Hearing loss is a widespread challenge for older individuals, but does it warrant quitting driving? Driving habits vary amongst different individuals so the response isn’t clear-cut.
While hearing loss is a component to consider when operating a vehicle, a competent driver remains proficient even if they have to lower the radio volume.
For individuals who commute on a regular basis the question of whether hearing loss creates a threat while driving is a significant consideration. Is your driving becoming unsafe because of hearing loss?
Think beyond driving…
Early stage hearing loss most likely won’t negatively impact your driving, but if it goes untreated, driving will become progressively more unsafe.
Johns Hopkins Medicine has found there is a distinct connection between hearing and brain health. Battling to hear forces your brain to use valuable resources just to comprehend what people are saying. It has a negative impact on cognition and can play a role in the onset of dementia. Driving is definitely off the table for somebody with dementia.
Should you drive if you have hearing loss?
Driving requires robust observational skills and some of that is auditory, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drive with hearing loss. Among the approximately 48 million Americans who suffer from hearing loss, most of them still drive according to the Center for Hearing Communication.
Driving with hearing loss
You can still be a safe driver if you make some adjustments and use these tips.
Quit putting off
Come in to see us for a hearing test and find out if hearing aids will help your condition. Hearing aids can help eliminate the “should I be driving with hearing loss” question.
Be a more aware driver
You will still need to be observant about what’s going on around your vehicle even if you have hearing aids.
Keep the noise down inside your car
This will help you be less distracted. Turn the radio off and ask your passengers to keep the chatter to a minimum.
Keep an eye on your dash lights
When you drive with hearing loss, the little things can add up. You might not be capable of hearing that clicking noise that your turn signal makes, for example. You will have to depend on your eyes to compensate, so get used to scanning your dashboard to see what your car is attempting to tell you.
Make maintenance a priority
You might not hear that rattling noise under the hood anymore or the warning bell telling you there is a problem with your engine or another essential component. That is a significant safety hazard, so make a point of getting your car serviced regularly. That’s a smart plan for most people but a necessity if you are driving with hearing loss.
Watch the other cars closely
Obviously, you would do that anyway, but you want to watch for signs you might be missing something. If you see other cars pulling to the side of the road, you should do that too because you may have missed the sirens. Look to see how other drivers are reacting to their surroundings to get clues on what you might not be hearing.
Can you drive when you have hearing loss? It’s really a personal choice. It is possible to be a good driver even if your hearing isn’t what it once was because most likely your other senses will help you make the adjustment. If the idea makes you anxious, though, then it’s time to come see us and find a solution to improve your situation, like wearing hearing aids.
Come in and let us help you better your quality of life by investigating the hearing solutions that will be suited to your unique hearing situation.
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss
http://chchearing.org/facts-about-hearing-loss
