Is the loss of hearing getting in the way of your summer fun? Most likely it’s even worse if you’re not aware of it. The slow decrease of hearing which goes along with getting older and some ear diseases can mean that you won’t always realize that there are things you can’t hear anymore. If you love summer fun, then why would you really want to get left behind simply because you don’t hear that well? You will still be capable of getting out and having a great time if you look for some practical solutions to your hearing loss obstacles.

Summer Barbecues

Hearing loss will be tricky during summer barbecues. Background noise is one big difficulty you will have. People are chatting all around you. Kids could be playing in the grass or yelling in the pool. There is the crackling sound of the food cooking on the grill and, of course, the wonderful sounds of the natural world.

If you do have some measure of hearing loss, all of these noises and sounds will be very frustrating. When someone has hearing decline, background sounds tend to take over.

Try to do these things to compensate:

Some of the overwhelming background noise can be reduced by going to a quiet place to sit for a while. You may need to look at peoples lips so turn your back to the sun.

• You can reduce the volume of background music. You could choose not to have music if you are the host of the barbecue. When you are at other peoples barbecues make sure you tell the host that you have hearing difficulties.
• Now and then simply walk away. You use a lot of energy struggling to hear. Go indoors and away from everyone for a few minutes every hour and go somewhere quiet to recharge.
• Inform others that you can’t hear. People will get frustrated if you attempt to fake it. If you can’t hear what someone said, let them know. Cupping your ear and other visual hints can suggest that you can’t hear to others. Normally, people will move closer to you or speak up to help out.

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

Head Outdoors

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

Make a game out of it and listen for:

• Chirping birds
• Buzzing insects
• Crickets at night
• The leaves blowing
• Falling rain
• People jumping in the pool or playing in the yard
• Barking dogs
• Splashing waves

Temper expectations when going outside, to the beach, or for a walk in the park by trying to hear one thing at a time.

Enjoy Day Trips or Even a Much Needed Vacation

That’s really what summer is meant for, isn’t it? What sort of vacation do you enjoy? What constraints come along with your hearing loss that will affect it? For instance, an amusement park could be a little too much stimulation, but sailing or fishing work nicely. Head to the zoo or possibly go to a nature preserve. A museum or taking a stroll on the boardwalk by the beach are great choices.

You have a chance to travel this summer so you shouldn’t let your hearing loss take that away from you. If you are flying, tell the airline that you have hearing loss when you get the ticket. Alert the hotel, too, so they can give you a room with accommodations for the hearing impaired including smoke alarms with flashing lights or shaking beds and TVs with closed captioning.

Work on Yourself

Learn how to paint or maybe take a fitness class to improve yourself this summer. Show up early, so that you can find a place up front. If you miss anything, it would be prudent to bring a friend or two with you to let you know what you might have missed.

Safety Precautions Should Be Taken This Summer

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

• Taking care while at the pool or swimming. Use earplugs to avoid ear infections and don’t let your hearing aids get wet.
• Remember not to take evening walks on your own. Loss of hearing means that you don’t always hear sounds including vehicles coming towards you or maybe even someone lurking behind you.
• If you are going to fireworks or maybe a live show, wear ear protection.

Making The Most of it This Summer

Many of these summer challenges become less significant when you do three easy things.

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

Summertime is all about having fun. Don’t let the loss of hearing rob you of that.