For many people in Reno, this is the time of year when they travel over the river and through the woods. Whether it’s to grandmother’s house they go – or the all-you-can-eat buffet at Circus Circus – they’ll have to plan in advance for their trip. The usual holiday stresses, such as traffic and weather, are compounded for those with hearing loss. In order to make holiday travel with hearing aids as smooth as possible, there are some important tips to follow.
Things to Do When Traveling with Hearing Aids
If your luggage contains hearing aids, the following tips will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
- Pack extra batteries. Most hearing aid batteries last between 5-14 days. You don’t want them to die on you right around the time those eight maids are a-milking, so bring enough to last you through the entire trip, plus extras just in case.
- Arrive at your departure point early. Getting to the airport, train station, or bus terminal with plenty of time to spare allows you to make special arrangements with the ticket agent or gate attendant to ensure you don’t miss important announcements. Plus, snagging that coveted window seat should prove easier!
- Take advantage of your smartphone. Texting allows you to communicate with traveling companions more easily and will prove invaluable should you inadvertently get separated. Your phone gives you access to public resources and apps that can assist you with reservations, maps, and travel alerts. And if you’re stuck on the tarmac for an extended period of time, Words With Friends just might save your sanity.
- Don’t remove your hearing aids. You may be tempted to take off your hearing aids when traveling through security checkpoints, but most equipment is perfectly safe and won’t cause any harm to your hearing aids. Let the TSA agent or security personnel know you are wearing them just in case.
- Pack your hearing aids in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags. This will ensure they are safely in sight at all times and will prevent a disaster should your checked bags end up misrouted or lost.
- Bring a waterproof case and dehumidifier. This is especially important if you’re going to a warm tropical climate. Moisture can damage your hearing aids, so keeping them dry is a top priority. Most are inexpensive and will help protect your investment.
- Book hotel rooms with hearing-accessible accommodations. Many lodging facilities have closed-caption televisions, looping systems, and visual alerting devices to assist the hard of hearing.
- Bring printed copies of hotel reservations and other important documents. This is an especially good idea when traveling to a foreign country where the language barrier will compound any hearing difficulty.
Call LeMay Hearing & Balance at (775) 323-5566 for more information or to schedule an appointment.