The sense of hearing is an important way we safely navigate roads while driving. Hearing sharpens spatial awareness and alertness which is critical for your safety and the safety of others. Being able to readily identify hazards, emergencies, and car troubles that may develop on the road are all essential aspects of driving that hearing facilitates. This includes being able to hear sirens, traffic, honks etc. and respond accordingly, sometimes having to make decisions rapidly.
Hearing aids transform hearing health, making daily activities like driving, much more comfortable (and safer) to engage in. Driving with hearing aids takes time to adjust to as your auditory system is being retrained to hear in this new way. But after becoming completely familiar with your device, you can integrate driving safely into your routine. There are a few ways you can best transition into driving with hearing aids and maximize safety.
1. Adjust to Hearing Aids Before Driving
It is important to be aware that there is an adjustment period with hearing aids. This is because your brain is hearing and processing sounds that it likely has not heard in quite some time. So the auditory system has to become familiar with these newer incoming stimuli and this kind of retraining for your hearing takes effort and time. Initially, this can feel like sound and cognitive overload as you take in sounds that you weren’t able to hear before – sounds from kitchen appliances, cars driving by outside, faints sounds from the next room, etc. By spending time getting adjusted first, you will become increasingly comfortable with your hearing aids. Experts recommend starting wearing your device at home, where you can comfortably take in these sounds. After some time, your hearing will acclimate and sounds that felt unusual at first (the sound of your own voice, chewing, the refrigerator, etc.), will become normal. Once you feel like you have adjusted to your hearing aids, integrate driving!
2. Always Wear Hearing Aids
While adjusting to new hearing aids, especially for first-time wearers, you may experience fatigue from taking in and processing new stimuli. It is useful to take breaks as needed. But after you become familiar with your device, it is important to always wear your hearing aids while driving. Your hearing aids are designed to maximize your hearing capacity, providing you with ample support which is necessary while driving in particular. Remaining fully aware of the road, your surroundings, and operating your car allows you to drive as safely as possible. Also, wearing your hearing aids while driving exposes you to the sounds of the road and traffic which your auditory system needs to also become familiar with.
4. Plan for Hearing Needs
Before driving, think about and prioritize your hearing needs. This includes ensuring that our device is completely charged, cleaned, and ready to go. Also, depending on what type of hearing aids you have, ensure that you have access to charging your device in the event of an emergency. This could mean keeping extra batteries in your car or what you need to recharge your device.
5. Minimize Background Noise
Another useful tip is to reduce background noise as much as you can. Background noise can be really distracting, creating additional sound for the brain to process which can contribute to overload and hearing less clearly. This can reduce the capacity to focus on the important sounds that are necessary to be tuned into for safety while driving. You can reduce background noise by minimizing the volume of any audio you may be playing (music, podcast, radio etc.), rolling up the windows to block out distracting environmental noise, avoiding talking on the phone etc.
6. Avoid Multitasking
Another possible source of distraction is multitasking. People often do other things while driving like texting, talking on the phone, drinking coffee etc. Multitasking reduces your attention and alertness as well as can create additional noise to filter through. Avoid engaging in other activities while driving so your full attention can be on navigating public space. If you need to look up directions or take a phone call, you can safely pull over.
Practicing these tips support your hearing and increase your safety while driving! And, if you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, it is important to take a hearing test. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!