Hearing loss is a common problem, especially as we age. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately one in three people between the ages of 65-74 has some degree of hearing loss. By age 75, that number jumps to nearly half of all adults.

So, do you often struggle to hear your travel companions while on vacation? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience difficulty hearing clearly in noisy environments like airports and restaurants. Fortunately, you can do a few things to make hearing easier while traveling.

1. Make Sure You Bring Your Hearing Care Accessories

If you wear hearing aids, ensure they’re in good working order before leaving on your trip. Additionally, make sure to pack extra batteries or your charger in your carry-on bag. Nothing ruins a vacation like losing your hearing aids or having them run out of batteries and not being able to keep them powered.

If you don’t wear hearing aids, consider investing in a good pair of noise-canceling earplugs. Noise-canceling earplugs are designed to reduce background noise, making it easier to hear the person you’re talking to while protecting your hearing. There are many different types and brands of noise-canceling earplugs on the market, so do some research to find the ones that work best for you.

Either way, it’s important to protect your ears from the constant background noise that can be found in most travel destinations.

2. Sit in the Front of the Plane

The engines on an airplane can be extremely loud, so it’s important to try and sit as far away from them as possible. If you’re sitting in front of the plane, you’ll be closer to the exit and have a better chance of hearing any announcements that are made during the flight. In addition, try to avoid sitting next to noisy passengers. These people are more likely to make sudden noises that can startle or even hurt your ears. If you must sit next to a noisy passenger, consider using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. This will help muffle the sound and make it easier to hear any announcements that are made.

3. Stay in a Hotel Close to the Attractions You Want to Visit

There’s nothing worse than trying to walk around a crowded city only to find out that you can’t hear your travel companions because of all the noise. If you’re planning on sightseeing in a busy area, try staying at a hotel close to the attractions you want to visit. This way, you won’t have to walk too far and risk getting lost or missing something important. In addition, staying close to the action will make it easier to hear any announcements that are made over loudspeakers. If you’re not sure where to stay, ask the concierge at your hotel for recommendations. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

4. Opt for Quieter Destinations

Some travel destinations are simply louder than others. If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind, try visiting a quieter destination. Small towns and villages are often much quieter than big cities, making it easier to hear the people you’re talking to. In addition, natural settings like parks and beaches tend to be more peaceful than areas with lots of cars and traffic. So, if you’re looking for a quiet getaway, consider visiting one of these types of places.

Of course, not everyone is able or wants to travel to a quiet destination. If that’s the case, you can still do some things to reduce the noise around you. For example, try eating at a restaurant that’s not too crowded. This way, you won’t have to shout over the noise in order to hear your travel companions. In addition, try to avoid going out at night. Nightlife tends to be much louder than during the day, so it’s best to stay in and relax if you’re trying to limit the amount of noise you’re exposed to.

5. Bring a Portable Speaker

If you’re going to be spending time in a noisy environment, consider bringing a portable speaker with you. This way, you can listen to music or audiobooks without having to strain your ears. In addition, portable speakers can be used to amplify the sound of someone’s voice, making it easier to hear them if they’re speaking from across the room. There are many different types and brands of portable speakers on the market, so find one that’s right for you.

By following these five tips, you can reduce the amount of noise you’re exposed to and make it easier to hear the people and things around you. Traveling can be tough on your ears, especially if you’re trying to sightsee in a busy city or spend time in a loud environment. If you’re concerned about your hearing, visit Hearing Aid Consultants of North Mississippi or call them at (662) 234-1337.