Is loss of hearing interfering with your summertime fun? Most likely it’s even worse if you don’t know it. The prolonged decrease of your hearing which comes with getting older and certain ear diseases can mean that you don’t always realize that there are some things which you can’t hear any longer. You might also hold back on doing summer activities you love because you don’t hear as well. You will still be capable of getting out and having a great time if you look for a few practical solutions to your hearing loss challenges.

Summer Barbecues

Barbecuing in the summer may be challenging when you have loss of hearing. For starters, there is a large amount of background noise. There are so many discussions happening all around you. Kids could be playing in the grass or yelling in the swimming pool. You get the sounds of nature such as singing birds, barking dogs, and the crackling sound of cooking on the grill.

All that noise interferes with any residual hearing you have left. This type of background noise will easily overtake someone who has hearing loss.

Try these things to compensate:

Find a peaceful spot to sit to eliminate some of that overpowering background noise. Turning away from the sun will allow you to look at people when they talk and read their lips to figure out words you miss.

• You can turn down the volume of background music. Deciding not to play music is an option if you’re the host. At other peoples cookouts make sure you tell the host that you have hearing difficulties.
• Now and then just walk away. It can be fatiguing when you are struggling to hear. Every hour or so try to go inside or away from all the noise.
• Inform others that you can’t hear. Don’t attempt to fake it because that can frustrate others. If you don’t hear what someone said, let them know. Visual clues such as cupping your ears will let people know you’re having a problem hearing. They will automatically step closer or speak up to help out.

Don’t try to hear everything. The fact that you can’t participate in every conversation is something you need to recognize. Set sensible limits for yourself and try to participate in smaller groups instead.

Go Outdoors

Do you really understand what you are missing outside? Don’t be scared to go outdoors and concentrate on the sounds of nature. No, you won’t be able to hear everything but with a little concentration, you might hear more than you might think.

Make a game out of it and listen for:

• Birds singing
• Insects buzzing
• Crickets at night
• Rustling leaves
• Rain on your roof
• Kids running around and playing
• Barking dogs
• Splashing waves

If you just attempt to hear one thing at a time, you can manage your expectations every time you go outdoors, head for the beach or walk in the park.

Enjoy Day Trips or Even a Much Needed Vacation

Isn’t that what summertime is meant for? What type of vacation would you enjoy? What restrictions come along with your hearing loss that will affect it? As an example, a theme park may be a bit too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work nicely. Go to the zoo or maybe go to a nature preserve. Walk on the boardwalk near the beach or go to a museum.

Don’t let your hearing loss take away your opportunity to travel this summer. If you are flying, notify the airline that you have hearing loss when you get the ticket. Alert the hotel or resort, as well, so they can give you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired including smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs that have closed captioning.

Work on Yourself

Learn how to paint or perhaps take an exercise class to help better yourself this summer. Show up early, so you can find a spot up front. Bring a couple of friends with you and let them fill you in on what you are missing during the session.

Safety Precautions Should Be Taken This Summer

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

• Taking care while by the pool or swimming. Wear earplugs to avoid ear infections and keep your hearing aids dry.
• Remember not to go on evening walks on your own. The loss of hearing means you don’t always recognize things like automobiles driving towards you or maybe even a stranger lurking behind you.
• If you are going to fireworks or maybe a concert, wear ear protection.

Try to Make The Most of it This Summer

Most of these summertime challenges become less substantial when you do three simple things.

• Have your ears examined by a hearing care specialist. It may be possible your hearing loss is treatable.
• Get a professional hearing test, so you know if you do have hearing loss.
• Get high-quality hearing aids. They can filter out any background noises so that you hear what’s relevant.

Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t allow hearing loss take it away from you.