Preparing for Emergencies with Hearing Aids

As Californians, the potential for an earthquake is always in the back of our minds. The United States Geographical Survey (USGS) database shows that there is a 95.36% chance of a major earthquake within 50km of Irvine, CA within the next 50 years. The largest earthquake within 30 miles of Irvine, CA was a 5.5 Magnitude in 2008. You’d think by now scientists would have advanced tools to predict earthquakes but in truth to this day and into the foreseeable future there is no reliable method. An earthquake is the movement of Earth’s crust that results from the sudden release of stress that has built up deep underground over time. This stress builds up in the earth’s lithosphere: a region so deep it’s impossible for us to see, making it hard to figure out exactly where or when an earthquake might occur. We never know if, or when it will strike, which means it is important to be prepared. However, it can be hard to know exactly what you’ll need at a moment’s notice – especially if you are someone who relies on hearing aids. It’s important to take extra steps to make sure you are prepared and supported when the next big earthquake strikes.

Register for Available Emergency Alert Systems

It’s important to have access to up-to-date announcements and alerts when a serious earthquake occurs. These alerts can help us know where to get help, what areas are being affected and let us know where shelters are in place. Most emergency alert notifications are sent via text message, which is luckily a hearing loss friendly mode of communication due to vibration settings for notifications. Some systems are automatically installed on your smartphone while others require you to opt-in. Take time to make sure you are signed up for all emergency alerts in your area on a federal, state and county level, via text message. For an up-to-date list national alert systems and to register go to: https://www.ready.gov/alerts.

Pack an emergency bag

It’s a good idea to have an emergency bag ready. In fact, it’s even better to have two: one for your home and one in your car since you never know where you’ll be when an earthquake hits. Along with first aid, water, and emergency snacks, it’s important to consider emergency hearing aid and hearing support supplies. This can include back up hearing aids, an assistive listening device, extra batteries, or a battery charger, depending on the model. In addition, it is a good idea to pack a pen and paper in case something happens to your hearing aids and you need to communicate quickly. If you have an old, outdated pair of hearing aids make sure you pack them too just in case along with a power supply.

Know Your resources

An emergency such as an earthquake always carried a sense of apprehension as it is impossible to predict. However, the entire experience can be so much less stressful if you don’t have to navigate it alone. This means have a plan with your neighbors, family members of co-workers. This is particularly essential for those with a hearing loss as the chaos which ensues can be very disorienting when your hearing is compromised. Make a plan for the different places you frequent so you know exactly what to do the moment you feel the ground shake. It’s also a good idea to have one person in state and two -three people out of state to contact so they know you are okay and can alert the authorities if you need aid.

Make sure your hearing aids are up to date

Hearing aids are amazing devices which help you to hear the world around you despite a loss, by amplifying the sounds you struggle with- based on a hearing exam. However, hearing loss is a progressive condition which most often becomes worse overtime. If you wear hearing aids and you suspect that you may have a loss or suspect you may want to try them for the first time- there is no better time than now. Don’t wait for a major disaster to strike. Reach out today to schedule a hearing exam now so you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.