Riding in the car can be a difficult hearing environment, especially if you already have some degree of hearing loss. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to make it an easier listening experience.
Use Your Hearing Aids While Driving
If you have hearing aids, you should be wearing them consistently in all situations where you aren’t sleeping or showering. They work to amplify speech and other sounds, making it easier to hear conversations from others inside the car, as well as important noises such as sirens or honking from other cars.
Newer models of hearing aids have features that can improve speech recognition performance in all environments, including while driving. Ask your audiologist if your hearing aids are equipped with technology that can help you hear better while in the car.
Minimize Distractions
Cut down on any unnecessary noise while driving. This means doing things like:
- Keeping the windows rolled up to tune out street noise or noise caused by wind
- Avoid listening to music or the radio
- If you have others with you in the car, ask them to speak quietly when talking amongst themselves
- Avoid texting or any other activity that takes your eyes off the road
Know Where You’re Going Beforehand
If you’re going somewhere unfamiliar, consider using an app like Google Maps on your smartphone. It can speak directions to you as you drive. If you have hearing aids enabled with Bluetooth™ technology, you can even sync up with your phone so that the directions stream directly into your hearing aids for optimal listening ability.
Get Regular Maintenance for Your Vehicle
If you have hearing loss, it may be harder to pick up on the clicks, bumps and rumbling noises that could indicate a problem with your car. If ignored, the damage done to your car can become more serious and even put you in danger.
Get regular tune-ups at Richard’s Automotive or another local mechanic to make sure your vehicle is safe and running well.
Get a Hearing Test
If you’ve noticed that it’s been harder to hear while driving or riding in a car, schedule an appointment for a hearing test. These exams are quick, painless and can offer immediate insight into whether hearing loss is present and if so, what treatments are available.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today.