Salem’s Cherriots mass transit system can be a great way to get around the city. Knowing how to best accommodate for your hearing loss during your time on public transportation can allow you to relax on your way to work, school, home and more.
Let’s look at some tips for making your transportation journey as easy as possible.
Plan Your Trip and Download a Transportation App
Checking your route can help you stay informed of delays, cancellations and changing arrival times. Even if you’re just going a short distance, changes and delays in schedule can cause stress. Consider downloading a transportation app for real-time updates regarding your trip. Most transportation apps display routes, changes, cancellations and departure and arrival times. Apps are especially helpful to ensure you aren’t missing verbal announcements from transportation intercom systems.
Inform Your Staff or Seat Partner About Your Hearing Loss
Approximately 15% of U.S. adults experience some form of hearing loss. Due to the prevalence of hearing loss, many public transit employees are trained to know how to accommodate for your needs. If you feel comfortable, alert a staff member or seat partner to your needs and accessibility requirements ahead of departure to give them time to make arrangements. Arrangements may include securing you a spot near an announcement board or directly informing you of updates.
Wear Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are a great addition to any public transportation experience. The small but powerful devices will help you hear and understand announcements and keep you more aware of your surroundings by reducing background noise and amplifying speech sounds. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, contact an audiologist to discuss your hearing aid options.
Be Safe
Public transit staff work hard to ensure the safety of their travelers, but some things are out of their control. Remaining aware of your surroundings by wearing hearing aids, sharing your location with loved ones and traveling with a buddy can help ensure that you stay safe and stress-free.
Contact Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery today to discuss your treatment options with one of our hearing specialists.
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