Helpful tips for traveling with hearing loss and hearing aids
For the incomparable experience travel brings to our lives, there are certain moments of stress. Our patience is tested while waiting in long lines at the airport or seeing that our flight has been delayed, especially in the summer months when travel traffic is heavy. These moments may prove more trying if you are experiencing hearing loss, but with some preparation and communication, the stress can be alleviated.
We’ve put together a few tips for traveling with hearing loss that will make the process manageable and help you arrive at your destination hassle-free.
1. See your hearing specialist before travel for hearing aid maintenance.
Your tickets are booked and your passport is updated. Before you head off on your trip, stop by Lifestyle Hearing Solutions for hearing aid maintenance and cleaning. You will want to make sure you have backup batteries, as well as proper storage for your hearing aid (especially if you are traveling to a humid place). If you are traveling abroad, you’ll want to make sure that you have proper adaptors for your chargers. Your trusted hearing specialist will be of assistance in terms of hearing aid maintenance.
2. Maximize technology.
Airports are loud and unwieldy, with announcements made over speakers that might be difficult for travelers with hearing loss to hear clearly. When booking your flights online, you can sign up for email or text alerts in case of changes or delays in your flight so you are up-to-speed with flight times while moving through the airport. Most hearing aids are outfitted with T-coils, which allow sound from an induction loop system to be delivered directly to your hearing aid. Before you travel, check online to see if the airports you will frequent are equipped with a loop system. Most developed countries have loop systems in public venues, which will help with your cultural activities and entertainment plans as well. If you are unsure whether or not your hearing aid has a T-coil, check in with us.
3. Prepare for the airport.
When packing your luggage, be sure your batteries and other hearing aid supplies are in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage has the potential to get lost, and you may have to wait a few days for it to be located and delivered to your destination. You’ll want to have your hearing aid supplies with you during that time. For the security line, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers printable cards on their website (www.tsa.gov) to notify TSA agents and other airport personnel of your hearing condition.
When passing through TSA security, if you are requested to stand in one of the new full-body x-ray machines, take your hearing aids out and place with personal belongings which pass through the separate scanner along with other personal items like shoes, cell phone, belt, etc.
These full body x-ray machines can and will change the programming on hearing aids. They won’t be damaged, however the programming will likely change. This actually happened to a member of our team while traveling to Denver. He had to wait to get back to the office in Tucson to restore the correct settings on his hearing aids. While in the Denver area, he struggled with hearing correctly. Not a fun way to spend a vacation!
4. Communicate with airline staff.
Once you’ve arrived at your gate, communicate your hearing needs to the flight agent and request them to contact you if there are changes and when it is time to board. When on the plane, communicate your hearing needs to your flight attendant. During take-off and landing, flight staff request passengers to turn off all electronic devices; generally, this does not apply to your hearing aid, but check in with your flight attendant to confirm. Ask your flight attendant to notify you of any in-flight announcements that are made over the speakers, just in case you have difficulty hearing them. Most major airlines offer telecommunication devices (TDD) to assist with travel.
5. Communicate with customer service representatives.
If you are making flight and hotel plans with a travel agent, they will be able to offer you options for your hearing needs. When considering your mode of transportation, keep in mind that both Amtrak and Greyhound offer discounts as well as accommodations for people with hearing loss. When booking a hotel room, notify the customer service representative of your hearing needs. In most cases, you can request a room in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design, which will offer technology that helps with alarm clocks, volumes on television sets, telephones, and emergency notification systems.
6. Ask for help.
Perhaps one of the best experiences during a trip is to count on the kindness of strangers. If you are traveling alone, ask for the help of a fellow traveler. Be sure to bring a paper and pen with you, just in case the extraneous sounds of the environment hinder you when communicating with friendly locals, public transportation operators, and taxi drivers.
With some planning and clear communication along the way, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and unforgettable moments that come with travel. So what are you waiting for?