[NFB-DB] Flying/Traveling with Low Vision and Mild Hearing Loss

[Rod and Ele Macdonald]

Hello Misty,

This is from a consumer, non-professional, and it is my opinion only but based on long experience:

1. Air pressure issues: Consult your doctor. Only your doctor can advise knowing your personal situation AND your medical situation.

2. Find out the electricity system used in the country or countries you will visit, and make sure you have a charger for all electrical devices you will bring. You will need a different plug in different countries.  Modern devices usually can be used	 places, but will still need a new adapter/plug. Check out for ALL of your gadgets- advice from someone who didn't multiple times.

3. Watch out for pickpockets. Consider using a fanny pack or other wearable that can't be snatched. My wife put her purse on the floor by her chair in a restaurant; the waiter managed to kick it to the side and then into a closet.

4. Use GPS if you can; study maps of the areas you will be in; ask the concierge/help desk at hotels for advice and directions. 

5. Be especially careful crossing streets. In the UK and some other places they drive the "other way" - on the left-hand side of the street. Accelerating around corners is common. In some places (Italy, for one) there are a lot of very loud motorcycles in use.

6. Be prepared for encounters with people who do NOT speak English.

7. Prepare for use of currency with bills of different sizes, and know how to convert the currency into dollars. 

8. There are several excellent books available with lots of tips for blind and low-vision travelers. I'd suggest reading at least one.

This is meant as a start
 and maybe you know this and more already. Good luck.

Rod




----- Original Message -----
From: Misty Kienzynski via NFB-DB  <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
To:  nfb-db at nfbnet.org
CC: mkienzyn at alumni.iu.edu
Date: Tuesday, July 11, 2023 8:16 am
Subject: [NFB-DB] Flying/Traveling with Low Vision and Mild Hearing Loss

>
>
> ?Greetings.
> 
> 
> I am a medium-low partial with mild hearing loss who is soon looking to travel solo abroad.
> 
> 
> From what I can tell, I am currently not at a stage to need hearing aids, though I do struggle a bit in louder environments.  I also have pre-existing ear pressure issues and I am worried about how flying will affect my ability to hear due to differences in cabin pressure while ascending/flying/landing.   
> 
> 
> First, these ear pressure issues: Understanding that you guys are not doctors, how do you think flying could affect me?
> 
> 
> Secondly, I am planning to take a cheaper Braille display should I need it to communicate.
> 
> 
> Third, I am looking for, I think you call it, a personal sound amplifier that I can take with me on my trip, specifically for speech comprehension.  I am looking for an accessible and cheap one.  Do any of you have any recommendations? If so, could yu please provide direct links to them?
> 
> 
> Finally, do you guys have any other recommendations for me, given my situation on  this trip?
> 
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> 
> 
> Ms. Misty D. Kienzynski
> Treasurer 
> Membership Chair
> Historian
> National Federation of the BlindIndiana Affiliate
> Phone: 812-381-0073
> E-mail: mkienzyn at alumni.iu.edu
> Twitter: @AuroraNebulosa
> 
> 
> Bonitas non est pessimis esse meliorem.  L. Annaeus Seneca
> 
>