Travelling with Hearing Aids

Planning a trip? Whether you’re heading interstate or overseas, a little preparation helps ensure your Hearing Aids in Barcaldine”>hearing aids perform well throughout your journey. Here’s what you need to know.

Before You Leave

Schedule a check-up with your audiologist before a major trip. They can ensure your hearing aids are working optimally, clean them professionally, and check that settings are appropriate for your destinations.

Ask for a written summary of your hearing aid specifications – brand, model, settings. If something goes wrong overseas, this helps local audiologists assist you more quickly.

Consider your travel insurance. Some policies cover hearing aid loss or damage, but you may need to check the details or add specific cover.

Pack Smart

Pack spare batteries – more than you think you’ll need. Hearing aid batteries can be hard to find in some destinations, and specific sizes may not be available. If you have rechargeable aids, bring your charger and a universal power adapter.

Bring cleaning tools – a brush, wax pick, and soft cloth. A drying kit is valuable, especially in humid destinations.

Always carry hearing aids and accessories in your carry-on luggage, never in checked bags. Pressure changes and temperature extremes in cargo holds can damage electronics, and lost luggage would leave you without your aids.

At the Airport

You can wear hearing aids through airport security without any issues. They don’t set off metal detectors or cause problems with full-body scanners.

If asked to remove them, you can, but it’s rarely necessary. Let security staff know if you need them to speak clearly due to hearing difficulties.

Consider using visual flight information displays rather than relying on audio announcements, which can be difficult to hear in busy terminals.

During Your Flight

You can generally wear hearing aids during flight. Some people find cabin noise overwhelming and prefer to switch to a quieter program or remove their aids for part of the flight.

If your hearing aids have airplane mode or flight-safe mode, switch to it for takeoff and landing if required. Many newer aids don’t need this, but check your manual.

For in-flight entertainment, check if the airline offers personal screens with captions. Some airlines also offer audio assistance for hearing-impaired passengers – worth asking about when booking.

At Your Destination

Protect your hearing aids from humidity, especially in tropical destinations. Use your drying kit nightly. Remove aids before swimming, showering, or water activities.

Be careful on beaches – sand can damage hearing aids. Store them safely when not in use.

If you need assistance overseas, major hearing aid brands often have international networks. Your audiologist may be able to provide contact information for clinics at your destination.

Planning a trip? Book a pre-travel hearing aid check to ensure everything is in top condition for your adventure.