Lots of older people have hearing loss, but does that mean it’s hazardous for them to drive? Driving habits vary amongst different individuals so the response isn’t clear-cut.

Even if some adjustments need to be made to the volume of the radio, hearing loss shouldn’t mean a seasoned driver needs to quit driving.

For individuals who commute on a regular basis the question of whether hearing loss poses a threat while driving is a significant consideration. Is your driving becoming unsafe because of hearing loss?

Think beyond driving…

If you are detecting hearing loss, it won’t have a huge impact on your ability to drive…yet. That day is coming, though, if you choose to just disregard your decline.

There is a solid link between hearing health and brain health, as reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Battling to hear forces the 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 definitely off the table for somebody who has dementia.

Should you drive with hearing loss?

Driving requires robust observational skills and some of that is auditory, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drive if you have hearing loss. The Center for Hearing and Communication reports that about 48 million Americans have substantial hearing loss, and a good number of them still drive.

Driving with hearing loss

You can still be a safe driver if you make some adjustments and use these tips.

Quit procrastinating

Come in to see us for a hearing test and find out if hearing aids will help your condition. Hearing aids can help remove the “should I be driving with hearing loss” question.

When you drive, be more observant

You will still need to be observant about what’s happening around your vehicle even if you have hearing aids.

Don’t let it get too loud in your car

This will let you focus your listening on driving without distractions. Ask your passengers to chat more quietly and keep the radio down or off.

Keep an eye on your dash lights

When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can mount up. You might not be capable of hearing that clicking sound that your turn signal makes, for example. You will have to depend on your eyes to pick up the slack, so get in the habit of checking your dashboard to see what your car is attempting to tell you.

Make maintenance a priority

Perhaps your car is making a strange noise in the engine but you are unable to hear it. That is a significant safety hazard, so make a point of having your car serviced routinely. That’s a good idea for most people but a necessity if you are driving with hearing loss.

Watch the other cars closely

This is a no-brainer for everyone but if you have hearing loss it’s even more poignant. You may not hear emergency sirens, for instance, so if the cars are pulling over to the side, you should too. Use the behavior of other drivers to get some visual hints about traffic patterns around you.

So is it possible to safely drive when you have hearing loss? It’s really a personal decision. Your other senses will typically adjust to help keep you safe, which means it is feasible to drive safely even if your hearing is beginning to go. If the thought of this makes you nervous, though, then it’s time to consult us and find a treatment to improve your situation, like using hearing aids.

Contact us today to schedule your hearing exam and look into hearing aid options for your distinctive lifestyle.

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References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss