Traveling with a hearing aid can be worry-free as long as you plan accordingly.
Planning a vacation for those with hearing loss has never been as easy as it is now. Reservations, tickets and even car services can be ordered online, meaning you do not have to make any phone calls. Purchasing a map of your destination and reviewing it before you leave may help prevent you from having to ask for directions while traveling. We always recommend letting the staff members at your hotel and on the airline know about your hearing impairment. This will ensure that any updates can be written down or presented to you in person; this way you do not have to rely on overhead announcements. Many places, such as airlines and restaurants, have a text message update system that you can sign up for.
If you are traveling by air, there are a few points to keep in mind. You should not have to remove your hearing aids when going through security; simply let the TSA agent know you are wearing them. If for some reason you must remove them, the X-ray machine used for security will not harm the devices. Hearing aids do not count as traditional electronic devices and therefore do not need to be turned off during takeoff and landing. Some do find flying without their hearing aids more comfortable. Always inform a member of your cabin crew that you are hearing impaired. This ensures if any announcement is made over the overhead system your flight attendant can repeat the message to you in person.
If you are driving to your destination, we have some helpful tips to keep in mind. Before taking off make sure all the mirrors are positioned correctly; some even go so far as to purchase an extended rearview mirror to see more of the road. While driving keep the radio low (or even better, turned off) and the windows closed when driving on the highway. This ensures you are able to hear another car’s horn.
The most important piece of advice we can offer is to pack extra supplies. Always make sure you have an ample supply of batteries and tubing or wires. You never know when you will need to change these out and you should never assume that the neighborhood store will carry just what you need.
If you have any additional questions about how to travel well with hearing aids, contact our office at 337-266-9820.