Travel can be stressful for anyone, but if you have hearing loss, it can be downright scary to not hear announcements or other important information at the airport! Depending on how seasoned of a traveler you are, not being able to hear (with or without hearing aids) may even stop you from going places you’ve always dreamed of going, so here are my top tips for air travel with hearing loss.
- Use your hearing aids! If you wear hearing aids, be sure they are charged and ready and bring your charger in your carry-on luggage. If your hearing aids use batteries, make sure you have extras in your carry-on luggage. You can wear your hearing aids through security – no need to declare them or remove them for the metal detector or full body scanner at the security checkpoint.
- Sign up for text alerts. Your airline should offer text alerts for gate changes, flight delays and other important information the day of your trip. Be sure you sign up for these alerts when you book your flight or when you check in online 24 hours before your trip. I have used these alerts for years and the airlines have never texted me after the day of the trip, so you shouldn’t be getting annoying messages after your travel day! On my most recent trip, I knew about a gate change several minutes before they announced it in the airport!
- Ask for help at security. If you are unfamiliar with airport security or feeling uncomfortable with the process, let a TSA Agent know that you are hard of hearing and would like extra help getting through security (the ideal time to do this would be when you show your boarding pass and ID at the beginning of the security checkpoint).
- Talk to the flight attendants. Once you’re on the plane and in your seat, push the call button above your seat (looks like a person icon) and when the flight attendant comes by, let them know you can’t hear well and will need them to let you know if there are any important announcements during the flight.
And that’s that! You’ll be at your destination in no time enjoying all the world has to offer.
If you’ve been putting off getting hearing aids, get them before your next trip! Travel will have a whole new dimension and depth when you can fully hear all the sounds around you. Book a complimentary hearing assessment at your local HearingLife today.
