Aren’t there a couple of types of vacation? There’s the type where you cram every single recreation you can into every waking second. These are the vacations that are recalled for years later and are packed with adventure, and you go back to work more worn out than you left.
The other kind is all about unwinding. These are the trips where you might not do, well, much of anything. Maybe you spend a lot of time on the beach with some cocktails. Or maybe you’re getting pampered at some resort for your whole vacation. These types of vacations will leave you quite rested and recharged.
There’s no right or wrong way to vacation. Whatever method you choose, however, untreated hearing loss can put your vacation at risk.
Hearing loss can ruin a vacation
There are some unique ways that hearing loss can make a vacation more challenging, particularly if you don’t know you have hearing loss. Look, hearing loss can sneak up on you like nobody’s business, many people have no clue they have it. They just keep turning the volume on their television up and up and up.
The nice thing is that there are a few tried and tested ways to minimize the impact hearing loss could have on your vacation. The first move, of course, will be to schedule a hearing screening if you haven’t already. The more ready 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 your vacation be effected by hearing loss
So how can hearing loss negatively impact your next vacation? There are actually a few ways as it turns out. And while some of them may seem a bit trivial at first, they have a tendency to add up! Here are some common examples:
- Language barriers are even more challenging: It’s hard enough to overcome a language barrier. But deciphering voices with hearing loss, especially when it’s very noisy, makes it much harder.
- You can miss significant moments with friends and family: Maybe your friend just told a great joke that everyone enjoyed, except you couldn’t make out the punchline. When you have neglected hearing loss, you can miss important (and enriching) conversations.
- Essential notices come in but you often miss them: Maybe you’re waiting for your train or plane to board, but you never hear the announcement. This can cast your entire vacation timing into chaos.
- The vibrant life of a new place can be missed: When what you’re hearing is muted, your experience could be muted as well. After all, your favorite vacation place is alive with unique sounds, like bustling street sounds or singing birds.
A number of these negative situations can be prevented by simply using your hearing aids. Which means the best way to keep your vacation moving in the right direction and free of stress is to take care of your hearing needs before you go.
If you have hearing loss, how can you prepare for your vacation?
All of this doesn’t mean that hearing loss makes a vacation impossible. That’s not at all the case! But it does mean that, when you have hearing loss, a little bit of additional planning and preparation, can help ensure your vacation goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you have hearing loss or not, this is obviously good travel advice.
Here are a few 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 the worst! Remember to bring some spare batteries. Now, you might be thinking: can I bring spare batteries in my luggage? The exact rules and guidelines will depend on the airline. Some types of batteries must be stored in your carry-on.
- Pre-planning is a good idea: When you have to figure things out as you go, that’s when hearing loss can present some challenges, so don’t be too spontaneous and plan as much as possible.
- Clean your hearing aids: It’s a good idea to make certain your hearing aids are clean and functioning properly before you jump on a plane, train, or automobile. This can help avoid problems from developing while you’re on your vacation. Keeping your hearing aids on their scheduled maintenance is also a smart plan.
Tips for traveling with hearing aids
Once all the planning and preparation is done, it’s time to hit the road! Or, well, the airways, maybe. Many people have questions about going on a plane with hearing aids, and there are certainly some good things to understand before you head to the airport.
- Can I wear my hearing aids while I’m on the plane? When they tell you it’s time to off your electronic devices, you won’t need to turn your hearing aids off. Having said that, you may want to activate flight mode on hearing aids that rely heavily on wifi or Bluetooth connectivity. Some of the in-flight announcements could be hard to hear so make sure you tell the flight attendant about your hearing loss.
- Is it ok to wear my hearing aids longer than normal? Most hearing specialists will recommend that you use your hearing aids all day, every day. So you should be wearing your hearing aids anytime you’re not in a really loud setting, swimming, or showering.
- Do I have some rights I need to be aware of? Before you leave it’s never a bad plan to get familiar with your rights. Under the American Disabilities Act, individuals with hearing loss have many special rights. Basically, you have to have access to information. Talk to an airport official about a solution if you think you’re missing some information and they will most likely be able to help.
- When I go through the TSA security checkpoint, will I be required to take out my hearing aids? You can keep your hearing aids in when you go through the security screening process. That being said, telling the TSA agents you’re wearing hearing aids is always a good idea. If there is any type of conveyor belt or X-ray machines, make sure 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 create.
- When I’m in the airport, how well will I be able to hear? How well you can hear in the airport will depend on which airport it is and what time of day. But a telecoil device will normally be installed in many areas of most modern airports. This device is specially made to help individuals with hearing aids hear their surroundings better.
- How helpful is my smartphone? This will not be shocking, but your smartphone is extremely useful! Once you land, you can utilize this device to change the settings on your hearing aid (if you have the correct type of hearing aid), find directions to your destination, and even translate foreign languages. If your phone is prepared to do all that (and you know how to use all those apps), it could take some stress off your ears.
Vacations are one of life’s many adventures
Vacations are unpredictable with or without hearing loss. At times, the train can go off the rails. So be prepared for the unexpected and try to have a positive mindset.
That way you’ll still feel as if your plans are on track even when the inevitable obstacle happens.
But you will be surprised less if you make good preparations. With the right preparation, you can be sure you have options when something goes awry, so an inconvenience doesn’t turn into a catastrophe.
Getting a hearing examination and making certain you have the correct equipment is usually 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 hanging out on a beach in Mexico (vacation type number two).
Still have some questions or concerns? Give us a call today!