Is loss of hearing getting in the way of your summer fun? The worse thing is when you don’t know you have loss of hearing. The prolonged decay of your hearing which comes with getting older and some ear diseases can mean that you won’t always recognize that there are some things which you don’t hear any longer. When you don’t hear as well it’s very likely that you won’t even go to many exciting summertime activities. There are a few solutions to your loss of hearing that should get you back out there having summertime fun.
Summer Barbecues
Barbecuing in the summer may be tricky when you have loss of hearing. For starters, there is a large amount of background noise. There are so many conversations happening all around you. On the lawn and in the pool kids are shouting and having fun. There is the crackling of the food cooking on the grill and, of course, the wondrous sounds of the natural world.
All that noise interferes with any remaining hearing you have left. Background sounds will overtake someone who has hearing loss.
Try these things to compensate:
Some of the overwhelming background noise can be minimized by finding a quiet place to sit for a while. You might need to see peoples lips so put your back to the sun.
- Shut off the background music or turn it down, at least. Deciding not to play music is an option if you’re the host. Let the host know about your issue if you are going to someone else’s barbecue.
- Get away from time to time. You use a lot of energy struggling to hear. Step indoors and away from everyone for a short time each 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. Tell people when you can’t hear them. You should also use visual clues that you are struggling such as cupping your ear. Normally, people will step closer to you or speak up to help you.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. Understand that you can’t take part in every conversation. Instead, attempt to engage in small groups of people and set reasonable limits for yourself.
Head Outdoors
What might you be missing out on by remaining inside? Don’t be scared to go outside and concentrate on the sounds of the natural world. You won’t be able to hear everything, but with a small amount of focus, you may be amazed by the sounds you will hear.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Birds chirping
- Buzzing insects
- Crickets at night
- Rustling leaves
- The rain falling
- Kids running around and playing
- Barking dogs
- Waves splashing
Temper expectations when you go outdoors, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by attempting to listen to one thing at a time.
Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip
That’s truly what summertime is meant for, isn’t it? What sort of vacation do you enjoy? What constraints come along with your hearing loss that will affect it? Sailing or fishing would be ideal but an amusement park would probably be a little too much stimulation. Going out into nature would also work. Stroll on the boardwalk near the beach or head to a museum.
Don’t let your loss of hearing rob you of your chance to travel this summer. Tell the airline about your condition when you get your ticket if you are flying. Inform the hotel or resort, as well, so they can give you a room with accommodations for the hearing impaired such as smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.
Work on Yourself
Look for ways to better yourself this summer like going to an exercise class or learning to paint. If you want to find a place in the front, be sure to get there early. Take a couple of friends 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 couple of summer traditions which require you to take precautions to protect yourself, your ears, and any costly hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- When you are enjoying the pool or beach, play it safe. Make sure you take care of your hearing aids from water damage and use some earplugs if you go swimming to prevent ear infections.
- If you choose to walk after dark to enjoy the cool night air, take a friend with you. There are dangers like a vehicle driving toward you or someone lurking near you which you might not hear.
- Use ear protection at fireworks and at concerts.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
These summer obstacles can be mostly avoided by doing three simple things.
- Get your ears examined by a hearing specialist. It is possible that your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing examination, so you know if you do have hearing loss.
- Wear high-quality hearing aids. They can filter out background noises so you will hear what is important.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t allow the loss of hearing take it away from you.