Are you going to remain inside and miss out on summer fun just because you can’t hear very well? The worse thing is when you’re not even aware you have hearing loss. The prolonged decrease of your hearing that goes along with aging and certain ear diseases can mean that you don’t always recognize that there are things you don’t hear anymore. If you love summer fun, then why would you choose to get left behind just because you can’t hear very well? Look for remedies to the challenges which come with hearing loss, so you can go out there and enjoy the fun with all your friends.
Summertime Cookouts
Barbecuing during the summer may get difficult when you have loss of hearing. For one thing, there is a large amount of background noise. People are talking all around you. On the lawn and in the swimming pool kids are shouting and having fun. There is the crackling sound of the stuff cooking on the grill and, of course, the wondrous sounds of nature.
If you do have some degree of hearing loss, all of these various noises and sounds will be extremely frustrating. When someone has hearing decline, background noises tend to take over.
There are some things you can do to compensate including:
Sitting in a peaceful spot for short periods will help get rid of some of that overpowering background noise. You may need to see peoples lips so put your back to the sun.
- You can reduce the volume of background music. You might choose not to have music if you are the host of the barbecue. Let the host know about your issue if you are attending someone else’s cookout.
- Now and then simply walk away. Struggling to hear takes a lot of energy. Every hour or so go inside or a little ways away from all the noise.
- Let people know when you can’t hear. It’s annoying for you and those around you when you try to fake it. Let people know when you can’t hear them. You can also make use of visual hints that you are struggling such as cupping your ear. They will usually step closer or speak up to help out.
Don’t attempt to hear everything. The fact that you can’t engage in every discussion is something you need to accept. Alternatively, try to engage in smaller groups and set realistic limits for yourself.
Go Outdoors
What might you be missing by staying inside? Don’t be frightened to walk outside the house and focus on the sounds of the natural world. No, you won’t be able to hear everything but with a little focus, you might hear more than you think possible.
Make a game out of it and listen for:
- Birds chirping
- Buzzing insects
- Crickets in the evening
- The leaves blowing
- Rain on your roof
- Kids running around and playing
- Dogs barking
- Waves splashing
Temper expectations when you go outside, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by trying to hear one thing at a time.
Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip
Isn’t that what summer is all about? Determine what sort of vacation you would like and if there are limitations that come along with your hearing loss. Sailing or fishing would be ideal but an amusement park could be a bit too much. Head to the zoo or perhaps go to a nature preserve. Going to a museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk by the beach are excellent choices.
You have an opportunity to travel this summer so don’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, as well, so they can get 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 to paint or take a fitness class to help improve yourself this summer. Arrive early, so that you can get a spot up front. If you miss anything, it would be smart to bring a couple of friends with you to let you know what you might have missed.
Safety Precautions Should Be Taken This Summer
There are a number of summertime activities which require you to take safeguards to protect yourself, your ears, and any costly hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:
- Taking care while at the pool or beach. Make sure you protect your hearing aids from water damage and use some earplugs if you go swimming to prevent ear infections.
- Don’t go on evening walks by yourself. You may not hear the warning sounds from potential dangers like oncoming vehicles or maybe even a frightening stranger walking up from behind you.
- If you are going to fireworks or maybe a live show, wear ear protection.
Making The Most of it This Summer
Three easy things will help you eliminate most of these things.
- Have your ears checked by a hearing specialist. It is possible that your hearing loss is treatable.
- Get a professional hearing test, so you know if you do actually have hearing loss.
- Get high-quality hearing aids. They can filter out background noises so you will hear what’s important.
Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t permit the loss of hearing take it away from you.