International Travel with Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know
Summer is the prime season for vacations, and perhaps this year you’re planning an international trip. Traveling with special hearing needs can be difficult as it is, let alone in another country that might not have the same conveniences and services you’re used to. Still, there’s no reason hearing loss has to interfere with international adventures. All you need is a little preparation and knowledge about what to do in each situation you might find yourself in.
Locating hearing healthcare services
Even if hearing problems seem unlikely on a short trip, it’s best to be prepared. One of the first preparations should be locating a hearing clinic in the area you’ll be visiting. An agent or tour guide you’re traveling with should be able to help you with this. Otherwise, your current hearing healthcare professional might be able to direct you to an international organization they’re affiliated that will have more information about local clinics.
Preparing for a flight
In the United States, terminal security (TSA) is aware that hearing aids and cochlear implants can set off alarms during the security check-in process. To make your pre-flight routine smoother, download and carry a medical conditions notification card from their website to show security personnel. Also, turn down your hearing aid’s volume just in case the security equipment causes feedback. If you have any further questions about how your hearing aid might effect security procedures, contact the TSA Cares hotline, which is dedicated to helping those with medical needs.
Foreign communication
Hearing loss makes it difficult to hear speech, and international travel increases that difficulty with the addition of foreign languages and accents. No matter how much you tweak your hearing aid settings, it’s bound to be difficult to catch everything without other resources. In the future there may be a hearing aid capable of translating for you, but until then, download a translator app for your hearing-aid compatible smartphone. Otherwise, contact your travel agency to arrange for personal translation and hearing impaired services to assist you. International travel with hearing aids may include some challenges, but is not impossible. With a little more focused planning to make sure you’re prepared for emergencies, special travel procedures and communication needs, hearing loss doesn’t have to compromise the quality of your vacation – wherever it takes you.