If you just got a new set of hearing aids, good for you! It might take some time to get used to your aids, but once you do, you’ll start to see the benefits. One time you might want to wear your aids is when you are driving.
Hearing aids can let you know when emergency vehicles are coming before they get there, and they can also make you more aware of the sounds of other cars and people as you drive. If your car breaks down, your hearing aids might also help you figure out what the sound is.
Even though hearing aids can be beneficial while driving, following a few basic tips, is essential to ensure you’re adjusting at the right pace. When you get your hearing aids from our office, you shouldn’t put them in immediately. Instead, you should think about these things for a safe and easy transition.
Can you drive if you have hearing loss?
If you drive a car or motorcycle in the UK, you don’t have to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that you have trouble hearing. The only exception is if you are 70 or older. But if you have a medical condition on the UK Government’s list, you’ll have to say so because it could affect how you drive. You need to fill out a form called an AUD1.
Advice on how to drive with hearing aids
Take it easy
When you first put on your hearing aids, you’ll probably hear many sounds you didn’t know. It may take a while to get used to the new clarity and variety of sounds around you. You should first try out your hearing aids at home, where you can feel safe.
Once you are comfortable with them at home, you might want to try them out in a place you know well, like the supermarket or a park. It would be best if you didn’t try to drive with your hearing aids on until you’ve worn them in noisy places and gotten used to them. They can be helpful while driving, but they can also be shocking and even dangerous at first. If you put in your hearing aids without knowing what to expect, the sound of an emergency vehicle would probably be very upsetting.
Keep noise distractions to a minimum.
When you first start driving with hearing aids, it’s essential to ensure the car is quiet, so you don’t get distracted.
Children and pets are usually the noisiest and most distracting things on a drive, so it’s best to start with just one trusted adult. It will be essential to turn off the radio, and you won’t want to listen to music again until you’re used to the extra clarity and volume that your aids give you. Your quiet car can become a place where you can relax, and you might want to keep driving this way in the future.
Other things to Consider
While driving, consider your overall health, alertness, and how quickly you can react.
- Check your medicines to ensure you’re not taking anything that could make it hard for you to think straight.
- Make sure your prescription is up to date if you wear glasses or have trouble seeing.
- Keeping as much freedom of movement as possible will let you drive safely in any situation. In ways you don’t realise, pain and discomfort in your body can make it dangerous for you to drive. For example, if you have neck pain, you might not check your blind spot while driving because you don’t want to think about it.
Keep up the visits to your audiologist.
Hearing aids can give you a smooth, rich stream of sound, whether on the road, at home, or out and about. This makes it easier to talk to people and drive safely in public places.
Ensure you continue seeing your audiologist, even after your fitting period. They will be able to help with any issue you have with your devices.
Hearing aids can help you a lot on the road. They let you hear the sounds you need to be aware of. These tips should help you stay safe out there on the road.