Should you just sit indoors and lose out on summer just because you can’t hear very well? The worse thing is when you’re not even aware you have loss of hearing. The slow decline of hearing which goes along with aging and some ear diseases will mean that you don’t always recognize that there are some things you don’t hear any longer. When you don’t hear as well it’s very likely that you won’t even go to many fun summer activities. There are various solutions to your loss of hearing that will get you right back out there having summertime fun.
Summertime Cookouts
Barbecuing in the summertime may get challenging when you have loss of hearing. To begin with, there is a lot of background noise. There are so many discussions happening all around you. Kids are running about screaming and playing. You have the sounds of nature such as singing birds, barking dogs, and the sound of cooking on the grill.
If you do have some measure of loss of hearing, all of these various noises and sounds can be quite frustrating. Background noises will overtake someone who has hearing loss.
Here are some tips to help you compensate:
Sitting in a peaceful place for short periods will help get rid of some of that overwhelming background noise. You may need to look at peoples lips so put your back to the sun.
- Turn off any background music or turn it down, at least. You might decide not to have music if you are the host of the barbecue. Tell the host about your problem if you are attending someone else’s barbecue.
- Now and then simply walk away. It can be tiring when you are struggling to hear. Go inside and away from everyone for a short time each hour and go somewhere quiet to recharge.
- Let others know when you can’t hear. It’s annoying for you and those near you when you try 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 that you’re having a problem hearing. They will quickly move closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. The fact that you can’t take part in every discussion is something you need to understand. Set reasonable limits for yourself and try to engage in small groups instead.
Go Outdoors
What might you be missing by remaining inside? Don’t be frightened to step outdoors and concentrate on the sounds of the natural world. You won’t be able to hear everything, but with a little focus, you might be amazed by the things you can hear.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Singing birds
- Insects buzzing
- Crickets in the evening
- Rustling leaves
- Rain on your roof
- People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
- Barking dogs
- Splashing waves
If you only attempt to hear one thing at a time, you can manage your expectations every time you go outside, head to the beach or walk in the park.
Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip
That’s really what summer is all about, isn’t it? What kind of vacation would you enjoy? What restrictions come with your hearing loss that will affect it? Sailing or fishing would be perfect but a theme park might be a little too much stimulation. Go to the zoo or perhaps go to a nature preserve. Take a walk on the boardwalk by the beach or go to a museum.
You have a chance to travel this summer so you shouldn’t let your hearing loss take that away from you. Tell the airline about your condition when you get your ticket if you are flying. Inform the hotel, too, 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.
Improve Yourself
Learn to paint or maybe take a fitness class to help better yourself this summer. Arrive early, so you can find a spot up front. If you miss anything, it would be good to bring a friend or two with you to let you know what you might have missed.
Safety Precautions Should Be Taken This Summer
There are a number of summer activities which require you to take precautions to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- When you are enjoying the pool or beach, play it safe. Make sure to protect your hearing aids from water damage and use some earplugs if you go swimming to avoid ear infections.
- Remember not to go on evening walks alone. Hearing loss means that you won’t always comprehend sounds such as vehicles driving towards you or even a stranger coming up behind you.
- Safeguard what hearing you do have left by using ear protection if you go to see the fireworks for Independence Day or to an outdoor concert.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
Many of these summer obstacles become less substantial if you do three easy things.
- Get your ears examined by a hearing care specialist. It may be possible that your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing examination, so you know if you do actually have hearing loss.
- Wear good-quality hearing aids. They will filter out background noises so you will hear what’s relevant.
Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t let hearing loss rob you of that.