While you may not have any plans to fly in the immediate future, once things have settled down many of us will be quick to buy plane tickets to our dream destination. Before hopping on a plane, those with hearing loss need a little preparation to ensure smooth travels.
What to Do Before Your Flight
The most important part of a successful vacation with hearing aids is packing. There are a number of things that are hard or impossible to replace while you are away from home. Making a list can help ensure you remember everything.
- Extra batteries
- Charger
- Outlet converter (for international travel)
- Dehumidifier
- Cleaning kit
- Accessories
- Hearing protection
It is worth noting that you should never pack your hearing aids or accessories in your checked luggage. These devices connect you to the world and help you communicate; they should be treated like any necessary medical device and carried on your person.
Before leaving your house, you should take a minute to opt into any text services involved in your travel plans. This way, you will be alerted of flight changes, hotel updates and notifications from your vacation rental company.
What to Do at the Airport
Airports are loud and busy – not an ideal place for someone with hearing loss to spend their time. We recommend arriving to the airport early to give yourself plenty of time and avoid any unnecessary stress.
Per TSA guidelines, you do not have to remove your hearing aids before walking through the metal detector. It is helpful to alert the agents to your hearing impairment so that they face you when talking and make sure you understand their directions before moving on.
What to Do on Your Flight
When you get on board, alert the flight attendants of your hearing loss. This way, they can relay all of the important announcements in person, rather than having to struggle to hear them yourself.
Due to the change in pressure, many find it more comfortable to remove their hearing aids after takeoff. If you do this, don’t put them in the seat pocket, as they are easy to forget. But do keep them close by as you never know when you will need them.
Chewing gum can help reduce pressure by promoting jaw movement.
If possible, book a seat near the front of the plane, as the engine noise is loudest in the back of the plane.
To learn more about tips on how to vacation well with hearing loss, contact the experts at Elk Grove Hearing Care today.