Travel and Hearing Loss
Travel and hearing loss – preparation is key to good communication and smooth travel!
One of the most common complaints is not hearing in noisy airports or airplanes, especially announcements. Use these tips for travel on vacation, holidays or a business trip.
But first, know what your rights are and advocate for yourself every step of the way. It’s the law.
YOUR RIGHTS:
The Air Carrier-Access Act (ACAA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it illegal to discriminate against passengers with disabilities. Hearing loss is considered a disability under both the ACAA and ADA.
ACAA states that anyone self-identifying as a passenger with a disability that needs extra time or assistance must be allowed to board the airplane before other passengers.
THINGS TO DO: 
- Self-identify at every point in the process: purchasing tickets, at the ticket counter, at TSA, at the gate, when boarding the plane and customer service.
- Stay focused on your surroundings and never miss a flight!
- Look for visual travel boards for schedule changes.
- Ask gate personnel to notify you of pre-boarding announcements for gate or flight changes.
- Self-identify with airplane personnel that you will need assistance to hear safety announcements.
Prepare for travel with hearing loss to stay safe, remain informed and minimize communication issues.
We are trained to keep you safe with healthy hearing! Follow our tips and you’ll be on the road to hearing wellness for 2025 and beyond!
Hearing wellness will have a ripple effect on your life, relationships and safety! Make hearing a priority for 2025 and you will see improved relationships and less stress.
Dr. Anita Carroll is a licensed Audiologist and owner of Hearing Solutions in the Triangle, PLLC with over 25 years of experience. Need some wellness tips – she can be contacted here. If you’re looking to test hearing or improve listening skills visit our online scheduling here.
