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Our five senses connect us to the world around us. When one sense is comprised then others often become enhanced in order to compensate. Even so, those with hearing loss are at a significantly higher risk of falls and accidents, which can lead to hospitalization or even premature death. For older adults who are disproportionately affected by hearing loss are at an increased risk for negative outcomes from simple accidents. Affecting one in three people over the age of 65, and half of those 75 years and older, comorbidities along with hearing loss can lead for slower recovery times and even missed directions from doctors and nurses regarding after care. For this reason, its far more likely for those with hearing loss to be readmitted for the same medical condition.
If you have hearing loss, it’s important to play it safe and do what you can to avoid unnecessary injuries due to hearing loss. Here are few things to consider to help keep you safer in your home and during your day to day routine.
Make Sure Your Smoke Alarms Can Alert You.
We install emergency alarms so we can be prepared whenever a disaster threatens to strike. Early warning may be the key between life and death when it comes to fire and carbon monoxide exposure in your home. Unfortunately for hearing impaired individuals most alarm systems rely on audio warnings. Many of these are delivered in high frequency – a frequency which is commonly lost first in most cases of age related hearing loss. Make sure to have alarms which also use visual cues such as flashing lights to get your attention. For hearing aid users, we take them out at night while we rest, but this leaves us venerable to missing alarms. You may want to consider a bed shaker which will vibrate your bed in case of an emergency in the middle of the night.
Access to 911
When an emergency strikes, you are going to need access to 911 to access the fire department and EMTs. For hearing impaired people who struggle to hear over the phone this can cut off a vital emergency response support. One thing you can do to combat this is enable GPS tracking on your smartphone. This allows EMTs or any other emergency response team to locate you. If your hearing aids are out or malfunctioning, all you have to do is dial 911 and they will find you.
If your hearing aids are on, you may want to consider opting in for Bluetooth connectivity. This amazing short distance technology uses radio waves to wirelessly connect your hearing aids to your smartphone. Many Smartphones have voice activated commands which allow you to instruct your phone to call hands free. This allows you to contact emergency responders hands free in case you have an accident.
Protecting Your Home
Your home is your sanctuary and that means you are going to want to protect it. Many people feel much more secure when they know they have a home security system installed. They will be prepared for an intruder if they come unannounced on your doorstep. However, home alarm systems often carry the same issues as fire and carbon monoxide alarms. If you are considering a security system, make sure it is designed for the hearing impaired in mind. Many come with bed shakers and strobe lights to give you advanced notice if intruders come to your house.
Take Advantage of Hearing Technology
Of those 69 years and older who could benefit from hearing aids, only 20 percent have ever tried them. However, addressing hearing loss is one way you can be sure you are increasing your safety, not just for you but for those around you. If you have been struggling to hear the world around you and you find yourself all too often surprised by day-to-day sounds, then it is time to have your hearing tested. We can help you find the best hearing aids to help you stay alert and prepared for anything which can come your way. Be aware of your surroundings and connect to people in your life—what do you have to loose?! Schedule a hearing exam with us today!