From Leaf Peeping to Pumpkin Patches: Navigating Fall Activities with Hearing Loss

The fall season is drawing close; soon, the leaves will start changing color, the air will start getting chillier, and the burning effect of the hot sun will fade. Fall has many fun activities, from leaf peeping in wooded areas to visiting pumpkin patches in plain locations and other unforgettable sights and sounds. However, indulging in these activities can pose a challenge for someone experiencing hearing loss. So here are some tips to help you navigate fall activities with hearing loss.

Plan Ahead

Start by researching what locations you want to visit and the activities available to you. Find out details about planned events, accommodation facilities and preparations for individuals with hearing loss in your preferred destinations. For example, some holiday destinations now offer interpreting and captioning services. You can even get assistive listening devices in some locations. So, be particular about these details when researching, planning your fall activities and picking your ideal locations. You can call your preferred venue or event organizers to find out if they have accommodations like the ones already mentioned before you make your decisions.

Boost Your Hearing with the Right Technology

Visit an audiologist for an examination and find out if you need hearing aids to improve your hearing before indulging in your fall activities. This simple move can improve your experience and help you enjoy the sights and sounds better. Even if you already have hearing aids, you may still benefit from other features with your hearing aids, especially if you plan to visit loud or noisy places. Your audiologist will also ensure that your hearing aid is in perfect condition to enhance your hearing. This way, you wouldn’t miss the sounds of the fall leaves rustling, fire crackling and your happy loved ones chattering heartily.

Prepare for Social Gatherings

Unless you plan on staying on your own, prepare for social gatherings. Whether at a concert or a backyard party, you want your conversations with others to flow without interruptions. Constantly asking people to repeat themselves or not hearing conversions at all can affect how you’ll relate with others during gatherings. How do you prepare? As mentioned, visit your audiologist first. But beyond that, take good care of your hearing device and consider carrying extra batteries. Also, advocate for yourself by letting people know you have hearing loss. By communicating with loved ones and friends it can help them look directly at you when speaking.

Take a Break

It would help if you had a quiet and comfortable place you could go when you start feeling overstimulated by too many conversations, activities and loud noise. Doing this is particularly important if you expect many activities at home or in your neighborhood. You can even spend some time in your quiet room after an intense day outside enjoying the season. Taking occasional breaks from your hearing aids can be beneficial for your overall hearing health.

It gives your ears a chance to rest. Short breaks during the day, especially in quieter environments, allow your ears to recover from amplified sounds. However, it’s crucial to consult your audiologist for personalized guidance on when and how to take breaks while ensuring that you still meet your hearing needs effectively.

Stick Closer to a Familiar Ally

When out and about with and participating in fall activities with others, find and stick closer to a familiar ally – someone who knows and understands you better. This way, navigating conversations or having someone to talk to is easier. You may have a cousin who can help you with conversations or a sibling who easily takes notes. They can be your friends and perfect partners throughout your activities. Sticking with someone you trust also means not missing out on important alerts, warnings and emergencies. Such people can always draw your attention when you need to move suddenly in an emergency.

Take Advantage of Some Free Resources

Some apps can connect your smartphone to your hearing device and allow you to control sound volume, microphone and other features on your hearing device easily. Even better, they’re completely free to use. You’ll enjoy the ease of adjusting programs, using special microphone features and changing your volume with just one tab on your smartphone.

You can still enjoy the fall season if you prepare adequately for the days ahead. If you’re looking for more information, give the Affordable Audiology & Hearing Service. Call us today at (920) 267-5220.