If you’re making plans to travel as winter melts into spring, you may be looking to book a hotel room. And if you’re one of the 7.1% of adults ages 45 and older who uses a hearing aid (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), you may need to take extra measures to make the most of the experience. We review how below.
Ask About Accessibility Before Booking
While you’re researching hotels, contact them to ask about what accessibility features they have to offer. You can ask about:
- Whether their lobby is usually loud and bustling, or quiet and peaceful.
- If they have closed captioning on their televisions in the room or breakfast area.
- Whether there is a visual notification system for critical alerts, like fire or fire drills.
- If they offer a kit with amenities for those with hearing loss, like a captioned phone or shake-awake alarm clock.
Pack the Essentials
It’s important when you’re packing for your hotel stay that you bring your hearing aids and all necessary accessories, such as:
- Your hearing aids themselves, so you can hear and communicate well.
- Your charging dock, if you have rechargeable devices.
- Extra batteries from Cypress Pharmacy on Cypress Lake Dr, so you’re not left unable to hear during breakfast service or any other time.
- Your hearing aid case to store your hearing aids in when you’re not wearing them.
- A cleaning kit with a soft, dry cloth, wax pick/wire loop and a soft brush.
- A dehumidifier, in case they get wet or you’re staying in a humid place.
- An adapter for your charger if you’re traveling abroad.
- Any other accessories or assistive listening devices you use.
Consider Bringing Your Own Alarm Clock
If you’ve checked with your hotel and they don’t have an accessible alarm clock, consider bringing your own, especially if you’re traveling for business or have scheduled leisure activities you need to wake up for. You may wake more peacefully if you have a familiar sunrise or bed-shaking alarm clock that you’re used to.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Gulf Coast Audiology today.