One of the best parts about spring and summer is that we get to enjoy the great outdoors. If you have hearing loss and use hearing aids, you can still take part in the things you love. To keep your hearing healthy, you should protect your ears when needed. Below are some tips from your local audiologist in Omaha, NE, to prepare you for any and all outdoor adventures!

Camping

If you use hearing aids and love camping, there are ways to camp safely and bring your hearing technology along with you. To keep your hearing aids working at their best while camping, be sure to keep them dry, bring along a dehumidifier, store them in ziplock bags when they’re not in use and protect them with a hat or headband if it’s rainy. It’s also important they stay cool, which you can achieve by shielding them from direct sunlight and not leaving them in your car or tent when it’s hot. You should also bring extra batteries and get a tune-up before leaving to ensure you’re ready to go.

National Parks and Wildlife

When exploring national parks, hiking and looking at the wildlife, it’s best to travel with a buddy. You should also let someone else know where you are traveling to, just to be safe. Always wear your hearing aids to listen to the sounds around you; when bird chirps get quiet it means a predator may be nearby and you should proceed cautiously. Hearing well helps you stay one step ahead, and having someone alongside you paying close attention helps, too.

Hunting

Wearing hearing protection while hunting and shooting guns is a must. Any sound over 80 dB is going to damage your hearing, and gunshots typically come in at a whopping 140 dB, but can reach upwards of 175 dB. Hunters also must hear their prey to catch it, so you need a type of hearing protection that muffles loud sounds and allows the softer sounds to come through. Consider investing in custom earplugs for the most protection.

General tips

If you need hearing aids, wearing them while participating in outdoor activities will ensure you can hear everything you’re supposed to hear. Always wear your assistive hearing devices. Sign language and visual cues can help you communicate with others in a noisier environment. You could also get involved with a local support group of outdoor enthusiasts with hearing loss to get advice and meet travel companions. When you know you’re going to be in a loud area outside, wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.

Visit an audiologist in Omaha, NE

There are so many outdoor activities to take part in, and hearing loss shouldn’t stop you from enjoying them! While an activity like bird watching can be enjoyed with minimal sound, you should get the hearing help you need to get the most out of everything else. Your local audiologist in Omaha, NE is here to help. Contact us today so you can hear now, stay active and live better!