Yvonne Doyle
Ms Doyle won the 2017 'Irish Audiologist of the Year. The competition is organised by leading hearing aid battery manufacturer Rayovac, a division of Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc., who this year welcomed a new sponsor, The European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH), on board, joining longstanding partners Audio Infos, and the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA).
Find Out More About Yvonne
Driving demands a great deal of concentration at all times, but when the driver has hearing loss it can bring extra challenges. There are many potential hazards and dangers that can cause problems while driving, and being unable to hear can increase the risk of accidents. If you notice that you are finding it more difficult to hear, seek help as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration of the hearing organs.
Most people do not realise how much they rely on their hearing while they are driving. The sound cues such as horns, sirens and voices that surround us are often a crucial part of the driving experience, and the absence of these may make driving much harder work.
Tips For Driving With Hearing Loss
- Don’t ignore hearing loss. Hearing loss can deteriorate quite quickly, so it is vital to seek help when you notice that you are having trouble hearing. Wearing hearing aids can help to make driving easier and safer by improving your ability to hear, and you can try different devices at Hidden Hearing clinics.
- Pay attention to visual cues. When hearing is compromised, the visual cues available to a driver become more important. Using your mirrors effectively at all times and being even more aware of traffic signals and flashing lights can help you to anticipate and avoid dangers on the road.
- Turn your music off. If you are listening to music via your car stereo or your hearing aid, you risk missing essential sound cues as you are driving. Don’t forget that loud music is one of the most common causes of hearing loss that develops with age, so turning the volume down is a good choice at any time!
- Cut out distractions. Anything that distracts a driver at the wheel dramatically increases the likelihood of an accident occurring. If the driver has hearing loss, concentration is even more important, so it is vital to avoid any distractions such as attempting to use a mobile phone or eating and drinking while driving.
Hearing the sound cues in the environment around you is also vital to keep you safe as a pedestrian, so ensure that you wear your hearing aids while walking or running, especially if you will be crossing roads.
Book A Free Hearing Test at Hidden Hearing
Untreated hearing loss can lead to depression, dementia and isolation, so it is important to seek help as soon as you notice that you are having difficulty hearing. Wearing hearing aids is often the best solution to hearing loss, and can enable you to continue with your daily activities, including driving.
Hidden Hearing is the leading private provider of hearing care solutions in Ireland, with a national network that includes over seventy-five branches and clinics.
