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LISTEN TO THIS: HEARING Honking horns, emergency vehicles, strange engine noises—you have a lot to listen for when driving. Your sense of hearing helps you recognize situations in or around your vehicle that may require you to respond. Hearing quality tends to decrease with age. Over time, your hearing may gradually diminish, and you may miss cues that you used to hear routinely. Loud sounds, music, or conversation levels in the vehicle can distract you and may take some or all of your attention away from the driving task. One out of three people experience age-related hearing loss by age 65. By age 75, that number increases to one out of two. Still, not enough people use hearing assist devices that could help them stay behind the wheel longer. Nearly 30 million Americans could benefit from these devices, which have advanced considerably in recent years, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Hearing aids today are much more effective and comfortable, and often incorporate smart technology that works with smart phones, tablets, and computers. If you haven't had your hearing checked by age 60, it's time for a visit to the audiologist to obtain a baseline examination. Have regular check-ups to monitor your hearing and make sure to follow the recommendations and use hearing aids, if they are recommended for you. Before Driving X Make sure your left and right side-view mirrors are properly adjusted. X Minimize the volume level on radio, CD player, smartphone, and other music devices. X Adjust air conditioning/heating fan control to the least noisy setting. While Driving X Wear your hearing aids. X Check your mirrors frequently to observe the traffic around you and remain alert for the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. X Watch for trains or flashing lights wherever train tracks cross the road. X Ask passengers to keep conversation to a minimum if talking distracts you. X Check your turn signal indicator light on the dashboard to make sure it is not left in the "on" position. See Activity: Judging Your Hearing in Resources. AARP DRIVER SAFETY 18 HOW DO WE NAVIGATE CHANGES? 2 1 2 3 4 5 6