Travel Tips for People With Hearing Loss

Here are some helpful tips to make your next vacation an experience to remember.

If you have hearing loss, you may be worried about taking a big trip or vacation. The good news is that with a little planning and the right equipment, your travel experience can be enjoyable and stress-free.

How to Book Travel If You Have Hearing Loss

• Book your air travel, shuttles and accommodations ahead of time with an agent. Always inform the ticketing agent that you are hard of hearing.
• Ask for written confirmation of all travel arrangements to avoid any potential confusion at your destination.
• If you choose to book your travel online, print off all confirmation information including confirmation numbers and take them with you.
• Consider booking an aisle seat in order to make it easier to communicate with in-flight staff.

How to Pack for a Trip If You Have Hearing Loss

You should assume that your destination will not have everything you need to maintain your hearing aids. Before you leave on your trip, consider the following checklist:

• Make a list of everything you’ll need to ensure you don’t forget anything.
• Charge all hearing aid devices and accessories before you leave.
• Extra replacement batteries or charger.
• Pack spare wireless accessories to connect to other devices.
• All necessary cleaning items.
• A cell phone that is compatible with your hearing aids.
• A convenient carry-on approved case if you will be traveling by plane.
• Pack an alarm clock with vibration or flashing light functionality.
• Pack a simple hearing aid repair kit.

General Travel Tips for People With Hearing Loss

• Arrive early at the airport, bus or train terminal and let the boarding agent know that you are hard of hearing and that you will need to be notified in person when it’s time to board.
• Check the display boards often while you’re waiting in case of flight information changes.
• Confirm your flight numbers and boarding gates.
• Inform the flight attendants that you have hearing loss and request that you be informed personally of any in-flight announcements.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most fellow travelers are usually happy and willing to help.

Airport Security Information If You're Traveling with Hearing Aids

• Notify the security officer at airport security that you use hearing aids. You shouldn’t have to remove them, however your hearing aids may set off the walk-through detectors and you may be subject to an additional pat down by security.
• You don’t need to worry about the metal detectors, x-ray machines or hand-held detectors damaging your hearing aids. They are perfectly safe.
• You are not required to carry any sort of doctor’s note or documentation of your hearing loss. However, if you prefer to be more discreet, the TSA has a downloadable health notification card available to help you communicate your situation to the security officer. Download, fill it in and print it off prior to travel and keep it with your other travel documents for safe keeping.
• Devices like hearing aids or pacemakers are exempt from the portable electronic devices policy while flying because they do not emit a signal that may interfere with aircraft systems. The FAA does not require you to turn them off for takeoff and landing.

Tips for Hotel or Resort Vacations with Hearing Loss

Traveling with hearing loss doesn’t have to be stressful. With simple planning and communication, you can enjoy a trip to remember.