Aren’t there a couple of kinds of vacation? One kind is Packed with activities at all times. These are the trips that are recalled for years later and are packed with adventure, and you head back to work more worn out than you left.
Then there are the relaxing types of vacations. These are the trips where you might not do, well, much of anything. Perhaps you drink some wine. Perhaps you spend a day (or two, or three) on the beach. Or maybe you’re getting spoiled at some resort for your entire vacation. These types of vacations will leave you quite rested and recharged.
There’s no right or wrong way to vacation. But neglected hearing loss can put a damper on whichever type of vacation you take.
Hearing loss can spoil a vacation
There are some unique ways that hearing loss can make a vacation more difficult, especially if you don’t know you have hearing loss. Many individuals who have hearing loss don’t even realize they have it and it eventually creeps up on them. On all their devices, the volume just keeps going higher and higher.
But the impact that hearing loss can have on a vacation can be reduced with some proven methods, and that’s the good news. Making an appointment for a hearing test is obviously the first step. The effect that hearing loss has on your fun times will be greatly reduced the more ready you are in advance.
How can hearing loss effect your vacation
So how can hearing loss negatively effect your next vacation? There are actually a small number of ways as it turns out. And while some of them may seem a bit insignificant at first, they tend to add up! Here are a few common examples:
- You can miss out on the vibrancy of a new place: Your experience can be rather dull when everything you hear is muted. After all, your favorite vacation spot is alive with unique sounds, like bustling street sounds or singing birds.
- You can miss important moments with family and friends: Everyone loved the funny joke that your friend just told, but unfortunately, you didn’t hear the punchline. Significant and enriching conversations can be missed when you have neglected hearing loss.
- Getting past language barriers can be overwhelming: Dealing with a language barrier is already difficult enough. But understanding voices with hearing loss, particularly when it’s really noisy, makes it much harder.
- Important notices come in but you often miss them: Maybe you miss your flight because you failed to hear the boarding call. This can cast your entire vacation timing out of whack.
Some of these negative outcomes can be avoided by simply using your hearing aids. So, taking care of your hearing requirements is the best 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 with a little extra planning and preparation, your vacation can still be fun and fairly hassle-free. Whether you have hearing loss or not, this is definitely good travel advice.
You can be certain that hearing loss won’t have a negative impact on your vacation, here are some things you can do:
- Pack extra batteries: Having your hearing aids die on the first day is no fun! Always make sure you bring spares! So are you allowed to bring spare batteries on a plane? The exact rules and guidelines will depend on which airline you’re using. Some types of batteries need to be kept in your carry-on.
- Keep your hearing aids clean: It’s a smart idea to make certain your hearing aids are clean and functioning correctly before you jump on a plane, train, or automobile. This can help avoid issues from happening while you’re on your vacation. Keeping your hearing aids on their scheduled maintenance is also a good plan.
- Do a little pre-planning: It’s okay to remain spontaneous to some degree, but the more planning you do before you go, the less you’ll need to figure things out on the fly (and that’s when hearing loss can present more obstacles).
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, possibly. Before you go out to the airport, there are some things about flying with hearing aids you should definitely know about.
- Will I be able to hear well in an airport? How well you can hear in the airport will depend on what 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 specifically made to help individuals who have hearing aids hear their surroundings better.
- Do I have some rights I need to know about? It’s not a bad idea! In general, it’s smart to familiarize yourself with your rights before you travel. If you have hearing loss, you’ll have many rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Basically, you must have access to information. So if you feel like you’re missing out on some information, let an airport official know that you have hearing loss and they should offer help.
- Do I need to take my hearing aids out when I go through TSA security? You can wear your hearing aids through the security screening process. Having said that, letting the TSA agents know you’re wearing hearing aids is always a good idea. Never allow your hearing aids to go through an X-ray machine or conveyor belt. Conveyor-belt style X-ray machines can create a static charge that can damage your hearing devices.
- Can I wear my hearing aids while I’m on the plane? You won’t have to turn your hearing aids off when you hear that “all electronics must be off” announcement. But it’s a good plan to activate 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 tell the flight attendant about your hearing loss.
- How helpful is my smartphone? Your smartphone is very useful, not surprisingly. You can utilize your smartphone to find directions to your destination, translate foreign languages, and if you have the right type of hearing aid, you can utilize your smartphone to adjust your settings to your new environment. You may be able to take some strain off your ears if you can use your phone like this.
- If I wear my hearing aids more than normal, is that ok? Hearing aids are designed to be worn every day, all day. So, any time you aren’t sleeping, showering, or going for a swim (or in a super loud setting), you should be using your devices.
Vacations are one of life’s many adventures
Whether you have loss of hearing or not, vacations are unpredictable. Sometimes, the train can go off the rails. So be prepared for the unforeseen and try to have a positive attitude.
That way, when something unexpected takes place (and it will), it’ll feel like it’s all part of the plan!
But you will be surprised less if you make good preparations. With the correct preparation, you can be sure you have options when something goes wrong, so an inconvenience doesn’t grow into a disaster.
For those with hearing loss, this preparation frequently begins by getting your hearing tested and making sure you have the hardware and care you require. And whether you’re on vacation number one (sightseeing in the city), or vacation number two (chilling on a tropical beach somewhere), this advice will still hold.
Want to make sure you can hear the big world out there but still have concerns? Give us a call today!