There are a couple of types of vacations, right? There’s the type where you jam every single recreation you can into every single moment. These are the vacations that are recalled for years later and are packed with adventure, and you head back to work more tired than you left.
The other kind is all about relaxing. You may not even do much of anything on this kind of vacation. Perhaps you spend a lot of time on the beach with some drinks. Or perhaps you’re getting spoiled at some resort for your entire vacation. These are the peaceful and relaxing types of vacations.
There’s no best to vacation. Whichever way you choose, however, neglected hearing loss can put your vacation at risk.
Your vacation can be ruined by hearing loss
There are a few unique ways that hearing loss can make a vacation more challenging, particularly if you don’t recognize you have hearing loss. Many individuals who have hearing loss don’t even recognize they have it and it eventually creeps up on them. On all their devices, the volume just continues going higher and higher.
But the effect that hearing loss can have on a vacation can be lessened with some proven methods, and that’s the good news. Making an appointment for a hearing test is obviously the first step. The more prepared you are ahead of time, the easier it will be to diminish any power hearing loss might have over your fun, rest, and relaxation.
How can hearing loss impact your vacation
So how can your next vacation be negatively effected by hearing loss? There are actually a few ways as it turns out. By themselves, they might not seem like that big of a deal. But when they start to add up it can become a real issue. Some common illustrations include the following:
- The vibrant life of a new place can be missed: Your experience can be rather dull when everything you hear is dull. After all, you could miss out on the unique bird calls or humming traffic noises that make your vacation spot unique and memorable.
- Language barriers are even more challenging: Coping with a language barrier is already difficult enough. But untreated hearing loss can make it even harder to decipher voices (particularly in a noisy situation).
- Essential notices come in but you frequently miss them: Perhaps you’re waiting for your train or aircraft to board, but you don’t ever hear the announcement. And as a result, your entire vacation schedule is cast into absolute disarray.
- Meaningful experiences with friends and relatives can be missed: Everybody enjoyed the funny joke that your friend just told, but unfortunately, you missed the punchline. Significant and enriching conversations can be missed when you have neglected hearing loss.
Some of these negative situations can be avoided by simply using your hearing aids. Which means the best way to keep your vacation moving in the right direction and free of stress is to take care of your hearing needs before you start.
If you have hearing loss, how can you get ready for your vacation?
All of this doesn’t mean that hearing loss makes a vacation impossible. Not by any Means! But with a bit of extra planning and preparation, your vacation can still be fun and relatively stress-free. Of course, that’s rather common travel advice no matter how strong your hearing is.
Here are some things you can do to ensure hearing loss doesn’t negatively effect your next vacation:
- Do some pre-planning: When you have to figure things out as you go, that’s when hearing loss can introduce some challenges, so don’t be overly spontaneous and plan as much as possible.
- Pack extra batteries: Having your hearing aids die on the first day is no fun! Don’t forget to bring some spare batteries. So are you allowed to bring spare batteries on a plane? Well, possibly, check with your airline. You might need to put your batteries in your carry-on depending on the type of battery.
- Keep your hearing aids clean: Before you leave on your travels, make sure you clean your hearing aids. If you have clean hearing aids, you’re not so likely to have difficulties on vacation. It’s also a good idea to make sure your suggested maintenance is up to date!
Hearing aid travel tips
Once all the planning and preparation is done, it’s time to hit the road! Or, well, the airways, maybe. Many people have questions about going on a plane with hearing aids, and there are definitely some good things to recognize before you go to the airport.
- Is it ok to wear my hearing aids longer than usual? Hearing aids are designed to be worn every day, all day. So you should be using your hearing aids anytime you aren’t in an extremely noisy place, swimming, or showering.
- Should I be aware of my rights? It’s not a bad idea! In general, it’s smart to familiarize yourself with your rights before you go. Under the American Disabilities Act, people with hearing loss have lots of special rights. Basically, you must have access to information. So if you feel like you’re missing out on some information, let an airport official know that you have hearing loss and they should offer a solution.
- How useful is my smartphone? This will not be shocking, but your smartphone is very useful! Once you land, you can utilize this device to adjust the settings on your hearing aid (if you have the right kind of hearing aid), get directions to your destination, and even translate foreign languages. If your phone is capable of doing all that (and you know how to use all those apps), it may take some strain off your ears.
- Do I have to take out my hearing aids when I go through TSA security? You won’t need to remove your hearing aids for the security screening. It’s usually a good plan to tell the TSA agents that you’re wearing them. If there is any kind of conveyor belt or X-ray machines, be certain that your hearing aids don’t go through that belt. Your hearing aids can be damaged by the static charge that these conveyor style X-ray devices create.
- Will I be able to hear well in an airport? How well you can hear in the airport will depend on which airport it is and what time of day. But most modern airports will have a telecoil device fitted throughout many areas. This is a basic wire device (though you’ll never see that wire, just look for the signs) that makes it easier for you to hear with your hearing aids, even when things are noisy and chaotic.
- Can I wear my hearing aids while I’m on the plane? You won’t need to turn off your hearing aids when you hear that “all electronics must be off” spiel. Having said that, you might want to activate flight mode on hearing aids that rely heavily on wifi or Bluetooth connectivity. You might also want to tell the flight attendants you have hearing loss, as there may be announcements throughout the flight that are difficult to hear.
Life is an adventure, and that includes vacations
Whether you have loss of hearing or not, vacations are hard to predict. At times, the train can go off the rails. That’s why it’s essential that you have a good mindset and manage your vacation like you’re embracing the unexpected.
That way, when something unexpected takes place (and it will), it’ll feel like it’s all part of the plan!
But you will be caught off guard less if you make good preparations. When something goes awry, with the right preparations, you can keep it from getting out of control.
For individuals who have hearing loss, this preparation often begins by having your hearing evaluated and making certain you have the equipment and care you need. And whether you’re taking vacation number one (sightseeing in the city), or vacation number two (relaxing on a tropical beach somewhere), this guidance will still hold.
Still have some questions or concerns? Give us a call today!