Travel Tips

     Travel can be stressful, especially for someone who has a hearing loss.  Making reservations, hearing boarding announcements, and using regular (unamplified) telephones can be difficult.  These suggestions may make traveling easier and more enjoyable for you:

Reservations
♦  Make advance reservations whenever possible.
♦  If you're making reservations by phone, use an amplified telephone.
♦  Let the reservaton agent know you have a hearing loss.
♦  Repeat the information so the agent can confirm the details.
♦  Ask for written confirmation to be mailed or faxed to you.
You can also make your travel reservations in person with a travel agent or by yourself on-line.  Experienced travelers often go on-line to make reservations, receive notification of any change in schedule or even pre-print boarding passes.

While traveling
     Even people with excellent hearing often find it difficult to understand public announcements in terminals.
♦  Information on gates and departure times is usually displayed 
     throughout stations and terminals. Check
     the displays often for updated information.
♦  If you're concerned about hearing special announcements, let the 
     agent at the boarding gate know you have a hearing loss.
♦  After boarding, confirm with an attendant that you're on the correct
     flight or train.

Public telephones
     Telephones with built-in amplifiers are usually available in bus, train and airport terminals.  Almost all public telephones are hearing aid-compatible.  Still, it's a good idea to carry a portable amplifier, or just be sure to have a good cell phone with you!

Hotels
     Most hotels and cruise ships provide assistive devices, such as in-room amplified telephones and alerting devices for smoke and fire alarms.  Televisions usually have built-in captioning that can be activated.  However, you may want to carry your own assistive devices since you'll be more familiar with them.  Many hotels and cruise ships have internet access for making reservations and for communicating with family, friends and the office.
     Finially, be sure to let someone at the front desk know that you have a hearing loss in case of emergency.

Your hearing aids
♦  Before your trip, have a preventive check-up on your hearing aids so
     they're in good condition for your trip.
♦  Carry plenty of batteries.
♦  Pack a dri-aid kit or other durable container to protect your hearing
     aids.
♦  Consider carrying a spare set of hearing aids.  You'll have a back-up
     in case of loss or malfunction, and you won't have to wonder, "What
     will I do if one of my aids stops working?"

We hope these tips make traveling more enjoyable.  Bon Voyage!

*Taken from our Hearing Healthcare newsletter