Aren’t there a couple of types of vacation? One type is Packed with activities at all times. These are the vacations that are remembered for years later and are packed with adventure, and you go back to work more worn out than you left.
Then there are the relaxing types of vacations. These are the trips where you may not do, well, much of anything. Perhaps you drink a bit of wine. Perhaps you spend a day (or two, or three) on the beach. Or perhaps you’re getting pampered at some resort for your whole vacation. These are the peaceful and relaxing kinds of vacations.
There’s no right or wrong way to vacation. Whichever way you choose, however, untreated hearing loss can put your vacation in jeopardy.
Hearing loss can ruin a vacation
Your vacation can become a difficulty if you have hearing loss, particularly if you’re not aware of it. Many people who have hearing loss don’t even realize they have it and it eventually creeps up on them. They just keep turning the volume on their tv louder and louder.
The nice thing is that there are a few tried and tested ways to reduce the impact hearing loss could have on your vacation. The first step, of course, will be to schedule a hearing screening if you haven’t already. The more prepared you are ahead of time, the easier it will be to reduce any power hearing loss could have over your fun, rest, and relaxation.
How can hearing loss effect your vacation
So how can hearing loss negatively effect your next vacation? Well, there are a number of ways. And while some of them may seem a little insignificant at first, they tend to add up! Here are a few common examples:
- You miss significant notices: Maybe you’re waiting for your train or plane to board, but you never hear the announcement. This can throw your entire vacation timing out of whack.
- You can miss out on the vibrancy of a new place: When what you’re hearing is muted, your experience could be muted too. After all, you could miss out on the unique bird calls or humming traffic noises that make your vacation spot unique and memorable.
- Special experiences with friends and relatives can be missed: Everybody enjoyed the great joke that your friend just told, but unfortunately, you missed the punchline. Important and enriching conversations can be missed when you have untreated hearing loss.
- Language barriers become even more tricky: Managing a language barrier is already hard enough. But untreated hearing loss can make it even harder to decipher voices (particularly in a noisy setting).
Some of these negative outcomes can be prevented by simply wearing your hearing aids. Which means the proper way to keep your vacation on track and stress free is to manage your hearing needs before you go.
If you have hearing loss, how can you get ready for your vacation?
All of this doesn’t mean that hearing loss makes a vacation unachievable. Not by any Means! But it does mean that, when you have hearing loss, a little bit of additional planning and preparation, can help make sure your vacation goes as easily as possible. Of course, that’s rather common travel advice regardless of how strong your hearing is.
Here are some things you can do to make sure hearing loss doesn’t negatively effect your next vacation:
- Bring extra batteries: Having your hearing aids die on the first day is no fun! Always make certain you bring spares! So are you allowed to bring spare batteries on a plane? Well, maybe, check with your airline. Some types of batteries must be stored in your carry-on.
- Keep your hearing aids clean: Before you go out on your travels, be certain that you clean your hearing aids. If you have clean hearing aids, you’re not so likely to have difficulties on vacation. Keeping your hearing aids on their scheduled maintenance is also a good idea.
- Do a little pre-planning: When you need to figure things out on the fly, that’s when hearing loss can introduce some challenges, so don’t be too spontaneous and plan as much as possible.
Hearing aid travel tips
Once all the preparation and planning is done, it’s time to hit the road! Or, well, the airways, maybe. Before you go out to the airport, there are some things about going on a plane with hearing aids you should certainly be aware of.
- Can I wear my hearing aids on the plane? When they announce that it’s time to off your electronic devices, you won’t be required to turn your hearing aids off. But it’s a good idea to enable flight mode if your hearing aid heavily relies on Bluetooth connectivity or wifi. You may also want to tell the flight attendants you have hearing loss, as there may be announcements during the flight that are difficult to hear.
- Will my smartphone be useful? This will not be surprising, but your smartphone is really helpful! After you land, you can use this device to adjust the settings on your hearing aid (if you have the right type of hearing aid), get directions to your destination, and even translate foreign languages. If your phone is capable of doing all that (and you know how to use all those apps), it could take some stress off your ears.
- Is it ok to wear my hearing aids longer than usual? Hearing aids are meant to be worn every day, all day. So, any time you aren’t sleeping, taking a shower, or swimming (or in a super loud environment), you should be using your devices.
- When I’m in the airport, how well will I be able to hear? How well you can hear in an airport will depend on which airport it is and what time of day. But a telecoil device will usually be installed in many areas of most modern airports. This device is specially made to help individuals with hearing aids hear their surroundings better.
- Do I have some rights I need to know about? It’s not a bad idea! Generally, it’s smart to familiarize yourself with your rights before you go. Under the American Disabilities Act, people with hearing loss have lots of special rights. Basically, you must have access to information. So if you think you’re missing out on some info, let an airport official know that you have hearing loss and they should offer help.
- When I go through the TSA security checkpoint, will I need to remove my hearing aids? You won’t need to take your hearing aids out for the security screening. That being said, letting the TSA agents know you’re wearing hearing aids is always a good idea. If there is any type of conveyor belt or X-ray machines, be certain that your hearing aids do not go through that belt. Your hearing aids can be damaged by the static charge that these conveyor type X-ray devices produce.
Life is an adventure, and that includes vacations
Whether you have hearing loss or not, vacations are hard to predict. Sometimes, the train can go off the rails. So be prepared for the unexpected and try to have a positive attitude.
That way you’ll still feel like your plans are moving in the right direction even when the inevitable obstacle occurs.
But you will be surprised less if you put together good preparations. With the right preparation, you can be sure you have options when something goes wrong, so an inconvenience doesn’t grow into a catastrophe.
Having a hearing examination and making sure you have the correct equipment is commonly the beginning of that preparation for people who have hearing loss. And that’s the case whether you’re going to every museum in New York City (vacation type number one) or lounging around on a beach in Mexico (vacation type number two).
Still have some questions or concerns? Call us today!