
08/04/2025
How I Travel Through Europe with Hearing Loss (and a Lot of Phone Data)
I’m traveling through Europe and thought I’d share some real-life hearing loss lessons along the way.
Traveling with my family means going with the flow — lots of places and museums in one day, public transit, and spontaneous meals. I have to stay flexible and adapt fast. Life doesn’t slow down just because you have hearing loss.
Many people speak English, but thick accents and a fast pace can make it hard to understand. Some folks come off as abrupt — not unkind, just different cultural norms. When I lived in Nice, France, I noticed that directness is more common. But with hearing loss, that impatience or rush when you’re asking a question or placing an order can feel a little more personal.
People often hear my North American accent and judge before I even get a word in — there’s no time to explain I have hearing issues. And trying to speak in another language? Not fun for me! Ordering coffee feels like a game of “Will she be nice or nasty to me today?” 😂
Solution: my cell phone!!
Before the trip, I debated Wi-Fi vs. eSIM. Going with constant data was 100% the right call — it’s been my safety net.
My phone gives me independence from my ears: live captions, Google searches, ChatGPT, mobile tickets, and QR-code menus (bonus: food photos!). I even read along during audio tours to stay on track — super easy. I can point to the screen.
Having data gives me freedom — less stress about asking questions, and fewer awkward reactions when someone hears my accent. If you rely on your phone like I do, don’t forget a portable battery!
What’s working for me 👇
• eSIM or data plan
• Live captions/transcription
• Mobile tickets (museums, trains, trams)
• QR-code menus with photos
• Portable battery pack
Traveling with hearing loss isn’t always easy in another language or country — but with the right tools, it’s totally doable and even fun.
If you’ve traveled with hearing loss, I’d love to know what’s worked for you! 💬👇