Spring is here, and summer is right around the corner, making it the perfect time to start planning your next vacation. While visiting a new city or country is an amazing experience, navigating an airport can be much more stressful. It can be even more difficult if you have hearing loss.
Let’s go over a few tips to help ensure your next visit to Harry Reid International Airport goes smoothly.
Get Treated For Your Hearing Loss Before You Travel
If you’ve been hesitant to get a hearing test, use your next trip as motivation! The number one thing you can do to make navigating airports easier is to treat your hearing loss. The most common form of treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. They are an effective and essential tool that makes it easier to listen in any environment, which is why 7.1% of people aged 45 and over use a hearing aid.
Pack Your Hearing Aid Accessories
Your hearing aids won’t do you any good if you don’t have the right accessories to take care of them when you travel. Don’t forget extra batteries or a charger if you use rechargeable hearing aids. Additionally, make sure to bring a case or other safe storage as well as tools to clean your device.
Keep Hearing Aids In When Going Through Security
The good news is that you can keep your hearing aids in when going through security, making it easier to hear any instructions from TSA agents. However, it is a good idea to let them know that you wear hearing aids and have hearing loss so that they can make sure they effectively communicate any important information to you.
Connect To Hearing Loops While at the Airport
Does your hearing aid have a telecoil? If so, you can turn it on and connect to the hearing loop systems that are found in many airports. This will allow you to stream any important announcements over the PA system (like gate changes or flight delays) directly into your hearing aids, making them easier to hear.
Inform Attendants About Your Hearing Loss
After reaching your gate, speak with an attendant about your hearing loss. You can ask them to notify you directly of any flight changes or when it’s time to board in the event that you don’t hear the announcement. They may even have you board early for your convenience. It’s also helpful to inform flight attendants about your hearing loss once you’ve boarded, especially if traveling alone. While you can obviously wear your hearing aids during the flight, background noise may make it difficult to hear certain announcements.
For more information on traveling with hearing loss or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute today.
Call Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute at (702) 735-7668 for more information or to schedule an appointment.