Public transportation is a cost-effective option if you need to get around town. However, if you’reone of the approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million people) aged 18 and over who reports some trouble hearing,according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, you may be wondering how to navigate your trip. In this post, we review how to have the best experience on public transportation with hearing loss.
Review Your Route
It’s important that you take the time to review your route before you venture out on public transportation rather than trying to wing it. This way, you don’t have to rely as much on the loudspeaker announcements.
Arrive Early
If you’re planning to take Bakersfield Amtrak or another transit option, make sure you arrive early, especially if you’re taking a longer trip. This will give you time to communicate with transit staff, arrange a seat where you can easily see and hear announcements and look for other written communications posted around the station.
Download a Transportation App
Some cities have apps that show maps, list stops, notify you of delays and provide other critical information for their various modes of public transportation.
Talk to Staff
Another thing you can do to ensure you make it to your destination is to let transit staff know about your hearing loss. If they know you can’t hear well, they can let you know about available accommodations and come up to you to make sure you’re aware of changes or announcements. You only should do this if you feel comfortable doing so, of course.
Bring Your Communication Tools
If you wear hearing aids, it’s important that you wear them while taking public transportation. This way, when you talk to staff or listen for announcements, you’ll actually be able to hear them. If you communicate using a tablet, bring this as well.
See an Audiologist
If you have untreated hearing loss, the experts at The House Institute recommend scheduling an appointment right away. Not only can we diagnose your exact type and degree of hearing loss, but we can also prescribe treatment customized to your unique hearing needs.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a hearing loss expert, call The House Institute today.