While it’s great to travel with your partner or friends, it can also be exciting to visit a new city or country by yourself. In fact, research has shown that being able to travel is good for our social well-being and overall health.
If you have hearing loss, the thought of traveling solo may seem both exciting and a little daunting.
Let’s go over a few tips to help make your next solo trip as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
Treat Your Hearing Loss if You Haven’t Already
A qualified audiologist can administer a hearing test to determine what sounds you struggle with the most and program hearing aids customized to meet your individual needs. Hearing aids make it easier to communicate with others and help you to navigate old and new surroundings.
If You Already Have Hearing Aids
If you already use hearing aids or other assistive listening devices, see when the last time you visited your audiologist. If it’s been six months or longer, schedule an appointment for a check-up to make sure your devices are working correctly and see if they need any adjustments to keep them working their best while you travel.
Research Your Location Beforehand
The more you know about where you’re headed, the more prepared (and less stressed) you’ll be on your trip. For this reason, it can be helpful to research hotels, museums, performance venues and other places you plan to visit while on vacation. You can inquire about accommodations they offer for people with hearing loss or make requests that will enhance your enjoyment while there.
Consider A Shorter Trip
If this is the first time you’re traveling solo with hearing loss, consider starting with a smaller trip. Pick a city that’s only a couple of hours away by train or a short flight out of Eppley Airfield, and plan to stay only a couple of days. This allows you to practice navigating an airport and getting around a new city with your hearing aids while not feeling as overwhelming as a two-week trip to a different country.
Remember Your Hearing Aid Accessories
Hearing aids won’t be much help on your trip if you forget to bring them or they run out of power halfway through your travels! Make a checklist before your trip so you don’t forget to pack extra batteries or your charger, a storage case and cleaning tools to help keep your hearing aids working properly.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call Ear Specialists of Omaha & Bellevue today.