Travel tips
There is no reason to let hearing loss stop you doing anything, or going anywhere, but some tips can take the stress out of travelling.
- As a hearing aid user, you are entitled to a disabled rail card. It costs £20, cheaper than the older person’s rail card, and it gives you 1/3 off the cost of tickets for you and another person. You can often get a discount on entry to attractions by showing it.
- If you are worried about travelling by yourself on the train, you can book assistance. This is a free service, and you will be put on the correct train. If you have to change trains, you will be met and accompanied to your next train, and you will be met at your destination.
- If you book online, you will get a full printed itinerary.
- When you book a flight, do mention that you have hearing loss. You will get priority check in and boarding, and you will be able to sit beside the person of your choice without having to pay a surcharge.
- When you book into a hotel, in this country or abroad, mention your hearing loss, even if you are with someone who can hear, as they might not be there in an emergency. Some hotels have vibrating pads for under your pillow that are connected to the fire alarm.
- Take spare batteries and tubing. A drying pot is useful to keep your aids in overnight. If you are in a humid climate, put your batteries in there, to stop the backing tabs coming off. The batteries start to run down as soon as that is off. This is available quite cheaply from the Action on Hearing Loss catalogue.
- If you are going somewhere particularly remote, the NHS can supply you with a spare aid. You will have to pay a deposit, and return it when you get back.
- Photograph all important documents and any prescriptions with your phone, and email them to yourself. That way if your phone is pinched as well, you can access all the information anywhere you can get on the internet.
- Always carry the address of where you are staying in writing, so if you get lost, you can get a taxi and show it to the driver. Keep pen and paper handy.
- Make sure you have the time you need to meet, or return to a cruise ship written down – the ship will not wait!
- Position yourself where you can see the VDU (Visual Display Unit) and remember even hearing people struggle with tannoy announcements
- Have fun!