Travelling with Hearing Aids

When packing, make sure to pack all of the items you need to maintain your hearing aids. It’s always good to pack more than you think you will need — it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

When packing your hearing aid supplies make sure to pack them in your carry-on bag like you would with medications. If your luggage gets lost or stolen, you don’t want to be without all the equipment you need to use your hearing aids. If you are worried you might be forgetting something, here is a list of things you may want to pack for your travels:

• Extra batteries, if your hearing aids use replaceable batteries

• Charging station and/or charging cable, if your hearing aids are rechargeable

• Cleaning kit: (cleaning brushes, disinfectant wipes)

• Hearing aid dryer, if you have one

• Extra domes and wax guards that may need to be replaced

• Other hearing aid accessories, if you think you will need them

Many consider the airport the most stressful part of travelling and when you have hearing aids. This is because all of the noise can be overwhelming. The overlapping sounds can make it difficult to hear family, friends, TSA agents, and announcements. 

If you want to have as little stress as possible while flying, here are some tips to help make things easier:

• Turn down the volume of your hearing aids so you don’t feel as overwhelmed

• Try adjusting your settings to turn down background noise as much as possible

• Wear your hearing aids through security so you can hear them clearly

• Chew gum to help your ears pop

• Wear your hearing aids during the flight, so you can hear the people around you and important announcements

• Use visual cues for better a understanding in case you miss a part of the announcements

• Stay awake during takeoff and landing, so you can help your ears pop

• Book a seat near the front of the plane as it is further away from the noise of the engines

While hearing loss doesn't significantly impact your ability to drive, you can make sure your road trip is done in comfort by being prepared. It never hurts to be prepared and take extra precautions, especially if you are the one driving.

Here are a few tips to keep distractions and stresses to a minimum:

• Cut out distracting noise such as closing the window to block out wind noise, turning down the radio; Some hearing aids can be programmed to compensate for background noise

• Put the phone away and turn off the Bluetooth connects so there is no sudden ringing to distract you from the road

• Use a remote mic; They help cut through unwanted environmental noise and allow you to have one-to-one conversations through your hearing aids