Hearing loss affects an estimated 15% of U.S. adults. If you’re among that percentage, you know that hearing loss can impact just about every area of your life, from how you communicate with others to how you navigate Grapevine. One concern many people with hearing loss have is how hearing loss will affect their safety.
Let’s look at a few ways hearing loss can impact your safety in public spaces and how you can accommodate it to help you move about the world securely and confidently.
Poor Speech Understanding
Many of us have experienced some variation of the following situation: you’re in the park, and somebody yells “DUCK” as a ball or frisbee comes your way. After you hear the warning, you duck down to avoid a nasty bump on the head. When you have hearing loss, that warning shout may fail to reach you, potentially putting your safety at risk.
In addition to warning shouts, poor speech understanding can lead you to miss safety instructions. A few examples include:
- Pre-flight safety instructions
- Public transportation announcements
- Evacuation instructions
- Severe weather warnings
- Building security alert announcements
- Lifeguard instructions
Depending on your degree of hearing loss, you may miss some or all of those safety sounds, leaving you feeling insecure when moving around the world on your own.
Less Background Awareness
Hearing loss doesn’t just dull speech; it can also soften the essential sounds you rely on to stay safe. Think of all the safety sounds you’re used to hearing. They may include:
- Sirens
- Fire alarms
- Barking dogs
- Car horns
- Bicycle bells
Depending on your degree of hearing loss, you may miss some or all of those safety sounds, making you feel insecure moving around the world on your own.
How Hearing Aids Help
When you’re receiving safety instructions, you can ask for a written copy of the information or sign up for severe weather text alerts to ensure you don’t miss any points. In addition to alternative communication methods, hearing aids can bring some of those safety sounds back to life.
Today’s hearing aids feature advanced technology that amplifies speech and alerts you to sirens, fire alarms and other background safety sounds—keeping you safe whether you’re sitting on the couch at home or running around Grapevine.
For more information about the benefits of hearing aids, contact Heard It Through The Grapevine Audiology, PC today.