Aren’t there a couple of types of vacation? There’s the kind where you jam every single activity you can into every waking minute. These are the vacations that are remembered for years later and are packed with adventure, and you go back to work more exhausted than you left.
The other kind is all about unwinding. These are the trips where you may not do, well, much of anything. Maybe you spend the entire time on the beach with some cocktails. Or perhaps you’re getting pampered at some resort for your whole vacation. These are the peaceful and relaxing kinds of vacations.
There’s no best to vacation. Whatever way you choose, however, neglected hearing loss can put your vacation at risk.
Your vacation can be spoiled by hearing loss
Your vacation can become a difficulty if you have hearing loss, particularly if you’re not aware of it. Many people who have hearing loss don’t even recognize they have it and it eventually creeps up on them. On all their devices, the volume just keeps going up and up.
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 more ready you are before you go, the easier it will be to lessen any power hearing loss might have over your fun, rest, and relaxation.
How can your vacation be impacted by hearing loss
So how can your next vacation be adversely effected by hearing loss? There are actually a small number of ways as it turns out. By themselves, they might not seem like that big of a deal. But when they start to compound it can become a real issue. Some common examples include the following:
- Essential notices come in but you often miss them: Perhaps you miss your flight because you didn’t hear the boarding call. This can cast your entire vacation timing out of whack.
- The radiant life of a new place can be missed: Your experience can be rather dull when everything you hear is dull. After all, your favorite vacation place is alive with unique sounds, like bustling street sounds or singing birds.
- Language barriers are even more difficult: It’s hard enough to contend with a language barrier. But neglected hearing loss can make it even more difficult to understand voices (particularly in a noisy situation).
- You can miss significant moments with family and friends: Everybody enjoyed the funny joke that your friend just told, but unfortunately, you didn’t hear the punchline. When you have untreated hearing loss, you can miss important (and enriching) conversations.
A number of these negative situations can be avoided by simply using your hearing aids. Which means the proper way to keep your vacation moving in the right direction and stress free is to manage your hearing needs before you go.
How to get ready for your vacation when you have hearing loss
That doesn’t mean that you can’t go on a trip if you have hearing loss. That’s not at all true! But it does mean that, when you have hearing loss, a little bit of added planning and preparation, can help make sure your vacation goes as easily as possible. Of course, that’s pretty common travel advice regardless of how strong your hearing is.
You can be certain that hearing loss won’t have a negative impact on your vacation, here are a few things you can do:
- Pack extra batteries: There’s nothing worse than your hearing aid dying on day 1 because your batteries went dead. Always make certain you bring spares! Now, you might be thinking: can I have spare batteries in my luggage? The exact rules and guidelines will depend on which airline you’re using. You may be required to store your batteries in your carry-on depending on the type of battery.
- Clean your hearing aids: Before you go out on your travels, be certain that you clean your hearing aids. If you have clean hearing aids, you’re much less likely to have difficulties on vacation. Keeping your hearing aids on their scheduled maintenance is also a good idea.
- Do some pre-planning: When you have to figure things out on the fly, that’s when hearing loss can introduce some challenges, so don’t be too spontaneous and prepare as much as possible.
Hearing aid travel tips
Finally, it’s time to hit the road now that all the preparation and planning have been done! Or possibly it’s the airways. Before you head out to the airport, there are a few things about flying with hearing aids you should definitely know about.
- If I use my hearing aids more than usual, is that ok? Hearing aids are designed to be used every day, all day. So you should be wearing your hearing aids anytime you’re not in a really noisy place, swimming, or showering.
- Do I have some rights I should be aware of? Before you leave it’s never a bad idea to get familiar with your rights. Under the American Disabilities Act, people with hearing loss have lots of special rights. Basically, you must have access to information. Speak with an airport official about a solution if you feel like you’re missing some information and they should 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. Having said that, telling the TSA agents you’re wearing hearing aids is always a good plan. If there is any type of conveyor belt or X-ray machines, be certain that your hearing aids don’t go through that belt. Your hearing aids can be damaged by the static charge that these conveyor type X-ray devices create.
- Can I wear my hearing aids 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. Having said that, you may want to activate flight mode on hearing aids that heavily rely on wifi or Bluetooth connectivity. Some of the in-flight announcements may be difficult to hear so make sure you let the flight attendants know about your hearing loss.
- When I’m in the airport, how well will I be able to hear? That depends, some airports are very 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 specifically made to help individuals with hearing aids hear their environment better.
- 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 type of hearing aid), find directions to your destination, and even translate foreign languages. If your phone is capable of doing all that (and you know how to use all those apps), it could take some strain off your ears.
Life is an adventure, and that includes vacations
Vacations are unpredictable with or without hearing loss. Not everything is going to go the way you planned it all the time. So be prepared for the unexpected and try to have a positive attitude.
That way, when something unforeseen happens (and it will), it’ll feel like it’s all part of the plan!
But you will be caught off guard less if you make good preparations. When something goes wrong, with the correct preparations, you can keep it from getting out of control.
Having a hearing examination and making certain you have the right equipment is usually the start of that preparation for people with hearing loss. And whether you’re taking vacation number one (sightseeing in the city), or vacation number two (relaxing on a tropical beach somewhere), this advice will still hold.
Want to be certain you can hear the big world out there but still have concerns? Give us a call today!
