Why let your summer be wrecked by flawed hearing? In the worse case you’re not even aware you have hearing loss. Certain ear conditions and aging carry a prolonged decline of hearing that you might not even recognize. If you love summer fun, then why would you really want to miss out simply because you don’t hear very well? You will still be able to get out and have a great time if you find certain solutions to your hearing loss difficulties.
Summertime Cookouts
Hearing loss can get challenging at summer cookouts. One of the most challenging things is background noise. People are talking everywhere. Kids are running around yelling and enjoying themselves. You get the sounds of nature such as singing birds, barking dogs, and the crackling sound of cooking on the grill.
All that noise competes with any residual hearing you may have left. Background noises will overwhelm someone with hearing decline.
Here are a few tips to help you compensate:
Some of the overpowering background noise can be lessened by finding a quiet place to sit for a while. Facing away from the sun will permit you to see people when they talk and read their lips to figure out words you miss.
- You can turn down the volume of background music. You could make the decision to go without the music if you are hosting the barbecue. When you are at other peoples barbecues make sure you tell the host that you have hearing difficulties.
- Get away from time to time. Working to hear takes a lot of energy. Step indoors and away from people for a few minutes every hour and go somewhere quiet to recharge.
- Let others know if you can’t hear. It’s annoying for you and people near you if you try to fake it. If you don’t hear what someone said, let them know. You can also use visual hints that you are struggling such as cupping your ear. Normally, people will step closer to you or speak louder to help.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. Actively taking part in every discussion is not an option. Alternatively, try to engage in smaller groups of people and set realistic limits for yourself.
Go Outdoors
Do you truly understand what you are missing outside? Don’t be frightened to walk outside and focus on the sounds of nature. You won’t hear everything, but with a small amount of focus, you might be surprised by the sounds you will hear.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Singing birds
- Buzzing insects
- Crickets in the evening
- Blowing leaves
- The rain falling
- People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
- Barking dogs
- 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 a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip
That’s really what summertime is all about, isn’t it? Figure out what type of vacation you would like and if there are constraints that come with your hearing loss. For instance, a theme park may be a bit too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work perfectly. Head to the zoo or maybe go to a nature preserve. Going to a museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk next to the beach are great choices.
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, also, so they can get you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired including smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs that have closed captioning.
Work on Yourself
Learn how to paint or maybe take an exercise class to better yourself this summer. If you want to find a spot up front, get there early. Take a couple of friends with you and have them fill you in on what you are missing during the session.
This Summer You Should Take Safety Precautions
There are a number of summertime activities which require you to take safeguards to protect yourself, your ears, and any costly hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- Playing it safe when at the pool or swimming. Make sure you protect your hearing aids from water damage and use some earplugs when you go swimming to prevent ear infections.
- Remember not to take evening walks alone. You may not hear the warning sounds from potential dangers such as oncoming traffic or maybe even a frightening stranger coming up behind you.
- If you are attending fireworks or maybe a live show, wear ear protection.
Making The Most of it This Summer
These summer difficulties can be mostly avoided by doing three simple things.
- Get your ears checked by a hearing care specialist. It may be possible that your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing examination, to determine if you do actually have hearing loss.
- Get good-quality hearing aids. They will get rid of any background noises so that you hear what is relevant.
Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t allow hearing loss take it away from you.