Planning a long vacation or a short weekend getaway can be exciting, but vacation planning for those with hearing loss requires some additional preparation. Here are seven vacation planning tips that will help you easily travel with hearing loss and have a worthwhile vacation.
Follow These Vacation Planning Tips to Enjoy Your Trip Even With Hearing Loss
1. Wear your hearing aids.
This one might seem obvious but traveling with hearing loss becomes a whole lot easier if you wear your hearing aids. Yet, you might be surprised at the number of people who pack their hearing devices in their luggage thinking that will keep them ‘safe’. While it’s true that keeping them tucked away in your bags might prevent you from losing them, wearing them in your ears allows them to function as intended … to help you hear!
2. Pack extra hearing aid batteries and accessories.
Whether you’re traveling for an extended period of time or simply taking an overnight trip, be sure to bring along extra hearing aid batteries. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time in or near water where you’re going, it’s also a good idea to bring along your hearing aid dehumidifier if you have one. Further protect your hearing aids from moisture with a hearing aid case or splash guards. Water is the enemy of hearing aids and you certainly don’t want your fun trip to be dampened by malfunctioning hearing aids.
3. Look for hearing-accessible hotel rooms.
If you’re traveling with hearing loss in the U.S., you should be able to easily find hotel rooms made specifically for those with hearing challenges. These rooms include features such as TTY phones, closed captioning TVs, and special safety sensors that flash or vibrate to alert guests during emergencies.
4. Make your travel reservations online.
Vacation planning for those with hearing loss can be challenging enough without having to make reservations by phone. Even if your phone works well with your hearing aids, it may be difficult to understand the person on the other end if they have an accent, speak too softly, or talk too rapidly.
When you make your travel reservations online, you will be able to see exactly what you’re getting. And, if you print the reservation, you’ll have written proof of your travel plans that will be easy to follow and share with others.
5. Be open about your hearing loss.
Keeping your hearing loss a secret is one of the worst things you can do when vacation planning or traveling! There is no reason to be ashamed about having difficulty hearing. Make your trip easier and more enjoyable by making sure your travel companions are aware of your limitations. Similarly, don’t be afraid to tell your hotel manager, taxi cab driver, airline stewardess or tour guide to speak up and speak clearly since you have hearing loss.
6. Sign up for text travel alerts.
Changes in travel plans, especially when flying, can quickly turn your relaxing vacation into a stressful one. When you sign up for text alerts, however, you’ll be less likely to miss out on important information that you need to know. If your gate number changes, for example, you can get a text from the airline alerting you of that change rather than having to rely on seeing or hearing that information elsewhere.
7. Schedule a hearing aid check-up before you go.
This is perhaps one of the most important vacation planning tips for those with hearing loss. The more you plan in advance, the higher the likelihood that your trip will go smoothly. If you wear hearing aids, that includes scheduling an appointment with your audiologist shortly before your trip. Your hearing aids can be cleaned, repaired, or adjusted so you’ll be ready and able to hear everything just right!
Get More Vacation Planning Tips From Your Audiologist
Our Mesa and Scottsdale audiologists at Advanced Hearing Group are more than willing to help you with vacation planning if you have hearing loss. No, we won’t tell you where to go or what to do but we will help to ensure that you and your hearing devices are ready to travel!
And, should you have problems with your hearing aids during your vacation, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We may be able to give you some tips over the phone or at least point you in the right direction to get appropriate help.
Here’s to happy and safe travels!
