5 Tips for Better Hearing While Traveling

Our sense of hearing is more important than ever while traveling. From listening to airport announcements to communicating with people in other languages, there are many instances while traveling where our hearing needs to be sharp. Below are a few tips on how you can improve your hearing while traveling.

Pack All the Necessary Hearing Aid Accessories

Wear a hearing aid? On top of making sure that you pack your hearing aid when you travel, it could be essential that you pack all the right accessories to go with it. This could include:

• A hearing aid case to keep your hearing aid safe.
• A hearing aid cleaning kit for maintaining your hearing aid.
• A hearing aid dehumidifier for removing any moisture.
• Extra batteries or your hearing aid charger.
• An adapter for your charger if you’re traveling to another country.
• Possibly splash protectors or wind sleeves if you plan to do activities like kayaking or hiking.

If you need to buy accessories before you set off, make sure to do this in good time. You can buy accessories online.

Store Your Hearing Aid Properly

Your hearing aids need to be stored properly to protect them from damage. Don’t let yourself get too relaxed to the point that you accidentally leave your hearing aid somewhere where it could be stepped on or soaked.

While on the go, it could be worth taking your hearing aid case with you in a backpack. If you need to take your hearing aid out while going in the sea or going in a pool, you can then keep it safe and dry. Make sure to also keep your hearing aid out of direct sunlight where the heat may damage it. 

Look Out for Attractions with A Hearing Loop

Hearing loops allow you to transmit sound from a source directly into your hearing aid. These can sometimes be found at attractions like museums, churches & theaters and could help you to hear presentations or interactive exhibits more clearly.

Hearing loops are typically signposted with a universal blue symbol of an ear with a line running diagonally through it. Look out for these signs on walls when visiting attractions. 

Hearing loop are compatible with all modern hearing aids, so you don’t have to buy a special hearing aid to take advantage of this technology. It’s worth noting that some attractions may have Bluetooth systems in conjunction or as an alternative to hearing loops. You can only use these Bluetooth systems if you have a Bluetooth-compatible hearing aid. 

Do Your Research to Avoid the Crowds

Many people with hearing loss find it harder to tune into conversations in environments with a lot of background noise. If you’re planning a relaxing getaway, you may want to think carefully as to where and when you travel. Avoiding busy tourist areas and peak travel times could prevent you having to deal with crowded restaurants and bustling bars where you may struggle to have a conversation.

Of course, you may not necessarily want to miss out on the buzz, in which case you may want to make sure that you’ve got a hearing aid that is good at tuning out background noise. Most hearing aids are designed to do this, but some are much better than others.

Make Sure Your Hearing Aid is Adjusted Properly Beforehand

If you use a hearing aid, it could be essential to make sure that your hearing aid prescription is right before you set off. If you’ve noticed any problems with your hearing quality while using your hearing aid, consider seeing a hearing instrument specialist. It could be worth booking a new hearing test if you are due one so that your hearing aid can be accurately adjusted. 

If you’ve noticed hearing issues and don’t wear a hearing aid, consider whether it’s worth getting yourself one before you begin traveling. It could be worth booking yourself a test to diagnose whether or not you have hearing issues. If hearing loss is detected, then a hearing aid can be prescribed so that your hearing is sharper for when you travel. It is worth booking an appointment several weeks beforehand so that you have time to get used to your hearing aid. 

At Niagara Hearing and Speech Clinic, you can speak to a qualified hearing instrument specialist who will be able to help you select the right prescription and the right style of hearing aid. Call us today at (855) 797-8002 to book your appointment before you begin on your travels.