Driving with Hearing Impairment

Dumpy Old Gym should not have allowed faulty equipment to be in use. It’s their responsibility to keep equipment working safely.

Yep. Totally agree. I feel like a donkey cuz I’d had the same sticky-speed switch jack the speed up on that same machine a FEW times the past year.

I was distracted having a sip of water 20 min into interval hill climb and BAM! I was hurled backwards at warp speed and slammed on the cluster of machines crowded there. Gonna be a long recovery now.

So sorry to hear this, Bluejay! I hope you feel better soon.

Owwwwwwchhhhh! Insufficient clear space behind, too?!?!

Total loss in left ear from birth, right has deteriorated a lot in last 4 to 5 years especially in high frequency range, I would say moderate to severe. Most days are a struggle when trying to understand speech mainly female voices, wife and daughter. Feel a bit anxious whenever faced with certain situations meeting up with friends even in quiet places. The wind issue isn’t that bad after experimenting with different settings in the app. No 2 days the same with my hearing, due to tinnitus etc some days tinnitus is virtually silent yet speech still a struggle. Days when tinnitus is quite loud yet speech is better I know this is strange but true. Saying all that life is still good most of the time.

Challenge is putting RIGHT aid in ear using left hand only. Makes me want to shave that side of my head like Cindi Lauper circa '80s.

I learned to drive in the UK and the only difference was I had an “extended” test to make sure I was observant enough when I couldn’t hear things. It wasn’t an issue. The instructor also used visual cues so I could take directions better (tapping on the dashboard, obvious hand signals etc.) I wear hearing aids and other than directional issues I probably notice emergency vehicles sooner than other drivers as I’m a nosy driver always checking my mirrors and stuff.

Cycling on the road though, not as good an experience. I have a lot of mirrors on the handlebars and a hi-vis vest that says “Deaf cyclist” on the back. Still had a few near misses that were absolutely my own fault for not hearing cars behind me.

I really don’t think being deaf should stop you driving or cycling, you just need to find what works for you. In the car I tend to “feel” what’s going on more than hear it anyway.

@Tee said:

Cycling on the road though, not as good an experience. I have a lot of mirrors on the handlebars and a hi-vis vest that says “Deaf cyclist” on the back. Still had a few near misses that were absolutely my own fault for not hearing cars behind me.

Some ideas as a long-time cyclist:

1. Try riding in groups. Tell the other members about your issue and they’ll watch out for you.
2. Dedicated bike trails (if you’re lucky enough to have them near you)
3. Off-road cycling

@kevels55 said:

I forgot the main obstacle in some conservative countries, and it is difficult for me to fathom

Hey @kevels55,
I wrote something on my Substack related to traditions and cultrue. I thought you might be interested in reading it. :))

In Another World6

In another world where differences don’t matter.

@Tee said:

and a hi-vis vest that says “Deaf cyclist” on the back.

@Tee
I wonder:

1. How many drivers think “Deaf Cyclist” is a punk rock band?
2. How many cyclists should be required to wear a “Daft Cyclist” vest to warn drivers that the cyclist does scary, foolish things while riding?

Thank you @Zeeza …I enjoyed that! Cheers Kev

I understand the question but let’s put it in proper perspective.

Let’s rank drivers from bad to good.

Driving while drunk
Driving while on drugs
Driving while sleepy
Driving while texting
Driving while playing with your dash info screen
Driving while eating
Driving with multiple DWI’s
Driving with mutiple speeding tickets
Driving with multiple accidents
Driving with out required prescription glasses
Driving when insurance has been taken away
Driving at an elderaly age when family members say you shouldn’t

OK, then let’s then add driving with hearing impairment. In all honesty someone driving with a hearing impariment probably drives better than 60%- 70% of people on the road. Laslty the DMV does not give a rat’s behind if you’re deaf or hearing impaired. If you can pass a driving test and have a good driving record - you can drive until the chickens come home.

Was that supposed to be “Let’s rank drivers from bad to good” or “Let’s rank drivers from bad to worse”? None of those items on the list seem good to me.

My mom used to wear a BIG bozo button on her bosom that read “I read lips”. Not much good on the back of a cyclist’s T-shirt I’m thinking…

I DID find that the sideview mirror I attached to my sunglasses frame did the trick! I could so those crazy driver’s on the cell phone as they caromed into the bike lane.