It’s important to be able to hear well when you’re driving. Hearing loss can make that more difficult. However, there are several steps you can take to improve your hearing while on the road.
Get Your Hearing Tested
If you’ve noticed that hearing has become more difficult, whether driving or in other areas of your life, schedule an appointment for a hearing test as soon as possible. These tests are quick, painless and can offer immediate insight into the type and severity of your hearing loss.
Sometimes, your hearing loss could be due to a temporary condition, like earwax buildup, and removal can restore your hearing to normal. In cases of permanent hearing loss, hearing aids are the most common treatment option.
Wear Hearing Aids While Driving
If your audiologist recommends hearing aids, make sure to always wear them when you’re driving. They help you to hear important noises in traffic, like sirens or horns and help you better communicate with other passengers as well.
Newer models of hearing aids have features that can improve speech recognition performance in all environments, including while driving or riding in a car. They use directional microphones so you can hear voices coming from the passenger side or the back of the vehicle.
Minimize Distracting Sounds
Keep your windows rolled up to eliminate wind noise and minimize other outside noises. Consider keeping the radio off or listening at a quiet volume and ask any passengers to use headphones if they are listening to music or watching something on their smartphone or tablet.
Take Your Car in for Regular Tune-ups
Even with hearing aids, you might not be able to hear as well as you did before your hearing loss occurred. This may make it more likely that you miss little clicks or rumblings in your car, which may be an early indicator that something is wrong with your vehicle.
By taking it in for regular tune-ups at West Omaha Auto Service or another local mechanic, you’re being proactive in making sure your vehicle is running smoothly.
For more information about driving with hearing loss or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call Ear Specialists of Omaha & Bellevue today.