According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “In 2019, 7.1% of adults aged 45 and over used a hearing aid; use was higher among men than women in all age groups.” If you’re among this population who wears hearing aids and you’re planning a cruise with your family or friends, below we review tips for getting the most out of the experience.
Research Accommodations
Before booking your cruise, we recommend researching what different cruise lines offer in terms of accommodations for people with hearing loss who wear hearing aids. Some examples of available accommodations include assistive listening devices, sign language interpretation services, closed captioning on TVs and more. Here is a list of some popular cruises and the accommodations they offer.
Pack Hearing Aids & Accessories
Your trip is booked, and now it’s time to pack. It’s important that you don’t forget any of the essentials. Make sure you’re wearing your hearing aids and that any necessary accessories are in your suitcase. Don’t forget your charger or spare batteries, any assistive listening devices you use, your cleaning kit, a dehumidifier, a notebook and pen if you use these items to communicate and anything else you can think of that might help you hear well.
Introduce Yourself to Crew Members
Once you’re settled into your room aboard the ship, take some time to introduce yourself to some crew members. Communicate with them about your hearing loss and needs. In the event of an emergency or drill, they will know to find you and let you know what’s going on.
Ask to Be Seated Somewhere Quiet
When you’re dining in the dining room, ask the server or steward if you can be seated in a quiet corner so you can better hear your travel companions. If possible, sit at a table away from the kitchen and waiter’s station.
For more information about communication strategies to try while on your cruise or for more information about hearing aids and accessories, call the experts at Heuser Hearing Institute today.