Tips for Traveling With Hearing Aids

Traveling with hearing aids can cause anxiety for many, especially if it’s the first time doing so. You may not know exactly what you’ll need to pack or even whether you can go through airport security with the devices. To help make your travel as smooth as possible, here are key hearing aid travel tips that you want to keep in mind. 

Preparation Before Your Trip

Before the trip, make sure to schedule an appointment with your audiologist. This check-up will ensure that your hearing aids are working correctly, and it also gives you the opportunity to ask for any hearing aid maintenance information that you may need to know. 

It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the various regulations regarding hearing aids and batteries that may be in place in airports and when going through customs. In the United States, you can wear them through security without worry. 

Different countries may have stricter laws, however. If you’re not sure, try calling your destination airport to check. 

What to Pack for Your Trip

It can make a difference to have a hearing aid travel checklist that you can follow when packing. Some of the items you want to include are:

• Protective hearing aids case
• Extra batteries or charger 
• Cleaning tools and supplies
• Backup hearing aids
• Portable drying kit or dehumidifier

You also want to have a copy of your hearing aid prescription and the contact information for your audiologist. That way, if you lose the hearing aid, you’ll have the information you need to get another one. 

Maintaining and Troubleshooting Hearing Aids on the Go

One of the most common concerns people have when traveling with hearing aids is how to keep them dry and clean. Perhaps the best option to tackle this is to bring a drying kit. These are small containers with a drying agent that pulls moisture from the hearing aid. 

You’ll also want to have disinfectant wipes and dry cloths on hand to wipe the hearing aids clean. It’s important to follow the same cleaning routine you would at home. 

If you’re flying, you may have issues with battery life and changes in air pressure, so make sure to carry extra batteries with you. You won’t be required to turn your hearing aids off during the flight. If you have in-ear hearing aids and the pressure during takeoff or landing is very uncomfortable, however, you can take the hearing aids out. 

As you travel, use a hearing aid retention cord to prevent them from falling out and getting lost. You also want to have a portable repair kit with you at all times when traveling. They generally contain tools to help you replace batteries, clean microphones, change wax guards, and make minor repairs. 

Navigating Airports and Public Transportation

You can keep your hearing aids on through security without stressing about them setting off the metal detectors. You still should tell security that you have them, though. It can be a good idea to note that you have extra batteries that you’ll need to take on the plane with you as well. In some cases, you may be asked to put your hearing aids through the X-ray scanner, which won’t harm the aids. 

Make sure you select the T-coil setting if this is an option your hearing aids offer. It’s available in most airports and on the plane. T-coil settings can help you hear in environments where there’s a lot of background noise. Let the airplane staff know that you have hearing loss as well.

When you take public transportation with hearing aids, you have options to ensure you get announcements that pertain to your trip. You can download apps with accessibility functions and can even sign up to receive SMS alerts. Many public transportation options, including buses and trains, have visual announcements as well. 

Accommodations and Sightseeing

When booking a hotel, look for those that offer hearing-accessible rooms. These will have features like fire alarms with strobing lights, doorbell and phone ringing flashers, and closed captioning. Some even have bed shakers to help you wake up when you set up an alarm. 

Make sure to communicate with the hotel staff and let them know of any special needs you have. Do this as soon as you arrive. 

As you start sightseeing, you may want to target locations that offer assistive listening devices. Some locations will have audio guides that are compatible with hearing aids. When you choose a restaurant, you also want to let the host know that you have hearing loss. They can help you find a table that is more suitable for your needs. 

Enjoying Your Trip With Confidence

By taking the time to plan your trip, you can have an easier and more pleasant experience. Traveling with hearing loss doesn’t have to mean high levels of stress. When you take a proactive approach, you can enjoy the peace of mind that you’re prepared and have everything you need with you.

Keep in mind that no matter where you travel, there are people who will be happy to help you. If you’re ever in need of assistance, reach out to customer support.  

Have a Worry-Free Trip With Happy Ears Hearing

Traveling with hearing aids starts with verifying the devices are working at their best and packing what you’ll need in an emergency. This can include extra batteries and repair kits. By ensuring you know airport regulations and what you can expect from the accommodations at your destination, you can have a hassle-free travel experience. 

Remember that communication is key. Let people know that you have hearing aids so that they can keep you in mind if an emergency arises or if you need additional help. 

At Happy Ears Hearing, we can make sure your hearing aids are travel-ready. Before you head off on your next adventure, we can monitor their function and confirm that they’re set up correctly. Contact us to make an appointment with our Greater Phoenix audiologists for a check-up today.