Tips for Senior Drivers with Hearing Loss
We all know that as we get older, some tasks become more difficult or straining than they once were. Sometimes these new difficulties are relatively harmless, such as no longer being able to touch our toes in yoga. Some tasks, however, can become potentially dangerous as we get older. Driving is one of those activities. Obviously there are many older adults who happily and safely drive themselves to and fro each day. To ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, try follow these simple tips and tricks before hitting the road.
Get Your Hearing Checked Annually
In the US, it is recommended that adults over the age of 50 get annual hearing exams. Even if you already use hearing aids, these check-ups are still incredibly important. Testing your hearing annually will determine if your hearing needs or profile have changed, and if your hearing aid prescription needs to be adjusted accordingly.
Get Your Sight Checked Annually
More so than with hearing changes, people seem to be more willing to go in for an eye exam when they start to notice changes in their eyesight. It is still important, however, to remind senior drivers to get their eyesight checked at least yearly. Just as with hearing aids, a slight adjustment to your glasses or contact prescription could make a world of difference in your ability to see clearly while on the road.
Update Your Hearing Aids as Recommended
The hearing aid industry continues to outdo itself with revolutionary new technology hitting the market each year. For many reasons, the car can be a particularly difficult listening environment. Many hearing aid manufacturers have developed technologies and/or settings specifically tailored to listening to safety warnings or conversations while driving. If you feel like your hearing aid is not up-to-par while you are driving, reach out to your local audiologist to see if adjustments to your hearing aids or new hearing aids would make driving easier.
Check Medication Labels
If you take any as-needed or daily medications, make sure to check the labels. Oftentimes, medications can cause drivers to become drowsy and less alert. Be aware of how your medications affect you before trying to drive while on them.
Take Care of your Physical Health
Many times, aches and pains in our bodies can get in the way of our ability to safely operate a vehicle. For example, stiffness in the legs or knees may slow brake reaction times. Talk to your doctor about available treatment options for any pains you experience, especially if they are noticeable while you drive.
There are also many simple fixes, such as supportive back cushions for the driver’s seat or knee braces to be worn while you drive. Assistive technology devices are also available for assistance in steering or operating foot pedals. It is also important to get plenty of exercise and maintain a well-balanced diet, to ensure your physical body is as fit and healthy as possible.
Be Aware of Reaction Times
If you notice your reaction times are slightly slower than they used to be, take precautions. Try to avoid high traffic areas or places where sudden stops are more likely to occur. It may also be beneficial to get into the habit of braking slightly sooner than you would normally, and leave larger spaces between yourself and the car in front of you. Another accommodation that may be helpful is driving in the right hand lane, where aggressive drivers and multiple lane changers are less likely to be.
Download a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Visor Card
This is especially important if you are fully deaf or if your hearing loss is severe. This card should be stored on your car’s visor in the case you are pulled over by the police. Simply pull the visor down to expose the card, which reads, “I am Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing”.
As the officer approaches for car from the back, it will be the first thing he or she sees. This way, the officer will immediately know that some accommodations may need to be made in order for him or her to adequately communicate with you. To download and print your card, click here.
At Desert Valley Audiology, we care about your safety both on and off the road. If you’ve noticed any changes in your hearing, reach out to us today to schedule your hearing exam.
Desert Valley Audiology
(702) 605-9133 | [email protected]