Are You Driving with Hearing Loss? Here are some Safety Tips.

Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions among people of all ages in the U.S. When it goes untreated, can lead to problems that may impact the way you learn, work, and even drive.

Hearing while Driving  

Even though your sense of sight is the most important when it comes to driving a vehicle, hearing alerts you when an emergency vehicle is approaching, it lets you know when another driver is feeling impatient, or if your blinker signals are on. Hearing unusual noises coming from your car can make you aware of possible mechanical problems with your vehicle. It’s not only a safety issue for you, but also for others who are sharing the road with you.  

Mild hearing loss may not impact your safety while driving, but it is always a good idea to be prepared. If you have severe hearing loss, depending on where you live, you may need to abide by some restrictions.

Driving with Hearing Aids

Wearing hearing aids while driving is very helpful so that you can be more aware of your surroundings. They help you hear others on the road while maintaining a good auditory system so that your brain is healthy enough to remember how to interpret sounds. 

Keep Distractions at a Minimum

We are all aware of the dangers of using a phone while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2019, distractions while driving claimed nearly 3,200 lives. Here are some tips to reduce distractions:

• Ask your hearing instrument specialist for a “car” setting for your hearing aids. Hearing aids can be programmed for all kinds of environments that you frequently find yourself in. Your hearing instrument specialist can adjust the direction of the microphone so that you can hear what someone else in the car is saying.
• Hearing aid maintenance. Hearing aid feedback noise is very distracting and can happen at any moment. A properly fitted hearing aid from a qualified hearing instrument specialist can prevent these noises from happening. It’s important to get regular cleanings and check-ups every six months. Notify your hearing aid provider about any feedback noises or other issues that may arise.
• Have fully charged hearing aids or carry a fresh pack of batteries. Always bring an extra pair of batteries with you. Do not remove the sticker tab from the batteries until you are ready to place them in your hearing aids. The battery will begin to drain once the tab is removed. If you hear a signal that your batteries are low while driving, do not try to change them while driving. Pull over to a safe area to change them.   
• Lower the volume of the music or podcast. Keeping music and media at a low volume is helpful for residual hearing. It also reduces distractions and the listening fatigue that you may experience while focusing on the road. Adjust the volume before heading out so that you don’t need to change them while driving. 
• Ask passengers not to distract you while driving. Even though you’ll be tempted to engage in conversation, doing anything other than driving can take your mind off of safety precautions. If you struggle to hear others in the car, as either a driver or a passenger, inform your hearing instrument specialist so they can make adjustments or other suggestions as necessary. 
• Close your car windows to reduce outside noises. Most of today’s automobiles are designed to lessen road noise. If there are any ways to reduce noises that cause distractions, use them.
• Concentrate on driving. Everything from texting to eating can wait until you arrive at your destination. You know this and have probably told others the same. Make this a habit and be a good role model to other people in your life. 
• Phone usage. It’s best to avoid speaking on or using your phone while driving. Unless you have a car phone mount that you need for navigating, it’s safer not to use it. If you need to take a phone call, hearing aids are now available with Bluetooth® so that you may stream your phone calls. Bring this up with your hearing instrument specialist. 
• Encounters with law enforcement. If you are signaled to pull over while driving, let them know right away that you have difficulty with hearing so that they can be more effective in how they communicate with you. You can obtain and show them a placard that indicates that you are deaf or hard of hearing.  

Visual Cues

Use visual cues to help piece together conversations. 

• In addition to getting your hearing tests annually, make sure you get regular eye exams and wear proper prescription glasses or contact lenses. This is important for driving. Dual sensory impairment is common as we age. 
• Get a larger rearview mirror. This can decrease your need to look back. Some states require this for hearing-impaired drivers. Get in touch with the Department of Motor Vehicles to find out if these restrictions are applied in your state. 
• Be aware of flashing lights from oncoming vehicles and at railroad crossings. If you are in a city, use the windows on buildings and other reflective surfaces to give you a warning about vehicles that are approaching from behind you.

Drive Safely 

Be as aware as possible while driving. Make sure you have all of the tools you need to be a safe driver, who also has trouble hearing. Get annual hearing tests, wear your hearing aids, and keep up with hearing aid maintenance. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. 

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