Hearing impairment and the DAS?

[Cedarmom]

My 8 year old son is unilaterally deaf. He has no hearing in one ear and perfect hearing in the other. He has a bone anchored hearing aid that he will use in shows or any time we are seated (such as meals), but I'm concerned about the lines. Listening in general is just harder for him, but when there is a lot of background noise in a confined space, he tends to shut down. He can't hear the conversation, instructions or anything else except the noise and just gets overwhelmed. We have experience with this-- a couple of years ago we lost him *3* times at Hershey. He would get overwhelmed with the noise and bolt. This isn't parental neglect- he's just fast. That was one day in a park. I'm concerned about 6 full days at Disney.
I think the DAS would help him, at least on rides that have indoor lines so that he could wait out in the open where sounds aren't so overwhelming, but I am concerned that guest services will hear 'hearing impairment' and not listen to the concerns related to that, instead pointing me to the devices they have.
Any advice? Am I wasting my time trying?

 

[aaarcher86]

My 8 year old son is unilaterally deaf. He has no hearing in one ear and perfect hearing in the other. He has a bone anchored hearing aid that he will use in shows or any time we are seated (such as meals), but I'm concerned about the lines. Listening in general is just harder for him, but when there is a lot of background noise in a confined space, he tends to shut down. He can't hear the conversation, instructions or anything else except the noise and just gets overwhelmed. We have experience with this-- a couple of years ago we lost him *3* times at Hershey. He would get overwhelmed with the noise and bolt. This isn't parental neglect- he's just fast. That was one day in a park. I'm concerned about 6 full days at Disney. I think the DAS would help him, at least on rides that have indoor lines so that he could wait out in the open where sounds aren't so overwhelming, but I am concerned that guest services will hear 'hearing impairment' and not listen to the concerns related to that, instead pointing me to the devices they have. Any advice? Am I wasting my time trying?

I don't know if it's a waste of time, but if you're looking for less background noise outside the lines I think you'll be in for a surprise.

I think of the two the lines are quieter between the shows, parades, people yelling, music in each land, random fireworks and blasts, screaming children, etc. could you get some noise canceling headphones to wear in line? Or earplugs?

I think you'll probably have an uphill battle getting the DAS to be honest.

 

[SueM in MN]

My 8 year old son is unilaterally deaf. He has no hearing in one ear and perfect hearing in the other. He has a bone anchored hearing aid that he will use in shows or any time we are seated (such as meals), but I'm concerned about the lines. Listening in general is just harder for him, but when there is a lot of background noise in a confined space, he tends to shut down. He can't hear the conversation, instructions or anything else except the noise and just gets overwhelmed. We have experience with this-- a couple of years ago we lost him *3* times at Hershey. He would get overwhelmed with the noise and bolt. This isn't parental neglect- he's just fast. That was one day in a park. I'm concerned about 6 full days at Disney.
I think the DAS would help him, at least on rides that have indoor lines so that he could wait out in the open where sounds aren't so overwhelming, but I am concerned that guest services will hear 'hearing impairment' and not listen to the concerns related to that, instead pointing me to the devices they have.
Any advice? Am I wasting my time trying?

You would need to explain his issues with waiting in lines.
It's not really his hearng impairment that causes his issues - it's that being in the general noise level of the lines is get whelming to him.
That is what you want to explain

 

[Cedarmom]

I don't know if it's a waste of time, but if you're looking for less background noise outside the lines I think you'll be in for a surprise.

I think of the two the lines are quieter between the shows, parades, people yelling, music in each land, random fireworks and blasts, screaming children, etc. could you get some noise canceling headphones to wear in line? Or earplugs?

I think you'll probably have an uphill battle getting the DAS to be honest.

It's not the noise as much as the noise in a confined space. It bounces off of walls and just makes it overwhelming. Because all of the sound comes from one side, he can't 'sort' the good sounds (music, mom and dad talking) from the bad (feet shuffling, ac turning on, other people talking chatting). We do have ear muffs and ear plugs and we will use them both at times, but then he can't hear anything.

We have done some things to help the problem-going at a slow time of year, getting FP for the must dos, etc, and we will skip all of the fireworks. I'm still concerned. I don't want him to be miserable.

 

[Cedarmom]

You would need to explain his issues with waiting in lines.
It's not really his hearng impairment that causes his issues - it's that being in the general noise level of the lines is get whelming to him.
That is what you want to explain

So skipping the whole hearing part of the explanation and being more vague? 'Due to an impairment his has x,y,z issues?'

