How to keep safe when you struggle with hearing loss - AZ Big Media

Humans only have five senses and all of them are necessary for keeping us safe. Our vision lets us see the danger that is approaching us. Our sense of smell lets us recognize there is a toxin in the air. Our sense of touch notifies us when an object could damage our bodies. Our sense of taste lets us know when food could make us ill. And, our sense of hearing lets us know when danger is approaching and it is out of our range of sight.

Unfortunately, too many people do not recognize hearing as a tool for safety. Instead, they go about their days not being able to hear when potential danger is nearby. If you have hearing loss, you should invest in hearing aids for safety.

Along with recognizing when harm is approaching, hearing aids offer protection against other situations that could be potentially dangerous. If you are struggling to hear, you could have safety issues regarding:

1. Stress

When you cannot hear, you lose connection with what is happening around you. This can be highly stressful, especially for people who need to communicate verbally on the job. Constantly asking people to repeat themselves can make people not want to talk to you. Misunderstanding their words increases stress because you don’t know if you are doing things correctly. The danger in these situations might not be obvious, but misunderstanding instructions and living in a constant state of stress adds to the risk of accidents.

2. Exhaustion

When people are tired, accidents happen. If you struggle to hear, you work harder to communicate with the people around you. You might not become physically exhausted, but your brain will become tired and you will make mistakes. Studies show that driving while exhausted can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

3. Increased blood pressure

You might not connect increased blood pressure and hearing problems, but there is a correlation between them. Not being able to hear can increase stress, which can increase blood pressure. High blood pressure creates risks for more chronic health problems, like heart attacks and strokes. If these happen while driving or working, dangerous accidents can be the result.

4. Vertigo

The ear is responsible for more than hearing; it works with balance and equilibrium. If you struggle to hear, you might also have issues with dizziness. When you lose your balance, you are more likely to fall. Elderly people with balance issues run the risk of fracturing bones. You could also develop bouts of vertigo while driving, which can put you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk.

5. Problems with sports

This might not seem like a danger issue, but when athletes struggle to hear, they run the risk of injuring themselves or other athletes. They might not know if a ball or another player is headed their way, which could result in a painful collision. Wearing hearing aids helps athletes stay fully engaged in the playing field.