Hearing loss shouldn't shrink your world, and with a little planning, it won't shrink your vacations either. Here's how to travel confidently with hearing loss or hearing aids.
Pack like a pro
- Double up on power: spare batteries or your charger, plus a backup power bank and the right plug adapters if you're going abroad
- Cleaning kit and dehumidifier case, especially for beach and humid destinations
- A small case for storage so devices never end up loose in a pocket or wrapped in a napkin (the classic vacation loss story)
- Your provider's phone number, in case you need advice on the road, here's ours
Airports and hotels
- Tell the airline or use their accessibility services; gate changes are announced over speakers you may not catch, so ask for visual notification or watch the boards
- Hearing aids stay in your ears through security, no need to remove them, and never pack them in checked luggage
- Many hotels offer accessibility kits with flashing or vibrating alarm clocks and visual door knocks/fire alerts, request one when booking
Enjoy the actual vacation
- Book tours in smaller groups, and stand near the guide; some attractions offer hearing loop systems or transcripts, ask
- Restaurants: request a corner table away from the kitchen and music, and sit with your back to the noise
- Water plans? Swimming and hearing aids don't mix, bring a safe storage spot, and consider custom swim plugs if you're prone to swimmer's ear
- Streaming and companion apps can turn your phone into a remote microphone in noisy places, ask us to set this up before you leave
A pre-trip tune-up
A quick cleaning and check before a big trip catches weak batteries, clogged wax guards and worn tubing while they're easy to fix. Traveling soon? Stop in and leave with everything working, then go make some memories worth hearing.