Travel internally to travel the world with hearing loss
Every great adventure demands a main character moment, and who better to cosplay when travelling with hearing loss than an over-achieving valedictorian candidate?
The road may be windy and a little over-run with checkpoints and side quests, but anything is possible with the right persona on board. Perhaps your journey will activate the tenacious exuberance of Lizzie MacGuire navigating the streets of Rome, where nothing (not even security) could keep her from experiencing a double life of show-stopping proportions. Or maybe the trip calls on your inner Indiana Jones, taking on all the anxiety-inducing confrontations in stride with nothing but some leather and a map.
In simpler terms: grab your passport, channel your inner protagonist, and join us as we hit the road to where hearing loss becomes not a hindrance, but a plot twist that transforms your travel saga into a series of epic triumphs!
Be your number-one supporter when travelling with hearing loss
Ask yourself, would Elle Woods, or any Vince Vaughn character, hold back from communicating their needs? Don’t hesitate to inform travel companions, tour guides, and hotel staff about your hearing loss. Clear communication is key; people can only accommodate hearing loss needs when they know them.
By fostering a more inclusive space, this simple step is paramount for an enjoyable travel experience.
Prepare like a pro and plan ahead for tours and attractions
Choose a Type A persona so you don’t have to have a plan B. That means researching and planning your visits to attractions and tours. Some places offer special accommodations for visitors with hearing loss, such as guided tours with written information or visual aids.
Plot twist: type A’s always have a plan B
That was a test. We hope you passed, but you won’t be graded.
Test a backup plan before your trip to ensure it works smoothly. Some options include using a pocket-talker, an FM system, or connecting a headset to an app like EarMachine on your smartphone. If you have extra hearing aids and batteries, bring them along, just in case.
Pack like Mary Poppins and remember the essential communication tools
Okay – you got us – we can’t all be Indiana Jones, and it’s probably for the best. Consider packing a small communication card explaining your hearing loss and how others can effectively communicate with you. Other essential items could be a dehumidifier for your hearing aids, smart glasses that display real-time closed captions, assistive listening devices (ALDs), other portable captioning devices, etc.
Communication cards and other gadgets can be especially useful when language barriers exist, ensuring people understand how to best interact with you.
Choose your home-sweet-home away from home wisely
Remember what happened when Jack Dawson got spontaneous with his accommodations? When booking your stay, look for hotels with accessible amenities, good lighting and visual alerts for alarms. Checking online reviews for mentions of hearing-impaired-friendly features can also be helpful.
Bon voyage, and don’t forget your spirit ticket!
Consider this blog a map to building the persona of a blockbuster travel experience, where the ancient scrolls come without the whispers of ancient spirits, and your ears can comfortably take centre stage in the plot.
Travelling with hearing loss may present its challenges, but with careful planning and a positive mindset, you can transform these challenges into opportunities for personal growth and unforgettable experiences. By incorporating AHIP’s character-building tips, you’ll not only navigate the world but create a beautiful mental movie of memories that resonate long after you return home.
So lean in! If the load ever weighs heavy, find solace in knowing that at least method acting doesn’t put you at risk of developing a Madonna/Elvis accent.
AHIP is not and shall not be liable for any of the views expressed by the authors or advertisers on the Signal Blogs. The authors’ opinions and the advertisers’ content do not necessarily reflect AHIP’s views.