 

[ladyjubilee]

I'm not sure if its because my son's behavior is different enough that his disability is visible, but I didn't have to go in to big long spiel. It was far less intimidated than I'd expected.

But I would caution that some of the FP queues can be REALLY loud too... and at least when we went at the busiest time of the year, not really short.

Stroller as wheelchair helped us as my son retreated to the stroller and not away.

 

[BigAlsGal]

I don't know if it's a waste of time, but if you're looking for less background noise outside the lines I think you'll be in for a surprise.

I think of the two the lines are quieter between the shows, parades, people yelling, music in each land, random fireworks and blasts, screaming children, etc. could you get some noise canceling headphones to wear in line? Or earplugs?

I think you'll probably have an uphill battle getting the DAS to be honest.

I agree. Noise canceling headphones/earplugs would be your best option. I have kids who are sensitive to loud noises and they fixed the problem. I've never noticed the lines being very loud. The only one offhand I can think of that is loud is Space Mountain.

 

[charmed59]

I was under the impression the DAS was meant for people who get overwhelmed in long lines or spending too much time in crowded places without an out. Disney doesn't care, and usually doesn't even want to know, if they get overwhelmed due to PTSD, autism, or some other reason. It sounds like the OP's issue is not that the child can't hear in line, but that he gets overwhelmed, so I would think he is a candidate for DAS.

 

[lanejudy]

It's...the noise in a confined space. It bounces off of walls and just makes it overwhelming. ...

So skipping the whole hearing part of the explanation and being more vague? 'Due to an impairment his has x,y,z issues?'

The quote above is focusing your request, not necessarily being vague or downplaying the hearing loss. DAS is need-based, not diagnosis-based. Hearing loss is his diagnosis. You'll have to explain his issues specifically related to waiting in lines. Unless you also wish to request accommodation for hearing (an assistive listening device or other), there is no need to discuss the hearing loss.

Just keep in mind that as others have said, there are noises outside the lines as well as within the lines, and you will spend 5-15 minutes in the FP+ lines which often parallel the main queues.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Just keep in mind that as others have said, there are noises outside the lines as well as within the lines, and you will spend 5-15 minutes in the FP+ lines which often parallel the main queues . . .

1) Regardless of DAS or not, the noise will still be present.
2) For at least 5-15 minutes wait time and maybe longer once inside the building.
3) Headphones are your bet bet.

NOTE: DAS was begun in order to avoid GAC abuses, such as immediate access to
rides. Thus, you and your child will still have lines to negotiate. And, some of the inside
line queues are pretty confining and noisy, let alone heavy with visual distractions

 

[SueM in MN]

The quote above is focusing your request, not necessarily being vague or downplaying the hearing loss. DAS is need-based, not diagnosis-based. Hearing loss is his diagnosis. You'll have to explain his issues specifically related to waiting in lines. Unless you also wish to request accommodation for hearing (an assistive listening device or other), there is no need to discuss the hearing loss.

Just keep in mind that as others have said, there are noises outside the lines as well as within the lines, and you will spend 5-15 minutes in the FP+ lines which often parallel the main queues.

Enjoy your vacation!

Agree

 

[Cedarmom]

1) Regardless of DAS or not, the noise will still be present.
2) For at least 5-15 minutes wait time and maybe longer once inside the building.
3) Headphones are your bet bet.

NOTE: DAS was begun in order to avoid GAC abuses, such as immediate access to
rides. Thus, you and your child will still have lines to negotiate. And, some of the inside
line queues are pretty confining and noisy, let alone heavy with visual distractions

Visual distractions are no problem (unless math homework is involved ).

I would describe it like this: Plug an ear with an ear plug and then hold a white noise machine up to your other ear. Now try to hold a conversation with those around you. You could do it, but after a while it becomes very tiring. In a more open setting outside, that white noise is still there, but it isn't reverberating- think holding that noise machine back 5 feet rather than at your ear--conversations become less work. If he's having to work harder for 15 minutes at a time rather than 45 minutes, his chances of becoming overwhelmed and shutting down or bolting become less.
Headphones help and we will use them, especially in lines that are purposefully loud like space mountain. However, they are isolating. That's pretty torturous to my social kid. The oldest would probably be thrilled to wear the headphones to block us out , but not the kid that needs them.

