Help your journeys go as smoothly as possible this season.
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and cherished gatherings with family and friends. For individuals with hearing loss, it can also be a season of challenges, particularly when traveling. Whether you’re visiting family, going on a vacation, or attending a special holiday event, it can be helpful to take proactive steps to ensure your travels go smoothly.
To help you enjoy the upcoming season to the fullest, here are 10 holiday travel tips for people with hearing loss!
Choose your mode of transportation
The key to stress-free holiday travel for individuals with hearing loss is careful planning. Depending on the distance between you and your destination, you might not have much of a choice — but if it can go either way, consider whether you may have a more enjoyable time traveling by plane, train, or car.
No matter what you choose, we’ve got you covered with transportation-specific holiday travel tips for people with hearing loss:
Research airline accommodations
If you’re flying, research your specific airline in advance to learn about the hearing loss accommodations they offer. Many airlines provide services like captioned videos, personal assistance, and more. Also, consider downloading the airline’s app, which will often provide real-time updates and notifications if you’re worried about missing audio announcements. Some airports may also be equipped with hearing loop systems that you can connect to with your hearing aids if you wear them.
Pack smart
Don’t forget to pack everything you’ll need to ensure clear communication during your journey (and as you enjoy the festivities at your destination!). If you use hearing aids, this may include spare batteries and a protective case. Also bring any other assistive listening devices you use to help make communication as easy as possible.
Here are some must-have accessories when traveling with hearing loss!
Learn basic phrases in the local language
If you’re traveling to a destination where the primary language differs from your own, consider learning some basic phrases related to hearing loss. For example, phrases like “I can’t hear you” or “I have hearing loss” can be invaluable when you’re trying to communicate. Learning new languages is also fun, supports brain health, and can keep you entertained on your journey!
Share your needs with others
If you aren’t traveling solo, be sure your travel companions are aware of your hearing loss and the best ways to communicate with you. Discuss strategies like using hand gestures, facing you directly when speaking, and speaking clearly without shouting. If you are comfortable doing so, this can also be helpful information to share with staff you’ll encounter on your travels, like flight attendants or check-in desk agents.
Download communication apps
There are several communication apps designed for individuals with hearing loss. These apps can help transcribe speech into text, making it easier for you to understand conversations. Some great options include Ava, Google Live Transcribe, and Hamilton Mobile CapTel.
Here are eight of the best apps for traveling with hearing loss!
Invest in noise-canceling headphones
Traveling can be noisy and chaotic no matter how you’re traveling — thanks to plane engines, train tracks, traffic, people around you, and other factors. Noise-canceling headphones can help you maintain a sense of calm during your journey and protect your ears from the discomfort and potential damage of loud environments. Plus they screen out background noises, enabling you to focus on sounds you want to hear, such as a conversation with your seat mate or announcements from the flight crew.
Learn more about the best kinds of headphones for your ears.
Be prepared for security checks
When going through airport security, you do not have to remove your hearing aids. However, you may want to inform security personnel that you’re wearing them (or cochlear implants) in case the metal sets off the machine. They may just need to do a quick additional screening with a handheld wand to confirm that your device is what triggered the alarm.
Stay informed about updates
To save yourself time and stress, it’s vital to have ways to keep yourself informed about the status of your travel arrangements. Weather, general delays, and gate changes can impact your holiday travel plans. Your train or airline’s app, text-based travel alerts, or information boards at the terminal will enable you to receive regular updates.
Enjoy the journey
Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to prepare, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the journey, knowing you’re about to reunite with family or friends and create unforgettable memories. These holiday stress relief tips will help you focus on the positive and bounce back even if there are a few mishaps along the way.
With a little advance planning, your hearing loss doesn’t have to stand in the way of festive celebrations and joyful reunions. Happy holidays and happy travels!
For more holiday travel tips for people with hearing loss, check out our blog posts on staying in a hotel with hearing loss, staying healthy throughout the holidays, and how to sleep well while traveling.
