Whether you are planning your tropical escape from winter or have a business trip approaching, your hearing aids are still one of your best companions for getting the most out of your travels. Any time, any place.
Learn more as we show you how to maintain your best hearing with minimal fuss on your journey—thanks to our 10 dos and don’ts of traveling with hearing aids:
1. Don’t leave your hearing aids at home
When it comes to travel, your best hearing is something you don’t want to leave home without. By wearing hearing aids on your trip, you’ll discover that transportation becomes simpler and safer—thanks to the improved ability to hear information like airport announcements and traffic noise, for example.
And when you arrive at your destination, you can fully immerse: Better hearing allows you to hear moments like waves crashing on the beach. The “calls” of native wildlife. Live cultural performances. And of course, the ever-fascinating melody of different languages around you.
(Did you know today’s hearing aids can also act as your personal translators? When you pair Edge AI hearing aids with the My Starkey app, you can send a foreign language-speaker a translated message in their language and then receive their translated response—streamed directly through your hearing aids.)
2. Do keep extra batteries on hand
Keeping your hearing aids working their best at all times is key to helping you maintain your hearing health—and enjoyment—on your trip. So, be sure to pack plenty of spare hearing aid batteries in your carry-on. (Or, upgrade to our rechargeable hearing aids, which provide all-day battery life.)
With all the amazing sights, sounds, conversations and other experiences ahead, you’d hate to run out of power mid-adventure.
(Hint: You’ll know it’s time to change your batteries when sound becomes consistently distorted or you’re increasingly turning up the volume.)
3. Don’t forget your accessories
Wireless hearing aid accessories are key to helping you fully engage with everyone and everything associated with your destination. You never know when a Table Microphone will come in handy for streaming your companion’s voice to your hearing aids at a busy restaurant, for example.
Or when a TV Streamer will help you and your fellow traveler enjoy the volumes you need while winding down after a big day. Simply stream your ideal sound level to your devices.
Or when a clip-on microphone for the tour guide will be beneficial, so you’ll never miss a fact: They can all be streamed to—you guessed it—your hearing aids.
The list goes on. Learn more about wireless hearing aid accessories here.
(Tip: Traveling overseas? Make sure to bring a compatible adapter to use with accessories such as your charger.)
4. Do wear your hearing aids in the airport
Wearing hearing aids is invaluable for hearing flight information from the airport’s public address (PA) system. Remember, if your hearing aids have a telecoil, they can access the airport’s hearing loop for increased clarity. And if you have Edge AI hearing aids, you will soon be able to seamlessly access announcements through Auracast, the next generation of connectivity.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints are no exception to this “Do.” There is no need to remove your hearing aids while going through metal detectors, x-rays, or other security screening machines—they won’t affect or damage your hearing aids.
TSA does advise, however, that you inform the TSA officer that you are wearing hearing aids and let them know if you will need any assistance with the screening process.
5. Don’t stow hearing aid supplies in checked luggage
Current TSA guidelines* require that external battery chargers and uninstalled or spare lithium-ion batteries be packed in carry-on bags—meaning you will need to take your hearing aid batteries (and charger, if your hearing aids are rechargeable) with you into the airport cabin.
And when you think about it, this guideline makes it easier (and more convenient) to hear others as needed and experience a better flight overall.
6. Do tell flight attendants about your hearing loss
Let’s face it: It can be difficult for people with normal hearing to hear well on airplanes. So, if you have hearing loss, let flight attendants know so that they can relay important information directly to you, as needed. This can include anything from safety instructions to what’s on the in-flight menu.
7. Don’t turn off your hearing aids on the plane
When you hear the flight attendant ask all passengers to turn off and stow all electronic devices during takeoff and landing, know that it doesn’t include hearing aids. Fortunately, hearing aids do not interfere with plane navigation or communication systems.
So, another win for keeping your devices in—you’ll have an easier time communicating with flight staff, chatting with your seatmates, and hearing the captain’s announcements.
8. Do bring a drying kit
Vacationing somewhere warm, tropical, or near water? Getting a drying kit/dehumidifier for your hearing aids can be a game changer. These can help defend against the buildup of humidity, perspiration, and condensation on your devices, which can impact their performance. Such buildup can be caused by simple temperature swings from going in and out of air conditioning (from your hotel to the local market and back, for example).
Drying kits are affordable, easy to use, and your hearing care professional can help you find the right one for your hearing aids.
9. Don’t forget your cleaning tools
Remember to bring your hearing aid cleaning tools to maintain daily cleaning and optimal performance of your devices throughout your trip. These would include your hearing aid tool (with brush) and/or a dry, soft cloth to clean earwax, moisture, and debris from the outer parts of your hearing aid. It also never hurts to bring wax guards or extra earpieces, if applicable.
Need a quick “hearing aid cleaning” refresher, on-the-go? Stream these short instructional videos:
- How to clean your standard or custom hearing aids
- How to change wax guards on standard or custom hearing aids
- How to replace an earpiece on standard hearing aids
10. Do set up an area for hearing aid supplies upon arrival
After checking in to your lodging, it helps to establish a dedicated place for your hearing aids and accessories to keep them safe, accessible, and ready to use (imagine not having to scramble to find your devices if you’re running late for a show or a shuttle, for example). The top of a dresser or nightstand works well.
For battery-operated hearing aids: Store them inside a storage case and keep each device’s battery door open. This can help dry out any dampness and extend battery life.
For rechargeable hearing aids: Store them inside a storage case or charger (plugged in or powered, so your devices are ready to use again).
Questions? Ask your hearing care professional
For more tips and tricks for traveling with hearing aids, reach out to your hearing care professional.
Happy travels!