 

[Cedarmom]

The quote above is focusing your request, not necessarily being vague or downplaying the hearing loss. DAS is need-based, not diagnosis-based. Hearing loss is his diagnosis. You'll have to explain his issues specifically related to waiting in lines. Unless you also wish to request accommodation for hearing (an assistive listening device or other), there is no need to discuss the hearing loss.

Just keep in mind that as others have said, there are noises outside the lines as well as within the lines, and you will spend 5-15 minutes in the FP+ lines which often parallel the main queues.

Enjoy your vacation!

This is helpful. Thank you!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I agree. Noise canceling headphones/earplugs would be your best option. I have kids who are sensitive to loud noises and they fixed the problem. I've never noticed the lines being very loud. The only one offhand I can think of that is loud is Space Mountain.

The OP needs to get her son some noise blocking headphones, which are readily available on Amazon for under $15, not noise cancelling headphones. Noise cancelling headphones aren't designed to block out voices or loud noises.

 

[SueM in MN]

The OP needs to get her son some noise blocking headphones, which are readily available on Amazon for under $15, not noise cancelling headphones. Noise cancelling headphones aren't designed to block out voices or loud noises.

Yes - the most popular brand for that purpose is Peltor Junior (kid sized). They will block out noises like fireworks, shots, etc.
Noise canceling earphones are designed to cancel out noise so your earphones let you listen to music coming to you over the headphones - a very different purpose.

The Fastpass lines will usually be the same sound conditions, but your time in that line will generally be about 5-15 minutes.
Remember at WDW that you have 3 Fastpasses that you can schedule ahead of time. Also, using a touring plan website like touringplans.com or easywdw.com
Will help you to be in the least busy part of the least busy park. Many people who have DAS have found that they seldom need to use it by using Fastpass Plus and keeping the touring plan in mind (you don't need to follow exactly)

The parks are very noisy all over - there is constant background music wherever you are. The busier it is, the more crowd noise is added to the regular background noise.

 

[Cedarmom]

OP here.
We have Peltor Jr. headphones that we will be bringing. He uses them at school for testing or silent reading to block the foot shuffling and nose sniffling. Again, they aren't a great solution as they prevent him from joining the conversation.

I have FP+ booked. I was up at midnight 60 days out and have tinkered with them and rethought every day since. Must dos are Fast passed, with the exception of test track and RnR, but we will rope drop those. Customized touring plans are made and will be generally followed.

We are going end of Jan/beginning of Feb to coincide with low crowd times, and have chosen the best or second best park each day, cross referenced with tp and easywdw. No extra magic hours for us.

I'm hoping a DAS won't really be needed and have tried to set him up for success as much as possible, but I'm also hoping we can get it as a back up for those spontaneous 1 pm requests to ride a 'mountain' (curses! Those are rope drop rides! Follow the plan, child!) or an unexpected 45 minute wait at something like Haunted Mansion. The less time he spends in an enclosed line, the less listening fatigue he will experience, and the better he will do overall.

 

[EskiLvr]

Hello, Cedarmom!

My older son (aka Thing 1) also is Profoundly/Unilaterally Deaf (SNL, left ear), with above normal hearing in his right. The type of issues your son has are very similar to what he experienced on a regular basis when he was your kiddo's age - if you Google 'Audiological Recruitment Issues", you'll find some interesting write ups on the subject.

Thing 1 now uses a Phonak CROS system, but used a TransEar Bone Conduction system when we first took him to WDW. He's a WDW pro now - we've been to the House of the Mouse 5 times, including a 10 day stay last June (one of the busiest times of the year). I asked him for his opinion, because he knows what he likes and doesn't at this point (his first trip, he was about to turn 10, and this last trip was right before he turned 16).

Likes: Almost all of the indoor line queue areas are actually not too noisy at all. He doesn't remember a single one being too loud for him - and that's saying something.

Meh: It's a Small World - mainly because we got stuck on it for 15 minutes our first trip. He'll still cringe if you start singing the song to him. (In other words - *nothing* to do with the level of sound...)

Be Warned: Aerosmith's Rockin Roller Coaster and Expedition Everest both have loud parts during the ride - but as he put it: "Mom, it's SO WORTH IT!" I honestly think he gets so distracted by the ride itself that it outweighs the noisy part.

Be Warned, Mom Edition: I can't remember if BAHAs are as non-water-friendly as Thing 1's CROS system. We made sure to carry a couple of sandwich sized Ziplock bags with us as emergency dry kits - and also got very good at warning him to clap his hands over his ears if we were on a ride where you had to go through a curtain of water (Big Thunder Mountain Railroad).

