashing
Manage expectations when going outside, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by attempting to hear one thing at a time.
Enjoy Day Trips or Even a Much Needed Vacation
Isn’t that what summer is all about? Decide what sort of vacation you might like and if there are limitations that come with your hearing loss. Sailing or fishing would be ideal but a theme park might be a little too much. Going out into nature would also work. Going to 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, tell the airline that you have hearing loss when you get the ticket. Inform the hotel or resort, as well, so they can get you a room with accommodations for the hearing impaired including smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.
Work on Yourself
Learn to paint or perhaps take a fitness class to improve yourself this summer. If you would like to find a place up front, be sure to get there early. Take a friend or two with you and let them fill you in on what you are missing during the session.
This Summer You Should Take Safety Precautions
There are a number of summer traditions that require you to take safety measures to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- Taking care while by the pool or beach. Put in earplugs to avoid ear infections and keep your hearing aids dry.
- If you choose to walk in the evening to appreciate the cool night air, take someone with you. There are potential risks such as a car or truck driving toward you or someone lurking close to you which you might not hear.
- Protect what hearing you may have left by using ear protection if you go to watch the fireworks for Independence Day or to an outdoor concert.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
Many of these summer challenges become less significant when you do three simple things.
- Have your ears checked. It may be possible your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, to determine if you do have hearing loss.
- Get good-quality hearing aids. They can filter out background noises so you hear what is relevant.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t permit the loss of hearing rob you of that.