Contributing author: Debbie Clason, Healthy Hearing staff writer
Last updated on July 18, 20232023-07-18T00:00:00-05:00
Whether you’re traveling for a short business trip or an extended vacation, if you have hearing loss, it’s a good idea to plan ahead so you can reduce the time and effort you spend traveling with your hearing loss. Here are some essentials to help you prepare when traveling with hearing loss:
Before you leave
When making a reservation
Don’t let hearing loss get in the way of a great vacation.
Hotels in the United States are required by law to have a certain number of rooms available for the deaf or hard of hearing. When you make your reservation, be sure to request a hearing-accessible room. If there are no rooms available for your travel dates, you may need to find another hotel.
How can a hotel room accommodate the hearing impaired? While every situation is different, ADA law generally requires these types of rooms to have the following amenities:
Phones that allow guests to communicate by text or typing, such as TTY phones or amplified phones. Sensors that shake the bed or flash lights to let guests know someone has rung the doorbell or called. These types of alerts are also necessary in emergencies. Alarm clocks should also provide some sort of non-auditory signal. Televisions with closed captioning. Signs indicating that assistive listening devices are available.
Travel kits for the hearing impaired containing these items are also available online.
What to bring if you have hearing loss
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Don’t forget your hearing aids and charging dock.
Some brands sell portable chargers.
Create a packing list a day or two in advance to ensure you don’t forget any essential hearing aid items. A basic checklist should include:
Hearing aid storage case/drying container Small dehumidifier for hearing aids Splash protectors or wind sleeves for your hearing aids if you plan on doing active outdoor activities like camping or hiking Charger adapters if traveling internationally Spare batteries or chargers Cleaning kit Assistive listening devices Hearing aid accessories
Get your hearing aids adjusted if necessary
Before you leave town, we recommend consulting with your hearing care professional. These visits are often free, although there will be a small visit fee. Have them make sure your hearing aids are clean and in good working order. Tell them where you’ll be going and what your listening environment will be like. Together, you can determine what adjustments your hearing aids need to help you hear effectively while you’re out and about.
directions
Traveling by car
Hearing aids can help you
You’ll be able to hear better while driving.
If you’re planning on filling up on gas and hitting the highway, then of course you’ll want to fasten your seat belt. You won’t have to go through security or worry about last-minute gate changes, but you might have other challenges. Here are some suggestions, and be sure to check out our in-depth article on driving for the hearing impaired.
Talk to your hearing health care professional about purchasing hearing devices that will improve your ability to hear conversations with passengers in the car. Consider purchasing a wide rearview mirror so you can see your surroundings better. This will provide an added safety benefit since you may not hear approaching cars or horns. If you frequently take passengers on road trips, consider installing an induction loop. This electronic device will enable you to better hear and understand radios, cell phones, and conversations with other passengers. (Induction loops are also installed at some airports, train stations, and other travel hubs.) If you rely on text messages or emails for communication, don’t sacrifice safety. Pull over to the side of the road to send and receive these messages, or ask a passenger to be the reader or scribe. To avoid dangerous communication accidents with emergency personnel, it’s a good idea to have a seatbelt sash or placard or a medical ID bracelet that identifies you to others as hearing impaired.
Traveling by public transport or by plane
Will you travel by plane, train, or bus? Whichever mode of transportation you choose, you’ll likely find yourself in a fairly noisy and chaotic environment. Here are some things to keep in mind:
You do not need to remove your hearing aids when going through airport security. If you are using public transport, check the relevant website or call ahead to inquire about services for the hearing impaired. Many facilities require at least two weeks notice to access sign language interpretation, so allow plenty of time if you require this service. Some travel hubs have induction loop systems to help the hearing impaired hear announcements more clearly. Keep any travel documents you need within easy reach. Avoid getting “airplane ear” by knowing how to relieve pressure in your ears. Signing up for text message travel alerts can help if you have trouble hearing announcements.
You can learn more by reading Air Travel Tips for People with Hearing Impairments.
During your trip
Hearing aid problems
If you experience any issues with your hearing aids while traveling, our troubleshooting guide will help you solve the problem instantly. Also, keep in mind the weather conditions – humid winter weather can damage your hearing aids.
Need immediate help with your hearing aids? Our directory has thousands of hearing aid clinics.
dining
When searching for a place for lunch, look for a food stall or cafe that has outdoor seating or a quiet corner. Too much noise or a noisy restaurant can make it hard to hear your loved one and concentrate. Choosing a place that is easy on your ears can reduce the stress and mental fatigue of trying to separate multiple sounds at once.
If you are traveling abroad
When traveling abroad to a country where people speak an unfamiliar language, communication is difficult enough without factoring in hearing impairment. There are a few things you can do to make communication easier, for example:
Download a translation app on your smartphone or keep a translation dictionary or subtitling app in your bag Let travel staff know in advance that you are hearing impaired so they can orient you correctly when you arrive Look online for translation and hearing impaired services in advance
Planning is key
Being an advocate for yourself can make all the difference in the quality of your vacation, so taking a little time to research your trip before you go can save you time, make you feel more confident, and prepare you for your adventure.
Read more: Tips for traveling with tinnitus