Don’t Lose Out on Summer Fun Because You Can’t Hear

Why let your summer be spoiled by bad hearing? If you don't know about your hearing loss, it's even worse. Some ear diseases and aging bring a slow decline of hearing that you may not even detect. You may also stay away from engaging in fun summertime events that you love because you can't hear as well. You will still be capable of getting out and having a blast if you look for certain solutions to your hearing loss difficulties.

Summer Barbecues

Summertime barbecues do get a bit challenging when a person has hearing loss. Background noise is one big problem. There are a lot of conversations going on all around you. Kids are running about shouting and playing. There is the sound of the food cooking on the grill and, of course, the wonderful sounds of nature.

All that noise competes with any remaining hearing you have left. Background sounds will overwhelm someone with hearing decline.

There are some things you can do to compensate such as:

Some of the overpowering background noise can be lessened by finding a quiet place to sit for a while. Turning away from the sun will allow you to see people when they are talking and read their lips to figure out words you miss.

• Turn off any background music or turn it down, at least. Choosing not to have music is an option if you're the host. At other peoples barbecues be sure to tell the host about your hearing difficulties.
• Now and then just walk away. It can be tiring when you are struggling to hear. Step inside and away from people for a short time every hour and go someplace quiet to recharge.
• Let people know if you can't hear. Don't attempt to fake it because that can irritate others. Tell people when you can't hear them. You can also make use of visual clues that you are struggling such as cupping your ear. They will usually move closer or speak up to help out.

Don't attempt to hear everything. The fact that you can't participate in every discussion is something you need to accept. Alternatively, try to engage in smaller groups of people and set realistic limits for yourself.

Go Outdoors

If you just stay inside you don't know what you're missing out on. Don't be scared to walk outside the house and focus on the sounds of nature. No, you won't be able to hear everything but with a little focus, you might hear more than you think possible.

Make a game out of it and listen for:

• Chirping birds
• Buzzing insects
• Crickets at night
• Rustling leaves
• The rain falling
• People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
• Dogs barking
• Waves splashing

Manage expectations when going outside, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by trying to listen to one thing at a time.

Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip

Isn't that what summertime is meant for? Figure out what type of vacation you might enjoy and if there are restrictions that come along with your hearing loss. Sailing or fishing would be ideal but a theme park might be a little too much. Going out into nature should also work. Going to a museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk by the beach are excellent choices.

Don't let your loss of hearing rob you of your chance to travel this summer. Tell the airline about your condition when you get your ticket if you are flying. Inform the hotel, too, so they can offer you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired like smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs that have closed captioning.

Improve Yourself

Learn how to paint or maybe take an exercise class to better yourself this summer. Show up early, so that you can get a place up front. Take a couple of friends with you and let them fill you in on what you are missing during the session.

This Summer You Should Take Safety Precautions

There are a number of summer traditions which require you to take precautions to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:

• When you are enjoying the pool or beach, play it safe. Put in earplugs to avoid ear infections and don't let your hearing aids get wet.
• Bring a friend with you when you go on those nice evening walks. There are potential risks such as a car or truck driving toward you or somebody lurking close to you which you might not hear.
• Safeguard what hearing you may have by wearing ear protection if you go to watch the fireworks for Independence Day or to an outdoor concert.

Try to Make The Most of it This Summer

Most of these summer challenges become less substantial when you do three easy things.

• Have your ears examined by a hearing specialist. It may be possible your hearing loss is treatable.
• Get a professional hearing test, to determine if you do have hearing loss.
• Get good-quality hearing aids. They will get rid of background noises so that you will hear what is relevant.

Summertime is all about having fun. Don't permit hearing loss rob you of that.