Is loss of hearing interfering with your summertime fun? Most likely it’s much worse if you’re not aware of it. Some ear diseases and getting older can bring a prolonged decline of hearing that you may not even detect. When you don’t hear as well it’s very likely that you won’t participate in many exciting summer activities. There are a few solutions to your loss of hearing that will get you back out there having summertime fun.
Summertime Cookouts
Summer cookouts do get a little challenging if a person has hearing loss. One of the hardest issues is background noise. There are so many conversations happening around you. Kids might be having fun in the yard or swimming pool. There is the sound of the food cooking on the grill and, of course, the wonderful sounds of nature.
If you do have some measure of hearing loss, all of these noises and sounds can be quite frustrating. When a person has hearing decline, background noises have a tendency to take over.
Here are some tips to help you compensate:
Some of the overwhelming background noise can be reduced by finding a peaceful place to sit for a while. You may need to look at peoples lips so turn your back to the sun.
- Shut off the background music or turn it down, at least. If it’s your barbecue, you can simply choose not to play music. Tell the host about your issue if you are attending someone else’s barbecue.
- Walk away from time to time. It can be exhausting when you are struggling to hear. Every hour or so go inside or away from all the noise.
- Let people know if you can’t hear. It’s frustrating for you and those around you when you try to fake it. Let people know when you can’t hear them. Visual clues such as cupping your ears will help others realize that you’re having trouble hearing. Usually, people will come closer or speak louder to help.
Don’t try to hear everything. Participating in every conversation is not an option. Set practical limits for yourself and try to participate in smaller groups instead.
Head Outdoors
Do you truly realize what you are missing outside? Don’t be afraid to go outdoors and concentrate on the sounds of the natural world. You won’t hear everything, but with a small amount of focus, you might be amazed by the sounds you can hear.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Singing birds
- Insects buzzing
- Evening crickets
- Rustling leaves
- Falling rain
- People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
- Barking dogs
- Waves splashing
Temper expectations when you go outdoors, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by attempting to hear one thing at a time.
Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip
That’s really what summertime is all about, isn’t it? What kind of vacation would you enjoy? What limitations come with your hearing loss that will affect it? Sailing or fishing would be perfect but an amusement park might be a bit too much. Go to the zoo or maybe go to a nature preserve. A museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk by the beach are excellent choices.
You have a chance to travel this summer so don’t let your hearing loss take that away from you. If you’re going to fly, tell the airline that you have hearing loss when you book your ticket. Inform the hotel or resort, also, so they can offer you a room with accommodations for the hearing impaired including smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs that have closed captioning.
Work on Yourself
Look for ways to better yourself this summer like taking an exercise class or learning to paint. Arrive early, so that you can find a place up front. If you do miss anything, it would be good to bring a friend or two with you to fill in the blanks.
Safety Precautions Should Be Taken This Summer
There are a number of summertime traditions which 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 at the pool or beach. Don’t let your hearing aids get wet and wear earplugs while swimming.
- If you want to walk in the evening to appreciate the cool night air, bring a friend with you. You may miss the warning sounds from potential threats such as oncoming vehicles or maybe even a threatening stranger walking up from behind you.
- Wear ear protection at fireworks shows and at live shows.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
Three simple things will help you eliminate most of these things.
- Have your ears examined by a hearing specialist. It is possible your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing examination, to determine if you do have hearing loss.
- Get good-quality hearing aids. They can filter out background noises so that you will hear what is relevant.
Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t let hearing loss take it away from you.