What Is an Audio Tour?

A road trip with friends or family is one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also prove challenging for people with hearing loss. An audio tour—a recorded commentary—can make the experience more accessible by offering spoken narration and transcripts.1

Using GPS positioning, the audio tour plays at the appropriate time so you can learn more about your destination and the interesting stories that make up its unique history. 
 

How to Make the Most of Your Audio Tour With Transcripts

If you’ve experienced challenges listening to music in the car, you might think an audio tour will be challenging to follow. Thankfully, audio tours are accessible for those with hearing loss and offer a range of features to enhance your experience.2

Most audio tours offer transcripts that can be viewed in real-time. If you’re in the passenger seat, you can read along with the spoken commentary or come back to it later to learn more. If you're the driver, however, always stay focused on the road and avoid distractions while driving.
 

The Best Audio Tour Apps

Are you looking to hit the road? Consider these audio tour apps to enhance your road trip experience. 

  • Action Tour Guide: this handy app provides rich details to enhance your road trip in various locations. Along with entertaining and informative commentary, you’ll also receive real-time transcripts to follow or read again later.3
  • GuideAlong: with this app, you can explore at your own pace with a helpful guide on the best things to see. The commentary is automatically triggered by your phone’s GPS, giving you the best stories and tips that align with your location. The transcript is also available in real-time for greater accessibility.4
  • VoiceMap: this app offers self-guided audio tours for drives, walks, cycles, and train trips in destinations around the world. Tours are created by local storytellers, including journalists, novelists, and filmmakers, and you can download them for offline listening.5


Top Tips for a Hearing Loss-Friendly Road Trip

For those with hearing loss, preparation is key to ensure a pleasant and comfortable experience out on the road. Consider these tips so you can hit the road with confidence. 

  • Prioritise safety: pack extra batteries for your hearing aids—or if your hearing aids are rechargable, a portable charger. Keep important numbers such as roadside assistance and emergency contacts readily accessible. You can also install visual and vibration-based alerts in your car for navigation prompts or incoming calls. 
  • Use communication devices: communication is critical on a road trip, so it’s worth using communication devices that facilitate conversation. Hearing aids can greatly assist with this, providing enhanced clarity even in noisy environments. 
  • Consider accessibility: when planning a road trip, consider destinations that offer accessibility features, such as visual aids, closed captioning options at hotels or attractions, and hearing loop systems. 
  • Enjoy mixed-media entertainment: with long distances between destinations, it’s important to have entertainment you can enjoy on the road. From audio tours to mixed-media libraries that include visual and written content, ensure you have entertainment options to make the most of your time on the road. 

 

A road trip is the perfect way to explore new places and create unforgettable memories. Don’t let your hearing loss hold you back! Visit your local Connect Hearing clinic for a consultation. Our friendly team will check your hearing and help you manage any concerns so you can start planning your next summer road trip. 

 

References:

  1. Journal of Applied Gerontology (12 March 2021), The Influence of Hearing Impairment on Driving Avoidance Among a Large Cohort of Older Drivers, National Library of Medicine, accessed 29 November 2024.
  2. Sparkerio (4 October 2023), How Audio Guides Enhance the Tourist Experience: A comprehensive Look Into Their Value and Impact on Travellers, https://sparkerio.com, accessed 29 November 2024. 
  3. Action Tour Guide LLC (13 December 2024), Action Tour Guide, Google Play, accessed 19 December 2024. 
  4. GuideAlong (30 September 2024), GuideALong | GPS Audio Tours, Google Play, accessed 19 December 2024. 
  5. VoiceMap (3 December 2024), VoiceMap: Audio Tours & Guides, Google Play, accessed 19 December 2024.