By Dr. Noël Crosby, Au.D.
Hurricanes are natural disasters that require thorough preparation to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and their families. This becomes even more crucial for those with hearing loss, who face additional challenges during such emergencies. Moreover, individuals relying on rechargeable hearing aids need to take specific precautions to ensure uninterrupted hearing assistance throughout the hurricane’s duration. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on preparing for a hurricane, with a particular focus on considerations for individuals with hearing loss and the proper care and management of rechargeable hearing aids.
1. Develop an Emergency Plan
When preparing for a hurricane, it’s vital to have a well-thought-out emergency plan in place. Ensure that your plan accounts for the specific needs of individuals with hearing loss. Communication strategies should include visual cues, such as written or signed instructions, to compensate for potential hearing difficulties during high-noise or power outage situations.
2. Stock Up on Essential Supplies
Gather necessary supplies, including non-perishable food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights, and a battery-powered weather radio. Remember to include extra batteries for hearing aids, cochlear implants, or any other assistive devices that rely on battery power.
3. Secure Your Home
Take steps to protect your home and surroundings. Trim trees and secure loose objects that may become projectiles in high winds. Reinforce windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas to minimize damage. Consider installing a backup power generator to ensure continuous power supply for vital equipment.
4. Establish Communication Channels
Create a network of trusted individuals who can assist you during emergencies. Inform them about your hearing loss and the best methods of communication for you. Establish alternative means of contact, such as text messaging or social media, to stay connected when traditional communication methods are unavailable.
5. Safeguard Your Rechargeable Hearing Aids
If you use rechargeable hearing aids, ensure they are fully charged well before the hurricane’s arrival. Consider purchasing a portable power bank or backup charger to keep your hearing aids powered during extended power outages. Store them in a waterproof and protective case to prevent damage from water, debris, or other hazards.
6. Maintain Proper Hearing Aid Care
Regularly clean and maintain your hearing aids to ensure optimal performance. Keep them away from excessive moisture and humidity, as these conditions can impair their functionality. If water damage occurs, immediately seek professional assistance to prevent further complications.
7. Stay Informed
Stay updated with the latest weather reports, emergency alerts, and evacuation orders through accessible sources. Utilize closed captioning or visual notifications provided by local news channels or emergency management agencies.
Preparing for a hurricane is essential for everyone, but individuals with hearing loss and rechargeable hearing aids face unique challenges. By developing an emergency plan, stocking up on supplies, securing your environment, establishing communication channels, and taking care of your hearing aids, you can be better equipped to face the uncertainties of a hurricane while safeguarding your hearing needs.
Advanced Hearing Solutions
Using the latest and most sophisticated technology, we determine if you have hearing loss–and, if you do, we determine the degree and type of hearing loss. If your hearing loss requires medical or surgical intervention, we can refer you to a physician (otologist or neurologist) for appropriate treatment. If your type of hearing loss can best be treated with the use of hearing aids and/or other assistive listening devices (which is true in the great majority of cases), we can select any of a wide range of hearing devices and custom fit them to your ear, programmed to augment your hearing at those frequency levels where your hearing loss is greatest.
Call Advanced Hearing Solutions today at (941) 474-8393.