Traveling with hearing loss | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Planning some summer travel? Here are some tips to experience your trip to the fullest.

– When booking your hotel, ask about accommodations for those with hearing loss. Hotels are often hearing-accessible and equipped with amenities such as flashing lights for phone and doorbell, closed-captioned television and accessibility kits.

If you’re taking a guided tour, talk with the tour company about your hearing needs in advance.

– Use the SoundPrint App on your tablet or smartphone to measure sound levels of various restaurants, bars and cafes in your destination city. This allows you to discover which venues are quiet or noisy and can help you manage and plan dining options to make your experience more enjoyable.

– Most airlines and travel companies have apps include timetables and alerts about gate changes or delays. Download relevant apps to your phone and practice using them before your trip.

– Tell employees at airline terminals, bus depots, and train stations about your hearing loss and ask them to tell you about updates directly–and then sit close to the check-in desk or gate. Tell fellow travelers and tour guides about specific ways they can help you. While at restaurants, ask for quiet tables or sit outside if the weather allows.

– Make sure you have all the supplies you need for your hearing devices. Bring extra replacement batteries. Keep cases and chargers in your carry-on rather than in your checked luggage. If you have a spare set of hearing aids, bring them along.

– When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, store them in a watertight bag or portable safe–a device that can lock onto a chair or railing to keep them from getting lost.

– Finally, if you haven’t already, take the first step toward addressing your hearing loss, by scheduling a free hearing test with Dr. Molly Dillon at Blue Wave Hearing.

Call 479-202-9646 or visit www.BlueWaveHearing.com.

22 Sugar Creek Center, Bella Vista