Susan began her full time career with Welsch Hearing Aid Company in December, 1984 as the Office Manager. On March 5, 1985, she became a State Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist. In 1994, she passed her National Board for Certification Examination.
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Travel should be an adventure with fun, relaxation, recreation and cheerfulness. It’s a time for family to be together
“Off you go on another adventure!”
or for new experiences at that vacation destination. But travel could become more challenging when you have a hearing loss if you are not prepared.
Some challenges may include mishearing vital information such as announcements at busy train or bus stations, at noisy airports when airlines are calling to board your flight, and missing connections. And then there’s having to ask directions from strangers.
A little forethought and planning can make things easier for travel for the hearing aid wearer. First of all, when booking reservations get a written copy of price, dates, carriers and other important information. If you can, make online bookings and simply print out the information. Know the details of when and where to transfer to the next transportation mode, including shuttle services to area hotels.
“You can again enjoy eating out!”
When staying in a hotel ask the front desk if they have provisions for the hard of hearing, such as visible smoke alarms, subtitled television, etc.
Be sure to pack your own equipment with their adapters and power chargers. Pack spare batteries for your hearing aids, along with a simple hearing aid repair and cleaning kit. Have your hearing devices checked with your hearing instrument specialist before you go. A visit or phone call your hearing aid specialist should be on your pre-travel checklist.
Check if you will be able to send and receive text messages from your mobile phone where you are going. And don’t forget to pack the phone charger.
Other Tips
- Pack maps so you needn’t rely on hearing directions, or so people can point out on the map where you want to go. A good guide book for a destination getaway is a great investment.
- Restaurants are usually quieter for a very early or very late meal. With room service, remind the front desk that you may not hear the staff knocking on your room door. Make alternative arrangements with the staff.
- When visiting with family and friends, try to make sure they understand to speak louder, slower and more distinctly if necessary, so you can all enjoy the art of conversation.
To sum up: be prepared; tell people that you have a hearing loss in advance and be clear about what you need.
And above all, HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP!
By Susan L. Fenrich, BC-HIS, Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist, Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences
The content at Welsch Hearing Aid Company blog entries, print media and websites, including text, graphics, images, opinions, or information obtained from links, is provided for informational purposes only. This content should not be considered by anyone as a substitute for medical or other hearing health professional diagnosis, treatment, advice, or recommendations.