Those with healthy hearing might take it for granted, but hearing plays a vital role in how we move around in the world. This is even more evident when it comes to driving or using public transportation. Hearing is just as important as eyesight in those situations. Individuals with hearing loss often face challenges or even risks when using public transit or driving. Recognizing how hearing loss affects transportation can help everyone become more aware and responsible on the road.
The Role of Hearing in Driving
While we use our eyes to see road signs, other vehicles, and our position on the road, our ears give us a great deal of information, too.
Consider how hearing the following can impact driver safety:
- We hear sirens from police cars, ambulances, or fire trucks.
- We notice the sound of another car honking.
- We may hear a train at a crossing.
- We can hear changes in our vehicle, which could indicate a flat tire or engine trouble.
Common Challenges for Drivers with Hearing Loss
Individuals with hearing loss face several challenges on the road. The most significant are listed below:
- Missing emergency sounds
- Difficulty communicating
- Not hearing vehicle noises
Missing Emergency Sounds
Sirens on emergency vehicles warn drivers to move out of the way while they are responding to an emergency. Drivers who have hearing loss fail to move over and put themselves in danger, and can delay the emergency responses to others in need of help.
Difficulty Communicating
When traffic is stopped or there is a problem, drivers will need to be able to talk to police officers, construction crews, or other drivers. With hearing loss, this becomes difficult, if not impossible. These can lead to them misunderstanding instructions or warnings.
Not Hearing Car Sounds
Our cars might squeak or squeal, signaling that something is wrong. When drivers have hearing loss, they might fail to recognize this, which could lead to the vehicle failing, causing accidents or expensive repairs.
Driving Safety Tips for People with Hearing Loss
Individuals with hearing impairments can drive safely. Studies have shown that with the proper steps, hearing loss doesn’t have to hinder someone’s ability to be a safe driver.
Here are some tips:
- Use visual alerts
- Keep the car quiet
- Use mirrors often
- Take a hearing loss driver’s course
Use Visual Alerts
Some new vehicles are equipped with visual alerts for upcoming lane changes and emergency vehicles. These can help someone with hearing loss be aware of their surroundings while driving.
Keep the Car Quiet
Those with hearing loss can keep the conversation to a minimum and music at a low volume so they can focus on visual cues.
Use Mirrors More Often
Checking the sideview and rearview mirrors can keep drivers aware of approaching vehicles even if they can’t hear them.
Take a Driving Course
In some areas, individuals with hearing loss can take a special driver’s training course to help them develop their confidence and driving skills.
Hearing Loss and Public Transportation
Those with hearing loss might find it difficult to use public transportation.
Listed below are the common reasons it can be difficult:
For example:
- Missing Announcements:
On buses or trains, drivers or speakers often make announcements about stops, delays, or route changes. People with hearing loss might not hear these announcements, which can cause confusion or missed stops. - Understanding Instructions:
If there is an emergency or a change in schedule, it’s essential to understand what’s going on. Without hearing well, people may struggle to follow directions or find help. - Communicating with Drivers or Staff:
Asking for help or information can be harder when there’s a communication barrier due to hearing loss.
Improving Accessibility in Transportation
Many transportation systems are working to be more accessible to those with hearing loss. Here are some examples:
- Visual displays to provide route information, upcoming stops, and potential delays
- Text alerts directly to a person’s phone
- Staff training to better cope with passengers who have hearing challenges
- Hearing loops work with hearing aids to provide information directly to the person
Conclusion
Hearing loss can create challenges for both driving and using public transportation, but with awareness and the right tools, these challenges can be managed. Whether it’s using mirrors more often while driving or reading signs carefully on the bus, people with hearing loss can stay safe and independent.