Before you board your flight out of Manhattan Regional Airport, it’s important to know how to travel when you have hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Checklist Before You Leave 
- Don’t forget your hearing aids. If you use hearing aids or use other listening devices, do not forget to bring them on your trip. Also remember any necessary accessories like batteries, your charger, cleaning tools and a safe place to store your device.
- Plan ahead. Check to see what accommodations your hotel has for people with hearing loss. The same goes for any museums or other places your plan on visiting. It’s also worth checking if you need to make any requests in advance.
- Use travel apps. Many airlines have apps that alert you to any delays or changes in your flight. This can be helpful to have because it may be harder to hear announcements being made when you’re at the airport. Download and familiarize yourself with the app beforehand so that you know how to use it when traveling.
Tips For the Day of Travel
Airports can be loud, busy and somewhat chaotic. Make sure to get there with plenty of time before your flight so you don’t feel rushed. Other tips include:
- Booking an aisle seat towards the front of the plane. These are quieter because they are further from the engine.
- Using telecoil. Many airports use loop systems to help people with aids better hear announcements about gate changes or flight delays. You will need to have a hearing aid with telecoil to utilize this.
- Letting people at security know that you have hearing loss so that they can make sure they properly communicate with you. It can also be helpful to let them know if you are wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants. You are not required to take any device out, but it may set off the metal detector or imaging technology, so it is helpful if they have a heads up.
- Letting the flight attendant or the person sitting next to you on the flight know you have hearing loss. This can also help you from missing important information.
- Preventing airplane ear. If your ears get clogged or hurt when you fly, consider chewing gum on takeoff or landing, using earplugs that decrease pressure or taking a decongestant. Studies have shown that oral pseudoephedrine may reduce ear pain in adults during flights.
If you have additional questions or would like to have your hearing aids checked before you travel, call Topeka ENT and schedule an appointment today.