Should you just remain indoors and miss summer fun just because you don’t hear very well? If you don’t know about your hearing loss, it’s even worse. The prolonged decay of hearing which comes with aging and some ear diseases will mean that you won’t always recognize that there are things which you can’t hear any longer. You may also hold back on doing fun summertime activities you love simply because you can’t hear as well. Look for remedies to the challenges that come with hearing loss, so you can go out there and enjoy the good times with all your friends.

Summertime Cookouts

Summer cookouts do get a bit challenging if you have loss of hearing. One of the hardest things is background noise. Lots of people are chatting everywhere. Kids are running about shouting and enjoying themselves. You have the sounds of nature like singing birds, barking dogs, and the sound of cooking on the grill.

All that noise competes with any remaining hearing you may have left. When somebody has hearing decline, background noises have a tendency to take over.

Try these things to compensate:

Some of the overpowering background noise can be lessened by going to a quiet place to sit for a while. Turning away from the sun will permit you to look at people when they talk and use their lips to figure out words you miss.

• You can reduce the volume of background music. If you are hosting the barbecue, you can just decide not to have any music. If you are visiting somebody else’s barbecue, explain the issue to the host.
• Now and then just walk away. Struggling to hear takes a lot of energy. Every hour or so try to go indoors or a little ways away from all the noise.
• Inform others that you can’t hear. It’s aggravating for you and those around you if you try to fake it. If you don’t hear what someone said, tell them. You can also use visual hints that you are struggling such as cupping your ear. They will automatically get closer or speak up to help out.

Don’t try to hear everything. Understand that you can’t participate in every discussion. Alternatively, try to participate in small groups of people and set realistic limits for yourself.

Head Outdoors

Do you really realize what you are missing outside? Don’t be scared to walk outside and concentrate on the sounds of nature. No, you won’t be capable of hearing everything but with a little focus, you may hear more than you might think.

Make a game out of it and listen for:

• Birds singing
• Insects buzzing
• Crickets in the evening
• Rustling leaves
• Falling rain
• Kids running around and playing
• Dogs barking
• Waves splashing

Manage expectations when going outdoors, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by attempting to hear one thing at a time.

Enjoy a Vacation or Maybe Just a Day Trip

Isn’t that what summer is all about? Determine what kind of vacation you would enjoy and if there are restrictions that come with your hearing loss. For instance, a theme park could be a little too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work perfectly. Going out into nature would also work. Stroll on the boardwalk by the beach or head to a museum.

Don’t let your loss of hearing rob you of your chance to travel this summer. If you are flying, notify the airline that you have hearing loss when you book the ticket. Alert the hotel, also, so they can get 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.

Improve Yourself

Learn how to paint or take an exercise class to improve yourself this summer. Arrive early, so you can find a spot up front. If you miss anything, it would be good to bring a friend or two with you to fill in the blanks.

Safety Precautions Should Be Taken This Summer

There are a number of summertime traditions which require you to take safeguards to protect yourself, your ears, and any expensive hearing assistance devices you own. Play it safe by:

• While you are at the pool or beach, play it safe. Keep your hearing aids dry and wear earplugs while swimming.
• If you want to take a walk in the evening to appreciate the cool night air, take a friend with you. There are hazards like a car driving toward you or someone lurking near you which you might not hear.
• Use ear protection at fireworks shows and at concerts.

Try to Make The Most of it This Summer

Three simple things will help you prevent most of these things.

• Get your ears examined by a hearing specialist. It may be possible that your hearing loss is treatable.
• Get a professional hearing examination, so you know if you do have hearing loss.
• Wear good-quality hearing aids. They will filter out background noises so that you hear what’s important.

Having fun is what summer is all about. Don’t allow the loss of hearing rob you of that.