Think Safety:: Driving Advice For The Hearing Impaired

People depend on their hearing in numerous situations, making it challenging to carry out some basic tasks if your hearing is damaged. Driving a car is one area that can cause problems for many people affected by impaired hearing. Luckily, just because you have problems with hearing does not mean that safe driving is out of the question. Keep these safe driving tips in mind the next time you get behind the wheel.

Keep your car in good shape: Abnormal noises are a typical warning sign that something is not quite right with your vehicle. If you aren‚’t able to hear when something is wrong with your engine you run the risk of driving an unsafe vehicle. Keep regular maintenance appointments with your garage or dealership to make sure your car stays in optimum condition.

Only drive when you feel comfortable: If your hearing loss makes you feel uneasy while driving it‚’s best to avoid it. There are many alternatives to owning an automobile, including public transportation. Driving while stressed or uncomfortable may make you more likely to make dangerous errors, so don‚’t get behind the wheel unless you are feeling safe and confident.

Reduce distractions: Your vision is very important when driving a car with hearing loss. Distractions that take your eyes off the road, such as food or electronic devices, can avert your eyes and put you and your passengers in danger. You‚’ll also find that it becomes more difficult to hear important traffic cues if you have the radio on while driving. Get rid of any influences that get between you and the road to make sure you aren‚’t missing crucial information.

Drive with your hearing aid in mind: If you use a hearing aid make sure that you don‚’t drive without it. Be mindful of how your car‚’s atmosphere can influence your hearing aid’s functionality. Don‚’t be afraid to switch on the AC rather than driving with the windows open. Your hearing aid can become less effective if it is buffeted by a draft from an open window, impairing your hearing and putting you at risk.

Hearing loss doesn‚’t have to keep you from driving if your doctor approves. Stay safe out there!