Travel Tips for People with Hearing Loss
- 41 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Sound Advice by Advocate Ruth D. Bernstein
Despite the passage of time, travel rules of the road haven't changed for people with hearing loss. We encounter the same problems all the time. The good news is that technology has improved, making it easier to cope. We have access to captioning apps on our smartphones such as Google's Live Transcribe and Apple's Live Captions. Airline apps notify travelers online when flights are delayed, and there are captioned movies on some flights. Hopefully, onboard announcements will be captioned soon.
My last trip was in June 2024, when I went to Israel to attend my grandson Aaron's wedding. Although I was already using a walker, the trip was comfortable and easy because I followed the suggestions for making trips as stress-free as possible. The key is to always identify yourself as a person with a hearing loss and ask for help from the beginning to the end of your trip.
My new granddaughter-in-law's mother smoothed the trip for me. She's a retired El Al flight attendant. She informed the cabin staff of my needs. I was grateful for all the personal attention I received. Read more for my tips for traveling with a hearing loss.Â
Travel Tips for People with Hearing Loss
1. Tell everyone involved in your trip you're hard of hearing or deaf, including the travel agent, ticket clerk, airline representative, group coordinator, or cruise ship operator. You may want to ask to have this information put on your ticket.
2. State your needs in writing and request written confirmation of all arrangements at least two weeks ahead of time. Here's a list of accommodations you might want to request for your hotel stay.Â
Smoke alarm sensor with flashing strobe light
Alarm clock with bedshaker and flashing strobe lights
Telephone inline handset amplifier
Door knock sensor with strobe light
Here’s an example of a kit hotels frequently purchase to make rooms accessible for people who are hard of hearing or deaf.
3. Take ID showing your name, address, phone number(s), the fact that you have a hearing loss, and the names and addresses of your emergency contacts and medical providers.
4. Check the website or call the carrier you're using to find out about identification requirements and baggage restrictions. View packing instructions from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and read more about traveling with a hearing loss. For flight information, check your airline for the latest updates.
5. Take Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), including an FM system, phone amplifier, charger for rechargeable devices or battery tester for hearing aids that use batteries, and a flashlight. The FAA ruled it permissible to take the ALDs you need to communicate in your carry-on luggage. Be prepared to explain what they're for. To learn more about ALDs, contact the Center for Hearing and Communication at info@chchearing.org.
6. Keep a pencil or pen, and paper and the low-tech Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) handy at all times. And, keep your smartphone charged so it’s immediately ready to caption an interaction, if needed.
7. At the airport, tell the person at the check-in desk you have a hearing loss and have trouble hearing the Public Address System (PA). Ask them to come and tell you if there are any changes to the flight. Sit where you can be seen.
8. When you board a plane, immediately tell the flight attendants you're unable to hear the PA system and will need explanations in an emergency. If you're traveling alone, ask your seatmate to help you.
9. When you travel with a group, explain you're hard of hearing or deaf, demonstrate the hearing assistive technology you use, tell people to make direct eye contact when they speak to you, and ask them to help you when necessary.
10. If you have communication problems during the trip, speak to the person in charge and explain your needs calmly and clearly. Try to keep your sense of humor.
11. After the trip, write thank-you letters or letters of complaint.
As Always Remember to
Pack copies of your itinerary, ticket(s), passport, license, credit card(s), and a list of the medications you take separately from the actual documents. Leave copies with a responsible person and on your computer.
Put your personal affairs in order.
Take responsibility for yourself. Be flexible and have a good time!
Traveling Virtually
Now that I'm 93 and need a walker to get around, I'm enjoying being able to travel virtually. Once every two weeks, I take a trip to the National Gallery in DC to attend a one-hour discussion at The Art of Looking.
The Bloomberg Connects app provides captioned guides to museums in the U.S. and all over the world. On a recent visit to The Met Cloisters, I found detailed descriptions of the major artworks on display. As a result of COVID, cultural organizations that hadn't ever been accessible now provide access. YouTube is a treasure trove. Do a search for your local cultural organizations. You may be pleasantly surprised at what's available.
The bottom line is that you can travel wherever you want, whenever you want, virtually. Although it's not a 3D experience, you're only as limited as the next click on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
For the best travel experience, always identify yourself as a person in need of hearing access and ask for what would be helpful to you. Have fun traveling in person and virtually!
Warm regards,
Ruth D. Bernstein