Anyone with special needs who travels understands the importance of being prepared. Being away from the comforts of home amplifies the challenges that people face due to disabilities. People with hearing impairments need to be prepared for unexpected issues that may arise while they are on the road.
Before you embark on your journey, these tips can help you be prepared for what life might throw your way:
- Use high-tech devices
You might be able to navigate your community without needing hearing aids, but on the road, you could benefit from being able to hear. Hearing devices with motion sensors, Bluetooth capability, and other technology will help you negotiate your way through unknown places. The latest technology in hearing devices can connect with smartphones and they are designed to keep you safe.
Another beneficial technology to consider before you leave is a smartwatch. Many allow you to set notifications as a vibration, so you know when you need to answer a call or look at a message. Set a notification for messages from your airline so you can find out immediately if there is an issue with your flight, as you might not hear about it over a public address system.
- Bring extra batteries
Hearing aids need the power to work properly, and the batteries often die when they are needed the most. To prevent being without your hearing devices, bring extra batteries. Whether you are traveling to a big city with stores on every corner or a remote island with very few resources, having batteries with you at all times will give you the peace-of-mind you need to enjoy your expedition. Plus, you never know if a nearby store will have batteries in the size you need.
- Do your research
Prior to leaving, take time to research your voyage. You might benefit from having a hotel room that has smoke detectors or doorbells that use lights to notify rather than noise. The places you are visiting might have accommodating technology. For example, museums often have technology for people with hearing limitations. It is also helpful to get to know maps of the area where you are traveling. If you are driving, remember that most navigation systems use small images and loud voices. You might not be able to hear what the navigation system is telling you and you might not be able to get a good look at the screen on your phone.
- Communicate your needs
Communication is a key to success for many travelers who have hearing loss. You don’t have to announce your disability to everyone you meet. But if you are spending significant time with a tour guide or a small group, you might benefit from letting them know of your challenges. Whether your trip is for business or leisure, you want to have an enjoyable time. Having issues relating to your hearing difficulties could spoil a potentially enjoyable adventure.
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