Are you going to sit indoors and lose out on summer fun because you don’t hear very well? If you’re not aware of your hearing loss, it’s probably even worse. The slow decline of your hearing which comes with getting older and some ear diseases will mean that you don’t always realize that there are some things which you don’t hear any longer. You might also stay away from engaging in fun summertime events that you love just because you don’t hear as well. You will still be able to get out and have a blast if you look for certain solutions to your hearing loss difficulties.

Summertime Cookouts

Summer cookouts do get a bit challenging when a person has hearing loss. To begin with, there is a lot of background noise. All around you, people are conversing. Kids might be having fun in the grass or yelling in the swimming pool. You have the sounds of nature like singing birds, barking dogs, and the crackling sound of cooking on the grill.

If you do have some amount of hearing loss, all of these noises and sounds will be very frustrating. Background noises will overwhelm someone who has hearing loss.

There are some things you can try to compensate including:

Sitting in a peaceful spot for short periods will help eliminate some of that overpowering background noise. You might need to see peoples lips so turn your back to the sun.

• Turn off any background music or turn it down, at least. Deciding not to have music is an option if you’re the host. If you are going to somebody else’s barbecue, describe the issue to the host.
• Now and then just walk away. It can be fatiguing when you are struggling to hear. Every hour or so try to go indoors or a little ways away from all the noise.
• Let people know when you can’t hear. Don’t attempt to fake it because that can frustrate others. Let people know when you can’t hear them. You should also use visual clues that you are struggling such as cupping your ear. They will quickly get closer or speak up to help out.

Don’t try to hear everything. The fact that you can’t take part in every conversation is something you need to accept. Set reasonable limits for yourself and try to engage in small groups instead.

Head Outdoors

Do you really realize what you might be missing outside? Don’t be afraid to step outdoors and focus 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 think possible.

Make a game out of it and listen for:

• Chirping birds
• Insects buzzing
• Crickets in the evening
• Rustling leaves
• Falling rain
• People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
• Barking dogs
• Splashing waves

If you simply attempt to listen to 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 all about? Decide what kind of vacation you would enjoy and if there are restrictions that come along with your hearing loss. Sailing or fishing would be perfect but an amusement park might be a little too much. Spend the day at a nature preserve or alternatively go to the zoo. A museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk next to the beach are excellent choices.

You have an opportunity to travel this summer so don’t let your hearing loss take that away from you. Tell the airline about your condition when you get your ticket if you are flying. Inform the hotel or resort, too, so they can get you a room that has accommodations for the hearing impaired such as smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.

Work on Yourself

Look for ways to improve yourself this summer such as taking a fitness class or learning to paint. Arrive early, so that you can get a spot up front. Take a couple of friends with you and let them fill you in on what you are missing during the session.

This Summer You Should Take Safety Precautions

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

• While you are at the pool or beach, make sure you play it safe. Make sure to protect your hearing aids from water damage and use some earplugs if you go into the water to prevent ear infections.
• Bring someone with you when you go on those pleasant evening walks. Loss of hearing means that you don’t always comprehend sounds like cars coming towards you or even someone coming up behind you.
• If you are attending fireworks or maybe a live performance, wear ear protection.

Making The Most of it This Summer

These summer difficulties can be mostly eliminated by doing three simple things.

• Get your ears checked by a hearing specialist. It is possible that your hearing loss is treatable.
• Get a professional hearing test, so you know if you do actually have hearing loss.
• Get good-quality hearing aids. They will get rid of background noises so that you hear what is important.

Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t let hearing loss take it away from you.