Continuing on the theme of preparing for a better future: Hearing Loss and Driving
The older we get, the more the loss of hearing affects our daily lives, sometimes happening so slowly the loss isn't perceived. Sometimes, this "something" happens behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.
Though some states have requirements for hearing-impaired drivers, it is not illegal for these drivers to drive in any of the States.
There are more distractions when hearing impaired and it may make driving more of a challenge than many are aware of.
Not hearing the everyday noises while driving (honking horns, children playing, sirens, etc) puts the driver and those around him in jeopardy. Hearing loss can also cause mental fatigue, a problem that adds to the risk on the streets.
If you think you may have a hearing loss, here are 5 steps to improve your safety as a driver:
1) Get your hearing checked by an audiologist.
If you need hearing aids, get them, but more importantly, get used to using them correctly by asking your doctor to help teach you to use and finetune them so they don't end up in a box on the shelf.
2) Get your vision tested.
When one sense is lessened, another sense sharpens to cover the gap. Your eyes can do this only if they are at their best vision possible. Get your vision professionally checked.
3) Quiet the surroundings while you're driving.
Close the windows, turn the radio volume down, check in to adding a remote or directional microphone to improve hearing people in the car easier so they don't need to speak louder.
4) Minimize distractions.
Keep phone use to a minimum and place your GPS system on the dashboard so you can see it easier without taking your eyes off the road.
5) Keep watching for new technology to make driving safer.
New safety features - such as a haptic device that makes the steering wheel vibrate when an emergency vehicle is coming - are being introduced by some manufacturers.
Hearing loss can be dealt with if it is faced head-on. Ignoring it could make you an accident waiting to happen.
