People rely on their ability to hear in numerous situations, making it hard to perform some common tasks if your hearing is damaged. Driving a car is one situation that can cause difficulties for many people affected by impaired hearing. However, having hearing loss doesn’t imply you have to throw away your car keys. Follow some simple driving tips and you can drive perfectly safely.

1. Eliminate distractions: Your vision is extremely important when driving a vehicle with hearing loss. Distractions that take your eyes off the road, such as food or electronic devices, can avert your eyes and put you and your passengers in danger. Similarly, listening to the radio can make it even more difficult to hear sirens, horns, and other important traffic cues. By cutting out these distractions while you’re behind the wheel you can make sure you’re taking in all the information you need.
2. Drive with your hearing aid in mind: If your hearing is assisted by a hearing aid, be sure to use it every time you drive a car. Be mindful of how your car’s atmosphere can influence your hearing aid’s functionality. Rely on your car’s climate control system to maintain a comfortable temperature rather than opening the windows. The draft caused by rushing wind can reduce your hearing aid’s effectiveness, potentially putting you at risk.
3. Keep your car in good shape: Unusual noises are a typical danger signal that something isn’t quite right with your automobile. However, if you can’t pick up on audio clues that something is wrong with your vehicle you may end up driving an unsafe car. Keep regular maintenance appointments with your garage or dealership to make sure your car stays in optimum condition.
4. Don’t drive if you are not comfortable: If your hearing impairment makes you feel uneasy while driving it’s best to avoid it. There are many alternatives to owning an automobile, including public transportation. Driving while stressed or uncomfortable may make you more likely to make dangerous errors, so don’t get behind the wheel unless you are feeling safe and confident.

As long as your doctor approves there is no reason for hearing loss to keep you from driving. Stay safe and enjoy the open road.