TRAVELING THE GLOBE WITH HEARING LOSS AND COCHLEAR IMPLANTS

Transcription

1 TRAVELING THE GLOBE WITH HEARING LOSS AND COCHLEAR IMPLANTS Barbara Abineri and Evelyn Gardner HLAA 2014 Austin, TX

2 Travel challenges for people with Hearing Loss Missing important announcements in airports/train stations Not understanding the guide on a tour Asking/understanding directions from strangers Not being able to lip read in local language/accent Not being able to hear in noisy tourist hot spots Problems with hearing equipment while away

3 Booking and Pre-travel Preparation Book your travel using phone, internet, TTY phone or travel agent Have all travel arrangements IN WRITING (itinerary, bookings, locations, transfers, etc.) Contact your carrier (airline, cruise line, rail, hotel) to ensure availability of special equipment you might need; reserve in advance Visit your hearing professional to see that all devices are in good working condition

4 Packing for your trip Pack ALL hearing equipment in carry-on bag NOT in checked luggage (stronger xrays, loss, delays) Includes: chargers, batteries, cables, spare processors/aids, cleaning tools, Dry-aid, power converters/plugs, ALDs, FM system, shake alarm clock, Ziploc bags Take phone number of your hearing professional, CI customer service and/or location of local hearing clinics For long trips, take copy of hearing aid settings or CI map details Ensure travel insurance (if purchased) covers any problems with your hearing devices; take documents

5 Air Travel Questions Be familiar with security/safety recommendations: TSA Advanced Bionics Cochlear Americas Hearing Aid manufacturers

6 At the Airport Arrive at airport with ample time to proceed through security Clear Security: Request specially trained TSA Passenger Support Specialist if necessary Carry ID/patient disability card indicating hearing loss (TSA or CI manufacturer version) Wear HA or CI through security machines (TSA suggests!) May ask staff to hand-carry your device around machine in bowl Alternatives: wand/pat-down inspection Do NOT place any spare equipment loose on conveyor belt. Always place in a carry-on bag

7 Air Travel Con t At the gate Alert gate staff to hearing loss or sign up for smart phone alerts Ask to pre-board if you choose In flight Alert flight attendant & seat partner to your hearing loss in case of emergency announcements No need to power off h.a. or CI during flight Hearing service dogs are allowed in the cabin Use connectivity devices (ALDs) for announcements, music, movies For safety, do not sit in an exit row (FAA regulation) ** Some airlines provide captioned movies let s advocate!!

8 Your rights with the airlines Article of young man s experience last year: NO law that requires financial compensation for cancelled/delayed flights, but most U.S. airlines will: Make reasonable efforts to get you to your destination asap May endorse your ticket to another airline based upon request/available seats May provide you with meal, hotel, phone vouchers upon request Compensation does exist for being bumped from a flight but check in early to prevent it!! File a written complaint with airline s corporate headquarters first and then DOT if no resolution is made by the airline. Keep all travel docs and receipts.

9 Cruise Types of assistive services and devices that may be available: CC on your room TV Captioned DVD movies to borrow Visual-tactile alert system for (similar to ADA hotel kit) Individual emergency life boat drill Hand held pager to alert you to announcements ALD for main theater presentations TTY phone to contact Guest Services Desk Possible interpreter Alert cruise company access desk to your hearing loss and special requirements IN ADVANCE via Upon embarkation, go to Guest Services to make sure they have prepared for your needs All Deaf Cruise, October 25, 2014 with Marlee Matlin

10 Cruises can be WET! Wind, splashing waves, pools, shore excursions, tender rides, etc. require extra protection for hearing equipment! Consider: o HAT with drawstring! o Otterbox o Dry Pak o Ziploc bags o Waterproof CI (Advanced Bionics Neptune ) o CI Waterproof cases (Advanced Bionics; Cochlear Americas) o Dry and Store a MUST!

11 Train Travel Amtrak Make reservations via phone/tty or ticket counter Some ticket counters are looped so use T-coil setting You and 1 companion may qualify for 15% discount with written documentation at ticket counter Trains have LED boards to indicate stops Local trains, subways, buses Many now have LED boards showing direction and each stop If not, sit near the driver or another passenger for help with your stop May use GPS on smart phone to watch progress to destination

12 Traveling by Car o Safety: use a hands-free phone Newer cars built-in; blue tooth, neck loop, ComPilot o Make talking to passenger easier: Turn on light, use personal ALD, switch to Zoom Control (Advanced Bionics Naida feature) or other specialized program o Lengthy car trip: Plug battery charger into lighter and arrive at destination ready to HEAR!

13 Lodging Ask for ADA Hotel Kit when making reservation in a U.S. hotel Upon arrival, obtain kit and make sure it works; ask for help with installation if necessary Let front desk know you are deaf in case of emergency Request a room near an emergency exit, if desired Consider NOT putting the safety lock on your door at night If traveling with a hearing person, give them a key to your room Consider bringing a shake awake alarm clock Closed captioning (CC) on room TV may require a different remote. Ask for it! Note: your headpiece magnet can demagnetize the strip on your hotel room key. Don t store them together!

14 International Travel HOTELS May have energy saving devices that switch off room power when you leave Determine voltage (110/220) and bring transformer/converter and adapters to fit plug style GETTING AROUND Keep language phrase book at the ready Learn phrase I have hearing loss in local language Invest in good maps and guide books Ask tour guide or museum for headset for audio or a written transcript Take meals early or late to avoid noise and crowds Don t be afraid to ask for help!

15 Emergency Carry Emergency Medical ID card in your wallet + all insurance information Consider wearing medical ID jewelry for CI users, should indicate Cochlear Implant NO MRI sells medical alert bracelets to benefit this non-profit that helps CI candidates without insurance to get them.