I didnt realize how difficult it is for deaf and hard of hearing to communicate until I participated in a small meeting on zoom recently. All eyes were on speaker who was holding up or showing various pictures/graphs etc., but others had to watch the interpreter to know what was being said; also part of the screen was allocated for typed in questions etc., it really was an eye opener for me and although I could hear I could not communicate one on one with many other participants, plus conversation being typed along bottom of screen.... one man was signing that he has difficulty even shopping. So I can only imagine how difficult it is when speaker has a mask on!!!

I am not from USA but doubt it you could be refused boarding a plane! Hopefully you will get lots of suggestions (if you have not already and they are just not showing on my screen right now). Although I can hear, I am interested in solution because I may benefit should I be wearing a mask and a deaf/hard of hearing person needs to read my lips: best of luck, and I hope you enjoy your trip (although sorry to say I am worried about people being on planes during Covid....stay safe!) J.

@happytobehere
Hi
You will be getting a ton of good advice on this question.
First, I am profoundly hard of hearing and the last time I traveled alone was before Covid but I have traveled since then with family and realized how extra difficult it is to navigate an airport with masks.

First, Notify the airlines at least one or two days before you travel to tell them you will need assistance every step of the way...airlines have policies in place for physical disabilities ...I know this is different.

Second...use your phone to download some speech to text apps....I rely on Live Transcribe (for Android phones only) and Otter especially with mask wearing. I don’t know how tech savvy you are but it doesn’t matter. Do that now and play around with some apps.
Third...make a handheld sign or small stick on sign to wear telling everyone you meet that you are “deaf” and read lips...use the word “deaf” ( with a small d) as I find it gets people’s attention better.

Fourth...for every encounter along the way...ticket agent...screening people etc., hold up or point to that sign and verbally tell them you cannot understand through masks. When you get to the gate...go immediately to an agent and let them know you will not be able to understand boarding announcements. I was let on first with other people with disabilities once when I did that. They may ask you to stay nearby and hopefully they will remember you. If you can, and you see someone friendly looking, ask them if they wouldn’t mind listening for you. Tell the hostess when you are seated that you need assistance with announcements etc.

The thing here is to be extremely proactive and use available technology. Tell everyone..even the people at the food counters, that you need assistance. Don’t be embarrassed...it’s not your fault. TSA agents encounter all kinds of people who need assistance. And, of course, you will let on the plane. You will find that most people are kind and want to help.

Enjoy your time away and you will have a stress free time on your return flight. I am sure I have forgotten some tips.

FL Mary

Several members of our hearing loop advocacy group have handed the attached business card to a cashier/receptionist/ticket agent with a mask on and have found people to be immediately empathetic and responsive. Sometimes you have to remind them to look at you when speaking, "Can I SEE you say that again?", but it will be a memorable and educational experience for them and should have some improved outcomes for you! And I agree, letting your seat partner know that you have trouble hearing announcements and asking them if would they please let you know if anything vital has been said will always be met with a good response. Chances are they won't hear it either, the sound systems are so bad!

...also wouldnt it be great if at least one of the staff/employees, instead of a mask, perhaps had one of those clear plastic face shields? however I understand they are not quite a good at containing covid germs...however, seeing that some people refuse, choose or cannot wear masks, perhaps the clear face shield is better than nothing? my daughter bought me one to wear in the house for the short time she visits to drop off things and I kept forgetting it was on, so clear, and went to put food in my mouth only to have it hit the shield!!!

I agree with Ginevra's comments, below. I always carry an ample supply of the cards that she shows, attached. When I hand one of those cards to anyone, there is instant compassion and understanding, rather than frustration. I have not flown yet, since Covid, but I would make sure to have a supply and would hand them to every single person I come in contact with...to explain my situation in a simple, understandable way. I have had excellent results, asking people to just step back slightly and pull down their masks. Some people do it without even being asked, once they read my card. I can't say enough about how this has helped me survive these masked times with dignity and comfort.

You've already received the suggestions I would have made. Definitely download a speech to text app on your cell phone and use it. Be sure to practice using it beforehand.

It's very important to be upfront about your hearing loss with the flight attendants, etc. Even with the passengers you may sit with. Let them know you lipread and are handicapped by the mask issue. You want them to understand what you're doing with your phone.

This is why members of HLAA have advocated for years that hearing loop technology and written notices be standard at airports and in other places where one has to be able to understand communication to know what is going on. It's difficult for us even without the masks.