Restaurants: He can't remember having problems with any of them. I would tell you that the acoustics in the Disney restaurants are much better than at many of the restaurants we have here in our city.

Fireworks: The one part of WDW he really doesn't appreciate. I can tell you, however, that you can usually escape *most* of the noise by ducking into a gift shop and getting to the furthest-back-corner. (Not that we would know anything about getting trapped at the exit of Mickey's Philharmagic because we lost track of the time and it ended *right* in the middle of Wishes... ouch.) He did pack noise canceling headphones last trip and just carried them in a sling pack - we didn't have to break them out once.

Hotel: Does your son bury his "good ear" in his pillow when he's exhausted like mine does? Shrieking fire alarms *have* failed to wake him up in the past. I usually give the front desk of our resort a head's up that we have a hearing impaired kiddo in the party just for fire safety reasons (same thing when we cruise with DCL).

I think he's going to have a great time! Thing 1 *loves* going to Disney, and believe me, he wouldn't look forward to going if he didn't enjoy the experiences we have there.

 

[Cedarmom]

Wow! This is hugely helpful! Thank you to you and your son!

My guy's frequency annoyance seems to be lower, which is why I'm concerned about lines. The chatter/feet shuffle/nose sniffling/baby crying background noise does a number on him. One of our Hersheypark incidents occurred because the ride mechanics were too loud. If you are familiar with that park, it was the Flying Falcons. I never heard a thing, but to him it was horrible. As soon as the attendant opened his car, he took off. I'm stuck on the ride watching my 6 year old run. Not a good feeling. I'm hoping he's old enough now to control that flight impulse, but I just don't know.

Loud sounds do hurt him, but those are usually more easily avoided. I'll warn him about RNR and EE, but I can almost guarantee it won't deter him. He's a coaster junkie. Fireworks in general are a no go. We aren't even trying Wishes or Illuminations. We will attempt Fantasmic with ear defenders, but it's his call. If he wants to leave, we will.

The baha is not water friendly and is attached to his head by a magnet (the newer attract system). It's new enough to us that I don't trust that it will stay on his head on rides, so he won't wear it for those. Too expensive a gamble.

Good to know the restaurants mostly have decent acoustics. We have restaurant strategies at home and he's usually fine but there are also places we avoid because he just hates going there. If having his baha isn't good enough in the restaurants, we will probably hand him an idevice to let him 'retreat' for a bit. #thoseparents

Thank you for mentioning the hotel! He most definitely buries that good ear when he's sleeping. We've never had cause to test whether a fire alarm would wake him, so it has never occurred to me. Same thing for the cruise. We are doing our first one soon!

 

[staceywj]

I can't contribute with any advice but wanted to thank all the everyone for their responses. I also have a situation with my DD. DD has a unilateral hearing loss (had tubes, suctioned out, left hole in her eardrum, went for surgery using back of her ear cartilage to patch it, was unsuccessful and left her with vertigo and headaches, at times. She also had 2 concussions last year. So, here we are and contemplating a summer trip. We would have to drive (20 hours) since dr strongly advised us against flying. We have been to Disney with dds 5 times before the surgery. DD is now 10 and we have a 6 year old. She wears her hearing aid daily and has an FM system in school.

She is "retired" from rides and afraid of how she will feel if she does go on any rides. But, I know there is so much more to do. Besides the previous comments, is there anything I should be thinking of or preparing for before we decide.

(She has private PT 3x a week and sees a chiropractor. We meet with the neurologist every 3 months and audiologist every 6 months.)

I am trying to consider everything before I even talk to DH about wanting to go. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[EskiLvr]

StaceyWJ: Our 10 day trip was a 2 family outing this past June - and the 10 year old girl in our party had a bad tube in her left ear that actually wound up getting removed right when we got home. She had a *blast* and went on just about everything. She's almost as sensitive to noise as my Thing 1, and never complained once. I couldn't drag her off the Tea Cups - I think she rode them seven times in a row at Universal - that's the kind of ride you would think would give her fits.

And CedarMom: FWIW: getting older *does* seem to help our kiddos quite a bit - especially as they can more easily understand that certain behavioral expectations will be set. Thing 1 was given ground rules (no running, no meltdowns, no yelling) - and the consequences weren't something he wanted. I did make sure to have Tylenol on hand for noise induced headaches, and only had to use it once in all of our trips that I remember.

(And I did make an exception about no meltdowns after the getting stuck in Wishes fiasco.)

Good luck!