Choose seats to accommodate your “better ear.”

When flying, inform the ticket counter and/or gate agent that you have a hearing loss and would like to PRE-BOARD. They may note it on your boarding pass. While waiting to board, it is a good idea to sit within sight of the gate agent in case they try to get your attention.

At bus or train terminals, communicate your hearing loss to ticket agents and drivers for priority seating (if available).

Greyhound has a Disabilities Travel Assistance Line (800-752-4841) you can use while planning your trip to request extra assistance.

Amtrak offers a 15 percent discount to adult passengers with a disability (and the offer extends to one traveling companion).

Don’t hesitate to ask fellow passengers for assistance or repeating an announcement over the PA.

Don’t pack your important items (electronics, keys, medicine and hearing equipment) in your checked luggage. Keep in your carry-on.

Keep travel-sized hygiene items in carry-on. (No large bottles.)

Take only the credit cards you need.

Keep numbers for lost/stolen credit cards in your phone.

Make sure your phone locks with a password.

Text or email alerts.

ALWAYS check the monitors for the last information on departures or arrivals, bag claim, etc.

Sign up for text or email alerts when you make reservations so you won’t miss important announcements about delays or cancellations. For hotels and ships, request rooms that are in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design and are equipped with visual or tactile alarm and notification devices.

You can keep your hearing equipment on when passing through metal detectors or body scanners.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises that you notify a security officer. You can do this discreetly before screening begins by carrying a notification card. Print one at www.tsa.gov.

Let the gate staff, flight attendants, bus driver, cruise staff, and your seat partner(s) know that you have hearing loss so they will alert you about any announcements or emergencies.

It’s OK to keep your hearing equipment turned on even after being asked to “turn off all electronic devices.”

Take equipment to hear inflight entertainment (headphones, audio cables, etc.). Check with your manufacturer to be sure these accessories can be used in flight.

Taking an FM system on tours can make your experience much more enjoyable.

Fitness watches that vibrate make great travel alarm clocks.

Voltage converters, drying kits, storage kits, batteries and extra hearing aid tubing.

Consider bringing your drying and storage equipment, especially for humid climates, and don’t forget a voltage converter if you're traveling internationally and need to plug it in.

It is a good idea to have the contact info for your audiologist and customer service rep – in case of an emergency with your hearing devices.

Inform the hotel clerk you have a hearing loss.

If staying in a room by yourself, use a “buddy” system with a trusted travelling companion to share keys in case of emergency – (or oversleeping!)

Use of security door latch is optional – just remember that emergency staff or your buddy cannot get in the room to wake or alert you.

They can ”flag” your room in case of emergency. Request rooms that are in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design and are equipped with visual or tactile alarm and notification devices.

Keep your hearing equipment away from your room key — it can demagnetize the strip.

Make sure you’ve got a quick and easy way to “talk” to others in hectic or loud situations.

A pen and pad of paper might seem like a no-brainer, but it can save the day. 

For the tech-savvy traveler, a notepad app on your smartphone will do the trick.

ALWAYS check the monitors for the last information on departures or arrivals, bag claim, etc.

Some things to ask cruise lines before you sign on the dotted line:

• Do your theaters have assisted-listening devices (ALDs) available and, if not, do you provide closed-captioning or scripts?
• Do you provide sign language interpretation services on request?
• Can I reserve a stateroom with a TTY or captioned-phone for communicating with the guest relations desk?