When you need to get around the city, public transportation is a cost-effective option for doing so. But if you’re one of the approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million people) aged 18 and over who report some trouble hearing (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders), you may be apprehensive about taking public transportation. Below we review how to have the best experience on public transportation with hearing loss.
Review Your Route
Rather than just trying to wing it, it’s important that you take the time to review your route before you venture out on public transportation. This way, you don’t have to rely as much on verbal announcements.
Arrive Early
When you’re taking off from the Athens transit center, make sure you arrive early. This is especially true for longer trips. Arriving early 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 modes of transit have apps that show maps, list stops, notify you of delays and provide other critical information.
Talk to Staff
One 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 the accommodations they offer and come up to you to make sure you’re aware of changes or announcements. Of course, you only should do this if you feel comfortable with it.
Bring Your Communication Tools
If you wear hearing aids, it’s essential that you bring these while taking public transportation. This way, when you talk to staff or listen for announcements, you’ll actually be able to hear what’s going on! If you communicate using a tablet, bring this along as well.
See an Audiologist
If you have hearing loss and haven’t yet been seen by an audiologist, the experts at ENT of Athens recommend scheduling an appointment right away. Not only can they diagnose your exact type and degree of hearing loss, they can also prescribe treatment customized to your unique hearing needs. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing loss expert, call ENT of Athens today.