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The Ultimate Travel Guide for Hearing Aid Wearers

March 12, 2024

The Ultimate Travel Guide for Hearing Aid Wearers

Are you planning to take a vacation soon? Traveling with hearing aids can present a few unique challenges, but with proper preparation and a few handy tips from me, your favorite audiologist, you’ll have no problem enjoying your trip to the fullest. Instead of worrying about your hearing aids, you can just focus on the people, places, and experiences in front of you!


In this quick travel guide for hearing aid wearers, we'll share six of our favorite essential strategies to make your future vacations stress-free and memorable – in the best possible way!


Plan Ahead for Your Destination


Before you set off on your trip, research your destination to find out more about the accessibility features they offer to individuals with hearing impairments. If you’ll be using public transportation or visiting specific venues, search online or call ahead to see if they offer captioning services or induction loops/telecoils. We may need to add an induction loop or telecoil program in your hearing aid(s) if this type of service is available. Being proactive in booking accommodations and activities that cater to your needs will ensure a more enjoyable travel experience!


Pack Essential Hearing Aid Supplies


Being prepared while on your trip is key. As you’re packing your bags, don't forget to toss in some extra hearing aid batteries (if you use them), cleaning tools (ESPECIALLY WAX TRAPS!), and spare parts for your devices. It's also a good idea to carry a waterproof container to protect your hearing aids from moisture during your travels — especially if you’ll be spending a lot of time on the beach. And if you’re traveling internationally, check whether you’ll need an outlet adapter to use your charger.


Communicate Your Needs Effectively


Whenever you’re interacting with airline staff, hotel personnel, or tour guides, be sure to communicate your hearing needs clearly and assertively. It’s 100% okay to request special accommodations such as written communication, assistive listening devices, or real-time captioning services to facilitate better communication and understanding. This is your special trip, after all, and you want to be able to enjoy it fully!


Explore Technology Solutions


There are so many new technology solutions that can upgrade your travel. For example, there’s a special dehumidifier case you can use at night to remove moisture from your hearing aid while you’re sleeping — perfect if you’re traveling somewhere humid! If you’re going to be spending time in noisy environments, we can help set up a dedicated program for speech in noise that allows us to fine-tune your programming and maximize your hearing aid performance.


Adventure with Caution


If your travel includes outdoor activities like swimming or hiking, make an extra effort to protect your ears and your hearing aids. Whenever you’re taking off sunglasses or a hat, be careful that you don’t accidentally knock your hearing aids out or lose them. If you’re going to be swimming, keep your ears dry to prevent swimmer’s ear. This infection is sometimes more common for those who wear an ear mold. This sometimes happens during vacations because if there is moisture inside your ear canal and then an occluding hearing aid traps the moisture inside, it becomes a perfect breeding ground for infection. A swim cap or earplugs may be a good idea if you wear an occluding hearing aid dome. Not sure if your hearing aid ear mold or dome is occluding? Ask us!


Lastly, Source Advice from the Locals


Believe it or not, there are plenty of local organizations and online forums for hearing-impaired travelers! These are excellent sources for firsthand insights and recommendations for your specific travel destination. There’s nothing like chatting with other individuals who live with hearing loss or wear hearing aids because they can empathize with your specific needs.


Traveling with hearing aids can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, it just requires a little bit of extra preparation and planning. We’re always here to help, too! We are more than happy to offer advice over the phone or schedule a visit so we can chat through your travel needs! Call the office at 423-521-3277 to set up an appointment.


Be sure to check out our social media pages this month for more tips and tricks for all types of vacations!

February 12, 2025
In the last five years, 4 Bridges Audiology owner, Dr. Courtney Guthrie, has continued to add services to become the most comprehensive audiology practice in the Chattanooga area. “The addition of evaluations for dizziness, balance issues, and vertigo has been the most beneficial to our patients. Prior to us starting this two years ago, patients had to drive to Knoxville or Nashville to get this type of test. It is a service that Chattanooga has needed for a long time,” said Dr. Guthrie. Dr. Dana Notaro joined 4 Bridges Audiology in May as the practice’s Vestibular Audiologist, focusing on helping patients find the relief they need from dizziness or vertigo and preventing fall related injuries.
By Dr. Notaro October 9, 2024
Dana Notaro, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA As we celebrate Audiology Awareness Month, it's essential to focus not only on hearing health but also on the often-overlooked aspect of balance: the vestibular system. Many people are unaware that dizziness can be related to issues in this system, which is crucial for maintaining our balance and spatial orientation. Let’s dive into what vestibular testing involves and why awareness of dizziness is so important for your overall health. What Is the Vestibular System? The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a vital role in helping us maintain our balance and navigate our environment. It works closely with our visual and proprioceptive systems to keep us oriented. When this system is functioning properly, we can move around confidently. However, issues in the vestibular system can lead to dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Common Causes of Dizziness Dizziness can arise from various factors, including: Vestibular Disorders: Conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis. Inner Ear Infections: These can disrupt balance and cause feelings of dizziness. Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can impact your balance and cause dizziness. Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as migraines or multiple sclerosis can also affect the vestibular system. Why Is Dizziness Awareness Important? Being aware of dizziness is crucial for several reasons: Quality of Life: Chronic dizziness can severely impact your daily activities, work, and social interactions. Safety: Dizziness can increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms can help prevent injuries. Underlying Conditions: Dizziness can be a symptom of underlying health issues that may require treatment. Early detection can lead to better management. What to Expect During Vestibular Testing If you're experiencing dizziness, your audiologist may recommend vestibular testing to evaluate your balance system. Here’s what you can expect: Comprehensive Assessment: Your audiologist will take a detailed history of your symptoms, including when they occur and their severity. Balance Tests: You may undergo various tests, such as: Electrophysiology Testing: This involves measuring the electrical activity in the vestibular system to assess how well each pathway is functioning, helping to identify any abnormalities. Videonystagmography (VNG): This test measures eye movements to assess the vestibular system's function in different scenarios. Rotary Chair Testing: This evaluates how your vestibular system responds to rotational movements, providing insight into how well your balance system is functioning. Caloric Testing: This test uses warm and cold air in your ears to see how well your vestibular system is working in each ear separately. Vestibular Head Impulse Test (vHIT): This checks how well your eyes and head work together during quick movements by isolating each of your 6 semicircular canals. Results and Recommendations: Based on the tests, your audiologist will discuss the results and develop a tailored plan to address your symptoms. This may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, lifestyle changes, or referral to a specialist. Tips for Managing Dizziness If you’re experiencing dizziness, here are a few tips to help manage it: Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate dizziness, so drink plenty of water. Limit Sudden Movements: Stand up slowly and avoid rapid head movements to minimize dizziness. Practice Balance Exercises: Simple exercises can strengthen your balance and coordination. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your audiologist if you have concerns about dizziness. This Audiology Awareness Month let’s not overlook the significance of our vestibular system. Awareness of dizziness and understanding the importance of vestibular testing can empower you to take control of your balance and overall health. If you or someone you know is experiencing dizziness, schedule an appointment with your audiologist to discuss your symptoms and explore your options. Together, we can work towards a safer, more balanced future!
September 22, 2023
Approximately one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.
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