Three Free Apps to Help While Traveling With Hearing Loss

By Kendra Bergstrom –

Traveling can be stressful, but it can be especially stressful if you have hearing loss. While some people love the feeling of exploring an unknown area, others dread it. Constant fears about missing your stop, losing your passport or even forgetting extra batteries for your hearing aid can be unnerving, even downright scary! Luckily, there are apps that help ease the tension of traveling and help make your trip much more enjoyable. Here are three of our favorites:

1. Hamilton CapTel – Need to make a call but are worried about not being able to hear the speaker? Maybe you made travel reservations but are unsure where you’re staying. Hamilton CapTel makes it easier for you follow phone conversations by offering word-for-word captions. Whether you’re hearing impaired or are in a foreign country, you can travel more confidently knowing you’ll be able to make and understand phone calls more easily. Hamilton CapTel works with most hearing aids and cochlear implants.
2. Google Translate – With over 90 different languages and online/offline options, Google Translate is your go-to app while traveling. For people with hearing loss it’s an invaluable resource; you can use the speech input function to manually translate words. Another great feature is the ability to photograph text images (including menus and metro signs) and automatically translate it into your native language.
3. BuzzCards – BuzzCards makes it easier to communicate with strangers via messages in the form of cards you write on your phone. There is no limit on the number of cards you can use, and you can customize them as needed. You can even organize cards by categories, and you can adjust the font for readability. This app works well for people who are deaf, have difficulty hearing in crowds or are traveling where they don’t speak the language. This app is currently available for iPhone (iOS) users only.

   Before traveling, be sure to have extra batteries packed for your hearing aid. Also avoid storing them in checked luggage, as there’s always the unfortunate possibility of your suitcase getting lost. And remember to bring other accessories, such as your dehumidifier.

[Source: http://www.entnet.org/content/travel-tips-hearing-impaired]

While traveling with hearing loss can add extra stress, planning ahead and knowing how to take care of your hearing aids will help ensure a smoother trip. Before you leave, make sure to get your hearing aids cleaned and checked. Companies like Miracle-Ear offer free hearing tests, and they have over 1,200 locations nationwide. Check your local area for more details.

Kendra joined Amplifon in August 2013 and has been part of the hearing aid industry since 1998, where she worked as a hearing instrument dispenser. After leaving the clinic, Kendra spent 15 years providing technical support for a hearing aid manufacturer.