Why let your summer be ruined by flawed hearing? Most likely it’s much worse if you don’t know it. A few ear diseases and getting older can bring a prolonged loss of hearing that you might not even recognize. You might also stay away from engaging in fun summertime events you love simply because you can’t hear as well. You will still be able to get out and have a blast if you look for some practical solutions to your hearing loss difficulties.
Summer Barbecues
Barbecuing in the summer can be tricky when you have loss of hearing. Background noise is one big problem. There are a lot of conversations happening around you. On the lawn and in the swimming pool youngsters are shouting and playing. You get the sounds of nature such as singing birds, barking dogs, and the sound of food cooking on the grill.
All that noise interferes with any residual hearing you have left. Background sounds will overtake someone who has hearing loss.
Here are some tips to help you compensate:
Some of the overwhelming background noise can be lessened by finding a peaceful place to sit for a while. Turning away from the sun will allow you to see people when they are talking and read their lips to figure out words you miss.
- You can turn down the volume of background music. You could choose to go without the music if you are hosting the barbecue. Tell the host about your problem if you are going to someone else’s cookout.
- Walk away from time to time. It takes a lot of energy struggling to hear. Step indoors and away from everyone for a short time each hour and go somewhere quiet to recharge.
- Let people know if you can’t hear. People will get annoyed when you attempt to fake it. If you don’t hear what someone said, let them know. Visual clues such as cupping your ears will help others realize you’re having trouble hearing. Usually, people will step closer or speak louder to help you.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. The fact that you can’t take part in every discussion is something you need to recognize. Set realistic limits for yourself and try to engage in smaller groups instead.
Go Outdoors
Do you truly realize what you might be missing outside? Don’t be afraid to go outdoors and concentrate on the sounds of the natural world. No, you won’t be able to hear everything but with a little focus, you might hear more than you might think.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Chirping birds
- Insects buzzing
- Crickets in the evening
- Blowing leaves
- The rain falling
- Kids running around and playing
- Dogs barking
- Waves splashing
Temper expectations when going outdoors, 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
That’s truly what summer 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? For instance, an amusement park might be a little too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work nicely. Going out into nature should also work. Walk on the boardwalk near the beach or head to a museum.
Don’t let your hearing loss take away your chance to travel this summer. Tell the airline about your condition when you get your ticket if you are flying. Alert the hotel or resort, too, so they can offer you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired such as smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs that have closed captioning.
Improve Yourself
Learn how to paint or maybe take a fitness class to better yourself this summer. Show up early, so that you can find a place up front. If you miss anything, it would be prudent to bring a couple of friends 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 precautions to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- While you are enjoying the pool or beach, make sure you play it safe. Use earplugs to prevent ear infections and keep your hearing aids dry.
- Take a friend with you when you go on those enjoyable evening walks. There are potential risks like a vehicle driving toward you or somebody lurking close to you which you probably won’t hear.
- Safeguard what hearing you do have left by wearing ear protection if you go to watch the fireworks for Independence Day or to an outdoor concert.
Making the Most of It This Summer
Three easy things will help you avoid most of these things.
- Get your ears examined by a hearing care specialist. It may be possible your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, to determine if you do have hearing loss.
- Wear high-quality hearing aids. They will filter out background noises so that you will hear what is relevant.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t let the loss of hearing take it away from you.