Is loss of hearing interfering with your summer fun? In the worse case you’re not even aware you have hearing loss. The prolonged decay of hearing that comes with getting older and some ear diseases can mean that you won’t always realize that there are things you can’t hear anymore. If you enjoy summer fun, then why would you want to miss out just because you can’t hear very well? You will still be able to get out and have a great time if you find some solutions to your hearing loss obstacles.
Summer Barbecues
Barbecuing during the summer might be challenging if you have loss of hearing. One of the toughest issues is background noise. All around you, people are chatting. On the lawn and in the pool youngsters are yelling and having fun. There is the crackling of the food cooking on the grill and, of course, the wonderful sounds of nature.
All that noise interferes with any residual hearing you may have left. Background noises will overwhelm someone who has hearing loss.
Try to do these things to compensate:
Sitting in a peaceful spot for short periods can help eliminate some of that overwhelming background noise. Turning away from the sun will allow you to look at people when they are talking and read their lips to figure out words you miss.
- You can turn down the volume of background music. Deciding not to have music is an option if you’re the host. If you are visiting somebody else’s cookout, mention the problem to the host.
- Walk away from time to time. It can be exhausting when you are struggling to hear. Every hour or so go inside or away from all the noise.
- Inform others that you can’t hear. Don’t attempt to fake it because that can frustrate others. If you don’t hear what someone said, tell them. You should also utilize visual hints that you are struggling such as cupping your ear. They will usually get closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t try to hear everything. Participating in every discussion is not a possibility. Set realistic limits for yourself and try to take part in small groups instead.
Head Outdoors
Do you really know what you are missing outside? Don’t be scared to go outdoors and concentrate on the sounds of nature. No, you won’t be capable of hearing everything but with a little concentration, you might hear more than you think possible.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Birds singing
- Insects buzzing
- Evening crickets
- Blowing leaves
- The rain falling
- People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
- Barking dogs
- Waves splashing
Temper expectations when you go outdoors, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by trying to listen to one thing at a time.
Enjoy Day Trips or Even a Much Needed Vacation
Isn’t that what summer is all about? What type of vacation do you enjoy? What restrictions come with your hearing loss that will affect it? For instance, a theme park might be a bit too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work perfectly. Spend the day walking around a nature preserve or possibly go to the zoo. A museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk by the beach are great choices.
Don’t let your loss of hearing take away your opportunity to travel this summer. If you’re going to fly, inform the airline that you have hearing loss when you get the ticket. Inform the hotel, also, so they can give you a room with accommodations for the hearing impaired such as smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs that have closed captioning.
Work on Yourself
Learn how to paint or perhaps take an exercise class to better yourself this summer. If you want to find a place up front, get there early. If you miss anything, it would be good to bring a couple of friends with you to let you know what you might have missed.
Take Safety Measures This Summer
There are a couple of summer traditions that require you to take safeguards to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- When you are at the pool or beach, make sure you play it safe. Put in earplugs to avoid ear infections and keep your hearing aids dry.
- If you choose to take a walk after dark to enjoy the cool night air, bring someone with you. The loss of hearing means that you won’t always hear sounds such as automobiles coming towards you or maybe even a stranger lurking behind you.
- Use ear protection at fireworks shows and at concerts.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
Many of these summertime difficulties become less significant when you do three easy things.
- Get your ears checked by a hearing specialist. It is possible that your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, to determine if you do actually have hearing loss.
- Get good-quality hearing aids. They can filter out any background noises so that you hear what is relevant.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t allow hearing loss rob you of that.