Public transportation like The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART is cost-effective, environmentally friendly and can be a great way to get around the city.
However, while these services can be extremely helpful in your daily life, they can occasionally be challenging to navigate with hearing loss. Approximately 15% of American adults report trouble hearing. Knowing how to navigate public transportation with hearing loss safely is vital to a stress-free traveling experience.
Let’s look at a few tips and tricks to make traveling with hearing loss a little easier.
Plan Your Trip
Planning your trip by checking your route—including stops, delays and the estimated arrival time—will help you stay prepared. Make sure to print or download any tickets or directions ahead of time in case of reception issues.
Download Transportation App
Most transportation apps display critical information about the status of your trip. Downloading and checking an app will help you stay aware of any verbal information they may announce.
Inform Staff or Seat Partner of Hearing Loss
If you feel comfortable doing so, inform a staff member or nearby person of your hearing loss and ask them to communicate important information directly to you.
Pick a Good Seat
When possible, choosing a seat facing a monitor or information banner will allow you to see any written communication transit may display without needing to hear it. Remember that this is not always an available option, and planning is always the best strategy.
Arrive Early
Arriving a little before your departure will give you time to find your stop and speak to staff if you wish. Good arrival time varies depending on the type of public transportation. For shorter commutes, arriving a couple minutes early should be okay. Try to give yourself between 20 minutes to an hour for longer commutes.
Following these tips can help ensure that your public transport experience is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
To seek treatment for hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist at Sharp Hearing – The Audiology Center today.
