The holidays are upon us, and for many of us, that means traveling – sometimes great distances – to spend time with family and friends. Here are some tips for successful travel with hearing loss:
Airline travel
If air travel is your means of getting from point A to point B during the holidays, here are some tips to successfully maneuver the airport:
- When you reserve your flight online, sign up for text message alerts. Most major airlines today offer this service, which alerts you if there has been a change in your flight.
- Keep your eyes peeled for visual cues. While airlines still rely on staff to announce boarding times and other important information over a PA system at the gate, many airports are also using LED screens to showcase important information. If this is not the case, let a flight attendant know that you have hearing loss and ask him or her to let you know about any important notices. You can also sit close to the gate so you don’t miss anything.
- Many airports are now using FM loop systems. Check to see if your local airport has a loop system.
- 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.
Staying at a hotel
Many people stay at a hotel during their holiday travel. Here’s what you need to know beforehand to make your hotel stay comfortable and safe if you have hearing loss:
- Choose a hotel that has assistance for people who are hard of hearing. While most hotels are required under the ADA to have these accommodations, some smaller bed and breakfasts are exempt. Book your reservations online so you have it in writing and know there are no misunderstandings.
- If you have a captioned telephone, call the hotel and let them know that you have hearing loss and will need accommodations. This way, they can have your room prepared before you get there. Ask what forms of assistance they include. Most will have captioned TVs, safety equipment like a flashing smoke detector, a vibrating alarm clock and TTY phone services.
Be prepared
If you wear hearing aids or cochlear implants, bring back up supplies, like extra batteries, tubing, a cleaning kit and a hearing aid dryer. Before the holidays begin, it’s also a great time to get a check up at your audiologist to make sure that your ears are clear of wax and your hearing aids are in tip-top shape.
