Traveling Tips For Those With Hearing Loss

By Author: Nimet Adam
Total Articles: 2
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Travel is the cornerstone in a lot of individual’s lives. It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling for business or pure pleasure because traveling can be just as enjoyable as it is stressful. There are more than 20 million people in the United States alone that encounter difficulties when it comes time to travel anywhere.

Common Problems Associated with Travelling

• Trouble making a reservation for travel arrangements to begin with.

• Difficulty being able to hear and understand what the airline announcements are saying, as well as boarding instructions.

• Trouble being able to hear on a telephone in the hotel room or a knock on the door, as well as alerts for smoke and other potential dangers.

• Issues using a hotel phone, public telephone, cell phone or other type of communication device.

• Not enough individuals around to serve as a sign language or oral interpreter.

• Inadequate amount of facilities for individuals with hearing dogs.

• Difficulty being able to hear and understand any of the events that are planned, including: lectures, tours and ...
... live concerts and performances.

Prior Arrangements for Travelling

• If at all possible, you should try to make all of your travel plans beforehand. As soon as you have made the necessary transportation accommodations, you will want to request something in writing to make sure everything is accurate. Always let the representative know that you have a hearing impairment.

• When you can, make arrangements with the travel agent to provide you with the opportunity for lip reading, as well as written communication to serve as confirmation of your travel plans. Agents will work to contact the hotels, airlines and local tourist attractions to make all of the necessary reservations for you.

• The Internet holds a wealth of opportunity for planning your travel accommodations. Make sure you print out any copies of important information, such as a confirmation number or reservation information. Keep any copies of the imperative information readily available.

• Arrive early at all of your destinations. Make sure you alert the boarding personnel to your hearing impairment, so that way they can notify you when it is time for boarding.

• Repeatedly watch the display board while you are waiting at the terminals. Confirm your destination and departure time to make sure there are no delays that you need to be aware of. Ensure you have the proper flight number written down before you attempt to board.

• Let the flight attendant know that you have a hearing impairment, which will allow them to provide you with any of the announcements in person. You might want to consider an aisle seat, so that you can easily communicate with all of the flight crew.

• Don’t ever be afraid to ask another person on the flight for assistance. You will find that they are more than willing to offer you assistance, most of the time.

Nimet Adam is a board certified Clinical Audiologist and the President of Hearing Partners of South Florida, Inc. Dr. Adam has 21 years experience in the industry. Dr. Adam graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Florida. She is a member of the Florida Academy of Audiology and a member of the American Hearing and Speech Association. She has worked as an Industrial Audiologist at the Workers Compensation Board of British Columbia, and in clinical and administrative positions at a South Florida Rehabilitation Hospital. For up-to-date hearing aid information visit Nimet Adam's website.