Driving with Hearing Loss is all about Safety
What do I hear and where is the noise coming from? Irene, an experienced middle-aged driver froze and swerved as a motorcycle thundered past her car. However, this was not the first time that she had missed traffic cues and was surprised by sounds that she did not “hear” coming. When her nephew informed her that a howling wheel bearing needed fixing, she asked: “A howl? Where?”
Hearing loss is sneaky. Be aware of symptoms.
Hearing loss affects people of all ages. Although there are many causes, most cases happen gradually, over time. People adapt and tend to deny the obvious tell-tale signs. They struggle to understand speech-in-noise but quickly blame others for mumbling. They are unaware that they can’t hear certain sounds or are unable to identify them and pinpoint their location. Yet, for drivers of any age, such hearing and sound processing issues are potential threats to their own safety and to the safety of others. It is unwise to dismiss these symptoms or to brush off a well-meant comment from a friend or family member. Instead, get tested!
Driving with hearing loss is legal
Driving is considered a privilege. Without exception, all drivers must pass licensing tests. They must know and obey the traffic rules and laws for their own safety and for the safety of others. There is no federal law that keeps people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing from driving private and non-commercial cars and vans up to 26000 pounds. To obtain a Class-D license, often called a general or standard driver’s license, vision is tested while hearing is not. The need for vision correction is noted on the driver’s license.
However, laws change for those who want to get a commercial driver’s license. That said, it is always good to check if the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DVM) has any special rules or recommendations for private drivers with hearing loss.
Good vision matters. See well to drive well
While hearing is an asset, it is often said that driving is primarily a “visual” activity. For drivers with hearing challenges, vision compensates for hearing in many ways. Therefore, it is important to keep up with regular eye exams and prescription lens updates. Ask about the most effective UV protectant-and glare-controlling sunglasses that do not limit peripheral vision. Although people with hearing loss are known to be expert “mirror” drivers, many report that the added focus can worsen fatigue and eye strain – which may result in headaches
Tips and reminders for safe driving
- Get tested. It may just be wax. That said, well-adjusted hearing aids adjust and balance sound input, which makes it easier to hear, identify and locate sound sources. Ask about other wireless hearing aid features that can help while driving.
- Know your limits. Get a plan. Prepare your trips and check the routes for construction and nasty surprises that raise stress levels.
- Beware of added fatigue. Take breaks to stay focused.
- Optimize vision! Night driving and glare from wet pavements limit vision. So does driving directly into the sun. Got those sunglasses ready?
- Prepare the car. Never leave without having adjusted the mirrors and the driver’s seat to optimize vision and comfort.
- Limit distractions and keep the car as quiet as possible.
- Make the most of assistive car features such as mirrors with blind spot alerts and backing up cameras.
- Be tech-aware! Stay informed of any vehicle amenities that help see and feel what might not be heard – such as extra visual, vibrating and tactile alerts. These are more common on newer cars. Might some helpful retrofits be possible?
- Get a strategy in case of a traffic stop by police. Many report this as a concern. It is a good idea to get prepared. First, obey the rules and do not be an offender. As a driving instructor said:” Don’t attract unnecessary attention.” That said, traffic stops are unnerving for anyone. For those with hearing issues and communication challenges, they are all the more taxing. The State of Minnesota Department of Human Services offers a page with tips and information on how to navigate such a scenario. Maybe your own State has information of a similar nature. It is worth checking on that.
Getting there – safe and sound
Driving is serious business. With ever increasing speeds, aggressive drivers and confusing road and traffic situations everyone’s skills are tested. And so, it is important to acknowledge hearing challenges. Work with them. Learn about professional help, resources and assistive car technology that allow for the safe and confident operation of a vehicle. After all, the goal is to get everybody – driver and passengers – to the destination alive and well. And with that: Happy Trails and see you on the road.