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

[Misty Kienzynski]

Thanks for the advice. The books you mentioned: Do you have any particular titles I can check out? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen any of these before.

Thanks.

—

Ms. Misty D. Kienzynski

Treasurer 

Membership Chair

Historian

National Federation of the Blind—Indiana Affiliate

Phone: 812-381-0073

E-mail: mkienzyn at alumni.iu.edu

Twitter: @AuroraNebulosa



Bonitas non est pessimis esse meliorem. — L. Annaeus Seneca


> On Jul 11, 2023, at 3:01 PM, Rod and Ele Macdonald via NFB-DB <nfb-db at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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
>> 
>> 
> 
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