Travel Tips for hearing Impaired
Travel tips for hearing impaired people
Travel is a very important aspect of our lives. Whether for business, pleasure, or education, the traveler strives to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible. The 20 million people in the United States who have hearing impairments are faced with additional difficulties that can make traveling a difficult and frustrating event. Consider for a moment the everyday travel routines that may cause problems for the hearing impaired:
- Inability to hear or understand airline boarding and in-flight announcements.
- Difficulty in using public telephones, hotel phones, etc.
- Difficulty making hotel and transportation reservations.
- Inability to hear or understand schedule events such as planned activities, tours, museum lectures and theater presentations.
- Inability to hear hotel room telephones, someone knocking on the door, or warning signals such as smoke detectors.
- Lack of oral and/or sign language interpreters.
- Lack of accommodations for hearing ear dogs.
Making Travel Arrangements
- Try to make all travel arrangements in advance. Once transportation reservations have been made, request written confirmation to show correct information. Always confirm with the representative that you are hearing impaired.
- If possible plans should be arranged in person with a travel agent to show the opportunity for speech reading or, if necessary, written exchange to help confirm travel plans. Agents can contact airlines, hotels, and attractions to make necessary reservations.
- It is important to arrive early at the airport, bus terminal, or train station. Inform the individual at the boarding gate that you are hearing impaired and may not hear the boarding announcement. Request that the agent contact you when it is time to board.
- Confirm the flight number and destination before boarding.
- Inform the flight attendant that you are hearing impaired and request that any in-flight announcements be communicated to you in person.
On rare occasions a small hole may remain in the eardrum after a previously placed PE tube (pressure equalizing) either falls out or is removed by the physician. In order to assist individuals who require the use of a TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf), many major airlines and transportation companies have TDD service.
Major transportation companies with toll-free TDD service include:
- American Airlines: 800-543-1586
- Delta Airlines: 800-831-4488
- Eastern Airlines: 800-385-3955
- Northwest Airlines: 800-328-2298
- Pan American Airlines: 800-722-3233
- Piedmont Airlines: 800-334-9974
- Republic Airlines: 800-329-8213
- TWA: 800-421-8480
- United Airlines: 800-323-0170
- U.S. Air: 800-245-2966
- Western Airlines: 800-722-8014
- World: 800-422-9442
- World Airways: 800-882-1007
- Trailways/Greyhound Bus: 800-345-3105
- AMTRAK: 800-523-6590
- Avis Car Rental: 800-331-2323
- Hertz Car Rental: 800-654-2080
- National Car Rental: 800-328-8323
TDDs are available in many major airports. Ask at the Traveler's Aid desk for information.