Key Takeaways

• Plan ahead and build rest periods into your schedule. Pack extra hearing aid batteries and supplies.
• Tell travel and hotel staff about specific hearing needs.
• Use helpful technology and apps during your trip.
• Read up on TSA rules for seniors before arriving at the airport.

Traveling offers a chance to see the world and enrich our lives, but when you’re flying with someone who wears hearing aids, it’s important to take some time to plan ahead. In this guide, we’ll explain how to make traveling with hearing loss easier so you can plan the perfect vacation for your loved one.

Plan Ahead with Accessibility in Mind

When planning a trip for a senior or an individual with a hearing impairment, research is your best friend. Before booking a hotel, ensure it offers hearing-friendly features, such as visual alert systems for doorbells and fire alarms, caption-enabled TVs, and hearing loops or other assistive listening systems. It’s also important to book rooms with good lighting so that conversations can include helpful visual cues, such as lip reading.

When planning for tours or activities, ask if they offer assistive listening devices or written materials, such as printed guides, brochures, or digital text options. Some museums and attractions provide special services for visitors with hearing loss.

Before going out to eat, check review sites for the noise levels. Quieter restaurants will make mealtimes more enjoyable for anyone who is traveling with hearing aids.

Pack the Right Hearing Essentials

As you’re packing for the trip, make sure your loved one has everything they need, including:

• Extra hearing aids, batteries, and cleaning supplies
• Waterproof container for hearing aids
• Portable charger for rechargeable hearing aids
• Hearing aid user manual

If someone is flying with hearing aids, these items should be packed into a carry-on bag, not checked luggage, so that they are easily accessible throughout the trip.

Keep Important Documents and Medications Handy

Emergencies, including medical situations, can happen while traveling. Having the following information ready helps if hearing aid adjustments or repairs are needed.

• List of all medications
• Doctor’s contact information
• Hearing aid information, including brand, model, and settings
• Medical insurance cards and travel insurance information
• Pharmacy contact for emergency refills

Communicate Your Accessibility Requirements

Many people travel with hearing loss every day, so accessibility questions are common. Most places are happy to help when asked.

When booking the trip, make sure to inform airlines about your loved one’s hearing needs when making reservations. You can also request written communications at hotels, visual alerts, and other technologies to assist accessibility in hotel rooms. When going out to eat, consider asking for a table in a quieter area of the restaurant to make it easier for your loved one with hearing loss.

Use Technology to Stay Connected

Being a caregiver on a trip can feel stressful at times, but there are specific apps and devices that can help make traveling with hearing aids much easier. Useful technology includes speech-to-text apps that turn spoken words into written text, visual alert apps that flash when important sounds occur, and GPS apps that provide clear visual directions for navigation. Various video calling apps can also provide clearer communication with family back home, while sound amplification apps can boost important audio when needed.

Caption phones, such as the ClearCaptions Phone, are particularly helpful for arranging travel plans, as their near-real-time call captioning ensures your loved one never misses important details during phone conversations with hotels, airlines, and other travel services.

Plan for Rest and Downtime

Traveling can require more energy and concentration for those experiencing hearing loss, so it’s important to build in time for rest and recovery. Schedule quiet periods between activities and avoid packing too many events into one day, especially when visiting noisy environments like airports or tourist attractions that can be particularly exhausting for people with hearing loss.

Choose destinations that accommodate accessibility needs whenever possible, and prioritize finding calm spaces, such as quiet hotel areas or peaceful cafés, where your loved one can recharge. These regular breaks help prevent fatigue and ensure everyone can enjoy activities without feeling overwhelmed, maintaining energy and comfort throughout the day.

Tips for Air Travel

Air travel also has unique challenges for those with hearing aids, especially for elderly travelers. From the noise of the airplane to announcements that may be difficult to hear, it’s important to be prepared.

• Review the TSA rules for seniors before going to the airport
• Arrive early to reduce stress and allow time for communication
• Print your boarding passes instead of relying on announcements
• Consider using an app that tracks flight status

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear my hearing aids through airport security?

Yes! TSA rules for seniors allow travelers to keep their hearing aids on when going through security checkpoints. Just make sure to tell the TSA agent that your companion is wearing hearing aids before going through the scanners. They may do a quick inspection, but the TSA agents won’t ask for the hearing aids to be removed.

Where do I pack hearing aid batteries when flying?

When flying with hearing aids, it’s important to pack the hearing aid batteries in a carry-on bag.

Can you wear hearing aids on a plane?

Absolutely! There is no reason to remove hearing aids during the flight. This will ensure that your loved one can hear important safety announcements and communicate with flight attendants and other people on the trip.

Do seniors have to follow the same TSA screening procedures as younger travelers?

The TSA offers modified screening procedures for travelers aged 75 and older. They are allowed to keep light jackets and shoes on. If they need to be patted down, there are special procedures for the TSA agent to follow rather than having them raise their arms. You are also allowed to accompany them through screening, if they need help.

Traveling with hearing loss doesn’t have to limit the adventures you have with your loved ones. Through proper planning and communication, seniors with hearing challenges can enjoy safe, fun, and stress-free travel experiences.

Remember that most travel staff want to help make the experience positive. With the right preparation and supplies, you can focus on helping your loved one enjoy the trip and create lasting memories together!