We’re in the heart of spring with summer right around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to plan a vacation!
Guided tour groups are one great way to explore and learn more about new destinations. However, if you have hearing loss, you may be a bit nervous about missing a lot of the important information if you take one.
Let’s go over a few tips on how to successfully enjoy traveling in a tour group when you have hearing loss so that you can feel confident before you head out to Columbia Metropolitan Airport for your next trip!
Tips To Hear Better During a Tour Group 
- Ask about hearing accommodations before booking. When deciding between different tour companies, be sure to research what hearing loss accommodations they provide. Asking about captioning for any videos or a written script of the tour that you could follow along with in case you miss anything that’s spoken. You can also ask if any of the museums or other attractions you are visiting offer assistive listening devices or have hearing loops installed.
- Remember your hearing accessories. In addition to your hearing aids, make sure to carry extra batteries with you, in addition to hearing aid cleaning tools and accessories, depending on how long you’ll be on tour and what environments you’ll be exposed to.
- Bring a travel buddy when possible. It’s always more fun to travel with a companion! Not only will you get to experience the trip together, but a family or friend can help fill you in if you missed any important information.
- Advocate for your hearing needs. You deserve to enjoy your tour, and any guide or traveling companion would make sure you do as well. If you feel comfortable, ask if any information that you misheard could be repeated. Let other people on tour with you know about your hearing loss, as well as ways they can communicate more effectively with you, such as being sure to face you when they are speaking.
Seeking Treatment For Your Hearing Loss
The best way to make it easier to navigate any situation with hearing loss is to seek treatment. If you’ve noticed hearing changes or others have commented on your hearing, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They can examine your ears and perform a hearing test to determine both the cause and severity of your hearing loss. They can also discuss your treatment options, the most common of which is hearing aids.
If you’re ready to take the first step in your hearing loss journey, call the experts at Charleston ENT & Allergy today.