Should you just sit indoors and miss summer just because you don’t hear well? If you’re not aware of your hearing loss, it’s probably even worse. Certain ear conditions and aging can bring a prolonged decline of hearing which you may not even recognize. If you enjoy summer fun, then why would you want to get left behind because you can’t hear very well? There are various solutions to your loss of hearing that will get you back out there having summertime fun.
Summer Barbecues
Hearing loss will be challenging at summer barbecues. One of the most challenging things is background noise. There are so many conversations happening around you. Kids might be playing in the grass or swimming pool. There is the crackling of the stuff cooking on the grill and, of course, the wondrous sounds of the natural world.
If you do have some amount of hearing loss, all of these noises and sounds can be very frustrating. When someone has hearing loss, background noises tend to take over.
There are things you can try to compensate like:
Some of the overwhelming background noise can be minimized by finding a quiet place to sit for a while. Facing away from the sun will allow you to look at people when they talk and use their lips to figure out words you miss.
- You can reduce the volume of background music. If it’s your barbecue, you can simply decide not to play music. Let the host know about your issue if you are attending someone else’s barbecue.
- Get away from time to time. It can be tiring when you are struggling to hear. Go inside and away from everyone for a short time each hour and go someplace quiet to recharge.
- Let others know if you can’t hear. Don’t try to fake it because that can frustrate others. Let people know when you can’t hear them. Visual clues such as cupping your ears will help others realize you’re having difficulty hearing. Usually, people will come closer or speak up to help.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. Understand that you can’t get involved in every conversation. Set practical limits for yourself and try to take part in small groups instead.
Head Outdoors
If you just stay indoors you don’t know what you’re missing out on. Don’t be frightened to walk outdoors and focus on the sounds of the natural world. 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 chirping
- Buzzing insects
- Evening crickets
- Blowing leaves
- Rain on your roof
- People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
- Dogs barking
- Splashing waves
If you simply attempt to listen to one thing at a time, you can manage your expectations every time you go outdoors, head for the beach or walk in the park.
Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip
Isn’t that what summer is all about? What kind of vacation would you enjoy? What restrictions come along with your hearing loss that will affect it? For instance, an amusement park may be a bit too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work nicely. Spend a day at a nature preserve or perhaps go to the zoo. Take a walk on the boardwalk near the beach or head to a museum.
Don’t let your hearing loss take away your chance to travel this summer. If you’re going to fly, inform the airline that you have hearing loss when you book the ticket. Inform the hotel, as well, so they can offer you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired such as smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.
Work on Yourself
Learn how to paint or maybe take an exercise class to help better yourself this summer. If you would like to find a spot in the front, get there early. If you do miss anything, it would be prudent to have a friend or two with you to fill in the blanks.
Safety Precautions Should Be Taken This Summer
There are a number of summertime activities that require you to take safeguards to protect yourself, your ears, and any costly hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- When you are enjoying the pool or beach, play it safe. Make sure you take care of your hearing aids from water damage and put in some earplugs if you go swimming to prevent ear infections.
- Remember not to take evening walks by yourself. There are potential risks such as a car coming toward you or somebody lurking near you which you probably won’t hear.
- If you are going to fireworks or maybe a live performance, use ear protection.
Try to Make The Most of it This Summer
Most of these summertime obstacles become less substantial if you do three easy things.
- Have your ears examined by a hearing care specialist. It may be 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 you will hear what is relevant.
Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t allow hearing loss take it away from you.