Q. I’ve been losing some hearing the last few years. I have to travel far from home and I was wondering if you had any suggestions for handling my hearing problems on the road.

About one in three United States citizens over 60 suffers from loss of hearing, which can range from the inability to hear certain voices to deafness.

Traveling poses special problems for the hearing-impaired. Here are some travel tips for the hearing-impaired:

Make travel arrangements in advance. Request written confirmation.

Consider using a travel agent who can make reservations with airlines, hotels, and tourist attractions. If possible, meet with a travel agent in person to insure accurate communication.

You can use your computer to make reservations. Be sure to print copies of important information such as confirmation numbers, reservations and maps.

Arrive early for every event on your schedule so you have time to rectify possible problems caused by miscommunication.

If you are severely hearing-impaired, tell ground personnel, flight attendants, train conductors and bus drivers that you would like them to give you important information face-to-face.

There are small portable visual alert systems available that flash a light when the telephone rings, an alarm clock goes off, or a fire alarm sounds. These can be installed easily in hotel rooms. Request a room that is equipped for an individual with hearing loss. These communication features are frequently provided free of charge to hotel guests.

Always carry an under-the-pillow vibrating alarm clock when you travel.

FM listening systems can help the hearing-impaired traveler listen to lectures and tours by having a speaker use a transmitter microphone to broadcast over air waves to a receiver.

Portable infrared systems can be used with hotel televisions and radios. These transmit sound via invisible infrared light to a listener’s receiver.

If you wear a hearing aid, be sure to pack extra batteries and tubing.

Have a question? Email: fred@healthygeezer.com. Order “How To Be A Healthy Geezer,” 218-page compilation of columns: healthygeezer.com

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2019 Fred Cicetti

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.