Hiking while Deaf/Hearing Impaired

 Hey guys, it's Josh and here I am going to tell you what is it like not being able to hear things while hiking places. I'm also going to explain some tips you can use during your journey based on personal experience. Hiking is a type of activity that anyone can do even someone with a hearing disability, anything is possible if you can put your mind to it. When you plan for a hike, you need to have all the necessary equipment for hiking especially if you are deaf or hearing impaired, These are special tips that are specific for you. First, if you do not want to hike alone then getting a partner that you know and trust is the best thing for you. In my first time hiking, at first time it was weird not just because it is new for me but rather because I couldn't hear anything, then my wife and partner, Aly helped me enjoy being somewhere that I have never been before. Another reason why it's good to have a partner is communication, if there ever comes a time when you need to talk to an official of some kind but you are deaf and you and your partner know sign language that person can be your interpreter so there will be no miscommunication. This also works if you are hard of hearing, however, if no one knows sign language but you can still hear even a little bit or you can read lips ask the official or your partner to face you and speak a little louder so that way you can understand them. I personally have used this same tactic during my hike and it works very well, although I don't know much sign language but I can read lips pretty well and it helps a lot.

Hiking can be very therapeutic to deal with things that can be stressful throughout your life, like your hearing. Exploring nature has a way of taking away your troubles and being free, it is also a great way to exercise. I have never been hiking before and I have always been a shut-in because I was self-conscious about not being able to hear but with my wife helping me learn sign language and read lips I can do anything. When you are hiking and you can't hear when someone is speaking to you, you must not be afraid to speak up and say something to that person like "I'm sorry I cannot understand you", they can't help you if you don't tell them. it can be hard to get the words out, like it was for me but I mustered up the courage to not be afraid of my disability. If you are hiking alone and you are deaf or hearing impaired whenever you are approached by someone make sure you always let them know of your situation, yes it can be scary telling someone you do not know about something personal but if they can help you it needs mentioning. 

 What happens if it gets dark and you need to talk to your partner or someone else. One thing that you can use to help is to use a glowstick or some other type of light around your neck so that way if you and your partner know sign language you can use that in front of the light so your partner can see what you are saying and interpret for you, make sure the light you are using is strong and bright in order to see clearly. however, if you don't know sign language but can read lips, this is what you can do, so what I do is that since I can read lips I ask the person in front of me to shine a flashlight of some kind over their lips so that way I can interpret what is being said. If there is a time when i am away from my wife but she can't get my attention, she uses a flashlight so that way she can shine light in my direction so I can know she is trying to reach me, if this ever happens to you that is what you can do.

As you go on your hike when you are deaf, it's important to focus on the sights of nature around you, even if you can't hear you can still enjoy life in the forest. another thing that is important is feeling vibrations, use your sense of touch to feel the sounds around you like a woodpecker pecking on a tree, or feeling the ground to feel anything or anyone coming towards you. there is also being aware of your surroundings, you won't always be able to feel the vibration of things, so it is best to pay attention to everything, it's important you don't miss anything, like no trespassing signs, caution signs, or do not enter. So you see even if you can't hear you have your other senses, touch, and sight, and with them you can always enjoy your journey wherever you go.