There is no reason not to travel if you are hearing impaired. Many tourist spots and historical sites have made accommodations for those who have disabilities and that includes assistance for the hearing impaired. Prior to traveling, make sure you drop in and visit us at HearCare to get extra batteries or an extra charger, and to get your hearing aids checked out. Of course, it goes without saying you should also have an updated hearing test because you don’t want to miss any of the sights or sounds while you are on your getaway!
Prepare in advance
Before you book a hotel ask about available accommodations for people with hearing difficulties. Many hotels in developed countries have amenities for people who are hard of hearing including flashing lights for the phone and the door knocker. If you are traveling with a tour group, alert the tour director to your needs and they should be able to help.
Many museums as well as other public venues offer loops or other assistive technology if requested. This includes theaters and performance venues. Send an email to the facilities you might be stopping at to get up to date information. If you are traveling to an area where English is not the primary language, check the internet for words and phrases you might see on signage that would indicate assistance for the hearing impaired.
Along those same lines, learn about your destination as much as you can before you go. If you familiarize yourself with the names and the history – including the names of some historical figures and places – you will be more easily able to understand what a guide is saying.
Use technology for logistics
A Wisconsin man is in the process of developing an app that will aid the hearing impaired when they travel. It will have loaded data from major cities, but it is still in the planning stages. However, there are plenty of helpful apps that you will find useful.
Rail lines as well as airlines have apps where you can download timetables and maps into your phone. Many of the apps also include an alert feature that will notify you of delays or gate changes. Practice with them so you know how to use them and are familiar with the features.
If you are traveling to Britain, you are in luck! There is an app called “Inclusive Britain” that has information about all the places in Great Britain that are accessible for disabled travelers. It allows you to search for venues like hotels, nature reserves and tourist attractions and then gives you information about assistive technology that is available.
GoogleMaps has a feature you can use for your dinner planning. If you want to try a restaurant or diner but are worried about the noise, click on the business, then click the pin for “further information” and go to the section called popular times. Skip the popular times and enjoy quieter dining.
Be your own advocate
Tell your guide and your fellow travelers about your hearing loss and give them suggestions on how they can help. Tell your guide you would like to be seated near them, so you can hear better and see their face. Talk to them about speaking clearly and not blocking their face with a microphone or headset. Have an assistive listening device like an FM system that they can wear if you need the guide’s voice transmitted directly to your hearing aids. If they are giving verbal directions to an area you may need those directions in writing – carry a small notebook and pen so they can jot down what you need.
Bring ear protection
There is construction everywhere and that will be loud even in a different country. Musical performances at different venues might also be loud. Don’t be afraid to adjust your hearing aids or wear protection at a performance.
Pack extra items
Pack extra batteries, an extra charger and a voltage converter. If you are traveling to a damp, wet climate, pack your dryer and materials to clean your hearing aids. Pack extra hearing aids if you are going to be gone for a lengthy amount of time.
Get an updated hearing evaluation at HearCare, we’ll help you out with extra batteries and other necessities and happy traveling!