Going on a day trip or extended vacation is a time to unwind and have fun. There are ways to prevent a poor hearing aid experience while you’re away from home. You’ll need plan ahead, here are 4 tips for traveling with hearing aids to help you out.
Pack Essential Hearing Aid Supplies
Finding hearing aid supplies when you’re away from home may be difficult. However, packing extra parts or accessories can help you avoid problems.
Here are some items to include:
- Extra hearing aid batteries: You may use your hearing devices more while traveling, so have plenty of replacement batteries. You can pack batteries in a small case but keep tissue paper between them so they don’t discharge each other.
- A charging station and cord: Rechargeable hearing aids provide long-lasting power, but you should still make sure your charging supplies are readily available.
- Domes and wax guards: A warped dome or plugged wax guard affects your hearing aid function, so have extras on hand.
- Drying or dehumidifying kit: Those items are especially important if you’re going to a humid or damp climate.
- Bluetooth accessories: Remote mics can help you hear flight staff and companions on the go.
- Cleaning supplies: Your hearing aids may be exposed to more dust, dirt and debris in transit, so don’t forget your cleaning kit.
- A protective case: Store your hearing aids and supplies in a designated bag or container to keep all your supplies in one spot.
Wearing Hearing Aids on Planes
Wear your hearing aids as much as possible, even in noisy airports, so you don’t miss updates and information.
It’s important to wear your hearing aids daily, even throughout TSA and the airport. The metal detectors and X-ray machines shouldn’t affect your devices. Don’t place your hearing aids on the conveyor belt or in a bin when going through security to avoid misplacing or damaging them.
Some airports provide hearing loops that connect to telecoil hearing aids and stream announcements to compatible devices. Notify flight staff that you wear hearing devices in case of an emergency so they keep you informed. Store your hearing aid supplies in your carry-on bag, so you have direct access to them in the event of a delay or layover.
Wearing Hearing Aids in Trains, Buses and Cars
Keep the background noise to a minimum if you’re driving to your destination. Loud music, conversations and wind noise could prevent you from hearing sounds like car horns and emergency sirens.
Remote mics are handy for road trips and allow you to participate in the conversation. Those microphones can be clipped to a companion’s shirt or placed in the back seat. You may also experience listening fatigue if you have hearing loss, so switch drivers if you feel sleepy on the road.
Like airports, some train depots and bus stations have hearing loops so you can tune in to the public announcement system. Call the location ahead of time to inquire about available hearing assistance services.
Protect Your Hearing Aids from Moisture and Dirt
Here are some tips for protecting your hearing devices if you vacation near a beach or body of water:
- Seal them in a plastic bag if you don’t have waterproof or water-resistant hearing aids.
- Carefully rinse your hearing aids with clean water if they’re exposed to salty or dirty water.
- Put wet hearing aids in a dehumidifier or drying kit for a few hours. You can also use dry rice or silica gel in a pinch.
- Turn a hair dryer on a low, cool setting and hold it several inches away from your hearing aids to eliminate trapped moisture.
Consider a Hearing Test or Hearing Aid Evaluation Before Your Vacation
Schedule a hearing evaluation and hearing aid adjustment before your next trip. Our expert audiologists will check that your devices are in working order so you can enjoy all the sounds of your vacation. Call 888-832-9966 or schedule your appointment online.
