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Safety Tips for Seniors Driving with Hearing Loss

Technology has come a long way to enhance quality of life for older Americans in the past few decades. With smartphones and e-readers and other technology, older Americans are able to stay active and participate in the things they love with reasonable accommodation.

It is important to remember that one-third of Americans over the age of 65 experience some degree of hearing loss, and that 50% of Americans over 75 years old experience hearing loss. Hearing loss is a very common condition in the US – in fact, the third most common after heart disease and arthritis – and as such, there are many accommodations and treatments available.

If you are over the age of 50 and have not yet taken a hearing test, it is highly recommended by hearing specialists. Hearing tests help to identify your current hearing abilities; if treatment is necessary, hearing tests help identify the best course.

Technology has advanced greatly with hearing aids. Hearing aids of today connect wirelessly to your smart devices and stream phone calls and other media sounds directly to your ears. For seniors who experience hearing loss, hearing aids do a great of job restoring sound and reconnecting you to the world around you.

At the same time, there are things to keep in mind when it comes to driving safely. Here we review a few safety tips to help you as you drive.

Make Sure Your Vision is Clear

While hearing is important, vision is your primary sense when it comes to driving. As we get older, our eyes could become clouded with cataracts and our prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses may not last as long as they once did.

If you wear glasses or lenses, make sure you get your eyes checked every 1-2 years. If you notice other impairments in your vision (cloudiness, sensitivity to bright light, etc.), contact your optometrist and get your vision checked immediately.

If your eyes are sensitive to light, consider polarized lenses for your sunglasses. When it comes to driving in the dark, try to stay on well-lit roads or avoid it all together. While driving, make sure you can see up to 10 feet ahead of you.

Get Your Hearing Checked Annually

Your sense of hearing helps you stay connected to the world around you and keeps you safe. If there are emergency vehicles nearby, chances are you’ll notice by the sense of sound first, rather than the flashing lights.

Hearing specialists recommend that people have their hearing checked annually from the age of 50. The use of hearing aids drastically improves hearing, but our hearing abilities are always changing. An annual hearing test helps us stay abreast of our abilities.

If you have a hearing loss, make sure you wear your hearing aids when you drive. Ask your passengers to keep their conversations quiet, and avoid playing loud music or the radio while you are on the road. These things could distract you from sounds of the road.

Pay Attention to Your Attention and Reaction Time

Talk to your car dealership about adjustments you can make to your vehicle to ensure a more comfortable and safe driving experience. There are accessories such as a wider rearview mirror or equipment to assist with operating foot pedals and steering, as well as power brakes and steering for easier operation. Try to take breaks and stretch if you experience stiffness and pain in your joints.

Make Sure Your Medications Do Not Cause Drowsiness

If you take medication, make sure you check the side-effects before you go for a drive. Certain medications could lead to drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving until these side effects subside. If your medication constantly interferes with your senses and abilities, talk to your doctor about other options.

Keep in mind that certain medications could also be linked to hearing loss. This is why an annual exam is important – to ensure that your hearing is sound. If you believe your hearing abilities have changed due to new medication, speak to your doctor.

To ensure safety on the road, visit us at Custom Hearing Solutions! We provide comprehensive hearing tests and hearing aid fittings.

Custom Hearing Solutions

We look forward to hearing from you. Reach out to us today to schedule your first hearing exam!
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