Hearing loss is more common than you might think. Research shows that “approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.”
If you are one of the millions with hearing loss, you may worry about the ways in which the condition can impact your life and experiences.
If you love to travel, and in particular, go on tour groups to learn about the places you visit, read ahead to learn how to make it a hearing-loss-friendly experience.
Visit a Hearing Specialist Before Traveling
Before you head off to catch your flight at San Antonio International Airport, make an appointment with a hearing specialist. If you already wear hearing aids or use other assistive devices, they can check to make sure everything is working properly and see if any adjustments need to be made during your trip.
If you have yet to seek treatment for your hearing loss, there’s no time like the present! Hearing loss is almost always progressive and will get worse the longer you go without seeking help. By scheduling a hearing test and getting fitted with hearing aids, you can not only enjoy any upcoming travel more fully but also experience improved listening in any environment.
Tips To Hear Better During a Tour Group
- Ask about hearing accommodations before booking. When deciding between different tour companies, be sure to research what hearing loss accommodations they provide. Asking about captioning for any videos or a written script of the tour that you could follow along with in case you miss anything that’s spoken. You can also ask if any of the museums or other attractions you are visiting offer assistive listening devices or have hearing loops installed.
- Remember your hearing accessories. In addition to your hearing aids, make sure to carry extra batteries with you, in addition to hearing aid cleaning tools and accessories, depending on how long you’ll be on tour and what environments you’ll be exposed to.
- Bring a travel buddy when possible. It’s always more fun to travel with a companion! Not only will you get to experience the trip together, but a family or friend can help fill you in if you missed any important information.
- Advocate for your hearing needs. You deserve to enjoy your tour, and any guide or traveling companion would make sure you do as well. If you feel comfortable, ask if any information that you misheard could be repeated. Let other people on the tour with you know about your hearing loss, as well as ways they can communicate more effectively with you, such as being sure to face you when they are speaking.
For more information or to visit a specialist about your hearing needs, call The ENT Center of New Braunfels today.
