Traveling With Hearing Aids

Planning a trip is exciting, but if you use hearing aids, it can bring a few additional challenges. Whether you’re navigating a bustling airport, relaxing on a beach, or sightseeing in a busy city, preparation is key to ensuring your hearing aids enhance your travel experience—without causing undue stress. At American Medical Hearing Centers, we’re proud to help patients across Arizona and Florida make the most of their hearing aids. Check out our travel tips for hearing aid users and learn how you can streamline your next vacation.

Before You Leave: A Hearing Aid Travel Checklist

For a stress-free vacation, you’ll want to start planning far in advance. After you book a trip, follow our hearing aid travel checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared for takeoff:

1. Schedule a Check-Up

Book an appointment with your audiologist at least two weeks before your trip. Have them inspect your hearing aids to ensure they’re in good condition. They can also adjust settings if you’re traveling to areas with varying noise levels (like going from a quiet countryside to a noisy city). Additionally, you might ask about hearing aid travel accessories that could be useful for your trip, such as water-resistant covers or extra batteries.

2. Pack a Hearing Aid Travel Kit

You’ve heard of a first aid kit, but what about a hearing aid travel kit? Packing the essentials can be a lifesaver when you’re in an unfamiliar place. Especially for international travel, a kit is crucial—you may not know whether hearing aid accessories will be readily available. We recommend including these essentials in your kit:

• Plenty of extra batteries or a charger (if your hearing aids are rechargeable)
• Extra tubing, wax guards, and cleaning tools
• A dehumidifier to keep them moisture-free in humid conditions
• A hard protective case
• A copy of your hearing aids’ manual in case you need help with maintenance

3. Research Airline Policies

If you’re flying to your vacation destination, it pays to get familiar with airline policies regarding medical devices. Most airlines allow hearing aids and their batteries as carry-on items, but you’ll want confirmation before arrival. Whenever possible, you should keep your hearing aids and accessories in your carry-on luggage to avoid damage or delays if your checked luggage is misplaced in transit.

Navigating the Journey with Hearing Aids

Once you have all the “before you leave” steps squared away, it’s time to start thinking about the journey itself. Preparation will depend on how you plan to travel. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with hearing aids via plane or train:

Tips for the Airport or Train Station

Travel hubs can be loud, busy environments, making it harder to hear announcements. Minimize confusion and conflict by doing the following:

• Keep your hearing aids in during security screening. They shouldn’t set off airport metal detectors.  
• Inform security agents about your hearing aids to avoid misunderstandings during screening.
• Use apps or download travel updates to your phone for visual notifications of flight or train changes.
• If traveling abroad, use translation apps to understand signs and announcements.

Using Hearing Aids on the Plane or Train

Noise levels in planes and trains can vary and affect how you hear. If your hearing aids have noise-canceling features or a travel mode, enable them for a more comfortable experience. Avoid removing your hearing aids during takeoff or landing, as they help you stay aware of notifications from the flight crew. For long-haul flights or train journeys, bring a neck pillow to keep your head supported if you fall asleep. This prevents unnecessary pressure on your ears and devices.

Hear Clearly During Your Trip

Now for the most important part—hearing clearly during your vacation. You’ll need to know about maintaining hearing aids on the go and adapting to different environments with varying noise levels. Here are our tips for keeping your hearing aids in top shape throughout your trip:

1. Watch the Weather  

Different climates can pose risks to your hearing aids. Depending on where you’re going and the time of year, you’ll need to take different precautions. Check out this brief overview:

• Hot Destinations—High heat can drain the battery quickly, so be sure to have backups on hand. Avoid leaving your hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot cars.
• Wet or Humid Locations—Consider water-resistant cases or covers to protect your devices from rain, sweat, or humidity. Use a dehumidifier at night, if possible, to remove excess moisture.
• Cold Areas—Like in hot weather, batteries can deplete faster in colder climates. Always carry spares to avoid any issues.  

2. Adapt to Noise Levels in New Environments

New destinations often have soundscapes that are different from what you’re used to. If you’re in a loud city or attending live shows, use hearing aid settings optimized for noisy environments. On guided group tours, ask about assistive listening devices provided for hearing-impaired participants. These can enhance your experience by directly streaming commentary into your hearing aids.

3. Be Mindful of Maintenance

Travel can take a toll on your hearing aids if they are not properly maintained. To avoid issues, clean your hearing aids at the end of every day to prevent the buildup of dirt or moisture. If you experience malfunctions, consult your manual or contact your audiologist (or a local professional) for help.  

Maintaining Hearing Aids on the Go

Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your hearing aids working properly during your travels. Take these tips for maintaining hearing aids on the go:

• Carry a Cleaning Kit—A small kit containing a brush, wax pick, and cleaning cloth can help you remove debris and earwax buildup.
• Protect from Moisture—Use a waterproof case to safeguard your hearing aids from unexpected rain or accidental spills. For added protection, consider bringing a portable drying box.
• Pack Extra Batteries—Always carry spare batteries or a charging case to ensure you’re never left without power.
• Check for Damage Regularly—Inspect your hearing aids for cracks or loose parts and address any issues as soon as possible.
• Follow Manufacturer Guidelines—Keep your user manual handy to reference specific care instructions for your hearing aids.

Helpful Travel Accessories for Hearing Aid Users

Want to make your trip even smoother? Try these hearing aid travel accessories to make your trip a breeze:

• Bluetooth Streamers—Connect your hearing aids to your phone or GPS for audio instructions.
• Smartphone Apps—Research apps that can help you adjust hearing aid settings on the go.
• Battery Testers—Portable battery testers can instantly check battery life, so you’re not caught off guard.
• Portable Dehumidifiers—These compact devices are perfect for tropical or high-humidity destinations.

Set Off on Your Journey with Confidence

With the right preparation, your hearing aids won’t hinder you from a fantastic vacation! The team at American Medical Hearing Centers can answer all your questions about international travel with hearing aids and make sure your plans go off without a hitch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.