In Travel Features

If you are hard of hearing or deaf, you’ll know that travelling, using public transport and visiting top attractions can be difficult. Announcements over a tannoy, tour guides, being handed a set of headphones and told to listen along, all these things can mean that you miss things or stress which can make it very difficult to enjoy yourself.

In these situations, it can be frustrating, not just for the person who is hard of hearing, but for others around them too. How do you make sure they are having a good time? How do you know that they understand which train they need to get? We’ve put together some top tips that can make all these things easier when travelling with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing. Though there are plenty of people out there that can speak BSL or Makaton, there are just as many people who can’t. So, whether you are used to communicating with people who have difficulty hearing or you’ve never found yourself in that situation before, here are a few things to help you out.

Make sure you get their attention before you start conversation.
We’ve all been there, we’re distracted by our surroundings and we miss the beginning of a conversation, well imagine that but being deaf or hard of hearing. So, before you start communicating, make sure you have their attention.

Don’t look away
Make sure you are facing the person you are talking to, aside from the fact that it’s polite, you’ll also be showing them your face, which will make lip reading and reading the tone in general is much easier. If you keep turning away, you will break the flow of conversation and it’ll be more difficult to keep up with the conversation.

Don’t shout
Once you have someone’s attention and you’re facing them, don’t raise your voice or start speaking very slowly, talking naturally and at a normal volume is the best way to have a conversation. Shouting or over exaggerating your facial expressions will make it more difficult for lip reading.

Following these tips will make it much easier for visitors or travellers that are deaf or hard of hearing to relax and enjoy their surroundings and you’ll have the peace of mind too.

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