There are a couple of types of vacations, right? One type is full of activities the whole time. This type will leave you more exhausted than when you left but all of the adventures will be remembered for many years to come.
Then there are the relaxing types of vacations. You may not even do much of anything on this type of vacation. Maybe you spend the entire time on the beach with some drinks. Or maybe you spend your entire vacation at some sort of resort, getting pampered the entire time. These types of vacations will leave you really rested and recharged.
Everyone has their own concept of the perfect vacation. Whatever method you prefer, however, neglected hearing loss can put your vacation at risk.
Your vacation can be ruined by hearing loss
There are a few distinct ways that hearing loss can make a vacation more difficult, particularly if you don’t recognize 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 tv louder and louder.
But the effect that hearing loss can have on a vacation can be reduced with some tried and tested strategies, and that’s the good news. The first step, of course, will be to make an appointment for a hearing screening if you haven’t already. The more ready you are ahead of time, the easier it will be to minimize any power hearing loss could have over your fun, rest, and relaxation.
How can your vacation be impacted by hearing loss
So how can hearing loss negatively effect your next vacation? Well, there are a number of ways. And while some of them might seem a bit trivial at first, they tend to add up! Some common illustrations include the following:
- Meaningful moments with friends and family can be missed: Perhaps your friend just told a hilarious joke that everyone loved, except you couldn’t make out the punchline. When you have untreated hearing loss, you can miss significant (and enriching) conversations.
- Language barriers are even more difficult: Coping with a language barrier is already difficult enough. But untreated hearing loss can make it even harder to understand voices (especially in a noisy situation).
- Essential notices come in but you frequently miss them: Perhaps you’re waiting for your train or aircraft to board, but you never hear the announcement. This can cast your entire vacation timing out of whack.
- You can miss out on the radiance of a new place: Your experience can be rather lackluster when everything you hear is dull. After all, you could fail to hear the unique bird calls or humming traffic noises that make your vacation spot unique and memorable.
Of course, if you’re wearing your hearing aids, some of these negative effects can be mitigated and minimized. So, managing your hearing needs is the ideal way to keep your vacation moving in the right direction.
If you have hearing loss, how can you get ready for your vacation?
That doesn’t mean that you can’t go on vacation if you have hearing loss. Not by any Means! But it does mean that, when you’re dealing with hearing loss, a little bit of additional planning and preparation, can help ensure your vacation goes as easily as possible. Of course, that’s rather common travel advice regardless of how strong your hearing is.
Here are several things you can do to ensure hearing loss doesn’t negatively effect your next vacation:
- Bring extra batteries: There’s nothing worse than your hearing aid dying on day 1 because your batteries quit. Always make sure you bring spares! So are you allowed to take spare batteries on a plane? The precise rules and guidelines will depend on which airline you’re using. Some kinds of batteries must be kept in your carry-on.
- Do some pre-planning: It’s okay to remain spontaneous to some degree, but the more planning you do ahead of time, the less you’ll have to figure things out on the fly (and that’s when hearing loss can introduce more obstacles).
- Keep your hearing aids clean: It’s a smart plan to make sure your hearing aids are clean and working correctly before you jump on a plane, train, or automobile. If you have clean hearing aids, you’re much less likely to have troubles on vacation. It’s also a good idea to make certain your suggested maintenance is current!
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 individuals have questions about going on a plane with hearing aids, and there are definitely some good things to recognize before you go to the airport.
- When I go through the TSA security checkpoint, will I be required to take out my hearing aids? You won’t be required to remove your hearing aids for the security screening. That being said, letting the TSA agents know you’re wearing hearing aids is always a good plan. If there is any kind of conveyor belt or X-ray machines, make sure your hearing aids do not go through that belt. Conveyor-belt style X-ray machines can produce a static charge that can damage your hearing devices.
- When I’m in the airport, how well will I be able to hear? That will depend, some airports are quite noisy during certain times of the day. But a telecoil device will usually be set up in many areas of most modern airports. This device is specially made to help people who have hearing aids hear their environment better.
- Can I wear my hearing aids while I’m 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. Some of the in-flight announcements may be difficult to hear so be certain that you let the flight attendants know about your hearing loss.
- How useful is my smartphone? This will not be shocking, but your smartphone is extremely useful! After you land, you can utilize this device to change the settings on your hearing aid (if you have the right kind 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 may take some strain off your ears.
- If I use my hearing aids more than usual, is that ok? Hearing aids are meant to be used every day, all day. So you should be wearing your hearing aids anytime you aren’t in a really noisy place, swimming, or showering.
- Should I be aware of my rights? Before you leave it’s not a bad plan to get familiar with your rights. Under the American Disabilities Act, people with hearing loss have lots of special rights. Basically, you have to have access to information. Speak with an airport official about a solution if you feel like you are missing some information and they will most likely be able to help.
Life is an adventure, and that includes vacations
Vacations are unpredictable with or without hearing loss. Not everything is going to go right all the time. So be prepared for the unexpected and try to have a positive mindset.
That way you’ll still feel like your plans are on track even when the inevitable challenge occurs.
But you will be caught off guard less if you put together good preparations. When something goes wrong, with the correct preparations, you can keep it from spiraling out of control.
For those with hearing loss, this preparation often starts by getting your hearing assessed and making sure you have the equipment and care you require. And whether you’re taking vacation number one (sightseeing in the city), or vacation number two (relaxing on a tropical beach somewhere), this guidance will still hold.
Want to be certain you can hear the big world out there but still have questions? Schedule an appointment with us for a hearing exam!
