Your Guide to Flying With Hearing Aids
Preparing for Your Flight
What to Do Before Flying With Hearing Aids
Should I Schedule a Pre-Flight Hearing Aid Check?
Can I Wear Hearing Aids on a Plane?
If Travelling Internationally, Should I Pack a Voltage Converter for My Hearing Aid Charger?
How Should I Pack Hearing Aids on Planes?
Prepare a dedicated kit containing:
- Extra batteries, or fully charged power bank or portable charger
- Cleaning tools and spare wax guards
- Protective storage case
- Drying kit or dehumidifier
- International power adaptor and voltage converter (if required)
Battery Regulations for Air Travel
Can You Take Hearing Aid Batteries on a Plane?
Disposable zinc-air batteries
Disposable hearing aid batteries are permitted in carry-on luggage, but it’s important not to stow them in your checked luggage. Pack extra batteries in your carry-on bag and keep them in their original packaging to prevent accidental activation.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
Rechargeable hearing aids with built-in lithium-ion batteries are allowed on planes. Aviation safety guidelines require that external battery chargers and spare lithium-ion batteries travel in carry-on luggage, not checked baggage.
Pack your charging case, cables, and any portable power banks in your carry-on bag so you can recharge during layovers or delays. Most hearing aid lithium-ion batteries are well within airline safety limits.
At the Airport
Navigating Airport Security With Hearing Aids
Will hearing aids set off security metal detectors?
Airport security screening tips
Utilizing the airport's hearing loop system
During the Flight
Flying With Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Do Hearing Aids Connect to Airplane Entertainment Screens?
Most hearing aids don’t connect directly to airplane entertainment screens because the systems do not use open Bluetooth pairing. However, you’ll still have plenty of ways to enjoy entertainment throughout your flight.
If you want to stream in-flight audio to your hearing aids, you may be able to use a small Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the headphone jack. These work with many Made for iPhone (MFi), ASHA-compatible Android, or newer LE Audio hearing aids. Some models won’t pair, so check before you travel.
If streaming isn’t possible, you can wear airline headphones over your hearing aids, turn on captions, or bring your own downloaded entertainment.
How to Manage Cabin Pressure Changes
It’s important to note that the type of hearing aid and fitting affects how you experience air pressure changes. Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can help equalize the pressure.
If you’re experiencing significant discomfort, try removing your hearing aids to allow pressure to equalize quickly. Removing hearing aids is particularly helpful for people wearing completely-in-the-canal (CIC) or in-the-ear (ITE) models.
