Before You Leave

Preparing for a trip is great fun, and ensuring your hearing needs are covered will give you additional peace of mind. 

As well as packing chargers, spare batteries and power adapters, check that your travel insurance covers your hearing aids and other devices. You should also pack cleaning equipment and inform your carrier(s) about your needs. 

Finally, pack your hearing aids and essential accessories (such as batteries) in your hand luggage. That way, even if your checked luggage goes astray, you’ll have them with you.1


Travel Tips

When you get to your airport, check to see where there are T-coils; they’ll help you hear public announcements more clearly.2 As you pass through security, tell the staff you’re wearing hearing aids – and keep them on. They’ll help you to communicate and avoid potential misunderstandings. 

On the plane, let the cabin crew know you have hearing loss. You might also want to inform your seatmates so they can assist you if there’s an emergency. And don’t forget to set your hearing aids to aeroplane mode (if they’re Bluetooth-compatible) to ensure they don’t interfere with the aircraft’s systems. 

If you’re on a cruise, check the availability of T-coils. Once you’re underway, let the crew know about any hearing impairments and ask for a visual alert system or SMS device, if available, so you don’t miss any announcements. Finally, if you’re attending a movie or live entertainment onboard, ask the staff where best to sit and whether they can provide hearing support, such as IR headsets or other aids. 

Similarly, if you’re travelling by rail, check before you book to see what assistance is available. On a local trip, note all the stops along the way so you’re not relying on audio announcements (which can be hard to decipher even for those without hearing loss) and keep an eye on the time so you can be ready to disembark.3


Take That Tour!

Once you’re at your destination, you may want to enjoy a guided tour. If so, let your guide know you have hearing loss, stay close to them and don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat themselves if needed.4 Some larger groups and venues may issue audio devices or offer self-guided tours. You may prefer these options as they’re less subject to outside noises such as crowds and other environmental sounds. You can also use a microphone accessory for additional amplification if required (such as the Roger On iN).

One of the keys to good health and well-being is to engage in life with gusto. Travelling and enjoying new experiences can play a crucial role here, as they can combat monotony, help you feel more upbeat and hopeful, relieve stress, boost your creativity and more.5 

Whenever and wherever you decide to travel, include a visit to your local Connect Hearing clinic as part of your preparations. The team can check your hearing and assist with your hearing-related travel needs. Bon voyage!
 

References:

  1. Travelinsurance.com.au [n.d.], Travelling With Hearing Aids, TravelInsurance.com.au, accessed 26 April 2024.  
  2. Hearingaid.org.uk [31 October 2023], Travelling with Hearing Loss: Holiday travel tips for those with hearing aids and hearing loss, Hearing Aid UK Ltd, accessed 26 April 2024.
  3. World Travel & Tourism Council [n.d.], nine reasons travel is good for your mental health, World Travel & Tourism Council, accessed 26 April 2024.
  4. HearingLikeMe.com [15 June 2016], Deaf travel: Tips for the train, plane and automobiles, HearingLikeMe.com, accessed 26 April 2024. 
  5. Advanced ENT & Allergy [n.d.], How to Travel in a Tour Group When You Have Hearing Loss, Advanced ENT & Allergy, accessed 26 April 2024.