Over 36 million Americans are hearing impaired and a significant number of those people wear hearing aids. We are heading into one of the busiest travel times of the year. If you wear hearing aids here are some tips you may find to be useful if you are planning to travel.
STAYING IN A HOTEL/MOTEL
Ask the front desk before you book your trip how they accommodate the hearing impaired. In particular, how you can expect to be alerted in case of an emergency. If they don’t have an answer or provide an answer that is lacking, move on to another hotel.
PACK A HEARING AID KIT
Make sure to include the following in a carry on bag, not in a checked bag that could easily be lost.
- A supply of batteries that will last 2 days longer than your planned travel time, just in case.
- Cleaning tools
- Include a dri-aid kit. A dri-aid kit can be an invaluable tool particularly if you are traveling to humid/tropical location.
TIPS FOR DINING OUT WHILE ON VACATION
- Choose a smaller restaurant, they’re typically quieter.
- Make your reservations for off peak dining times. Typically restaurants are slower during these times and correspondingly less noisy.
- Request a table that is beside a wall. Having your back toward a wall lessens the competing noise coming from behind you.
- Inform the waiter/waitress that you have a hearing loss as soon as they approach your table.
SECURITY CHECKPOINTS
If you wear hearing aids or a cochlear implant, you should know that you are allowed to wear them through security checkpoints – the TSA allows them for both metal detectors and imaging security systems.
Traveling can be stressful for people with a hearing loss. But don’t avoid traveling because you have a hearing loss and wear hearing aids. If you plan to be gone for an extended period of time come in and let us give your hearing aids a thorough cleaning. With a little preparation traveling can once again be a fun and relaxing activity.