Traveling With Hearing Aids? Tips & Tricks

With weather getting warm, our thoughts turn to vacations and getaways. Whether you’re planning a few weeks overseas, a trip across the country, a weekend road trip, or maybe you’re finally taking that cruise, traveling with your hearing aids doesn’t have to be a hassle. Just a little bit of advance planning will keep your devices in tip-top shape and you won’t miss a thing during your travels.

Before leaving on your trip, read through the following list – and give us a call if you have any questions.

To do before you leave

Once you’ve packed all your other items like clothes and toiletries, it’s time to put together your hearing aid kit. Make sure you include the following items:

  • Your hearing aid case and dryer
  • Extra batteries (for non-rechargeable hearing aids)
  • Charger (for rechargeable hearing aids)
  • Going overseas? Don’t forget an international adapter
  • Hearing aid cleaning kit
  • Domes and wax guards
  • Your devices’ instruction manual

Don’t forget any other accessories you use each day and can’t live without!

By plane, by car, by train

Following are some more specific tips on using your hearing aids while traveling, depending on your mode of travel. These can really help you take advantage of your device’s features while out and about, allowing you to focus on what’s important – the sounds around you.

  • Air travel: You can go ahead and leave your hearing aids in when you go through security, unless otherwise instructed by airport staff. Additionally, most airports around the country feature loop systems that work with the telecoil in your hearing aid that allow you to hear important announcements more clearly. (If you aren’t sure if you have a telecoil, just ask us.) You can also sign up for text messages with your airline and they will send alerts for gate changes and delays. Also, keep your hearing aids in on the plane so you’re always aware of your surroundings.
  • Road travel: Remember to wear your hearing aids while driving, as well as when you’re a passenger. Keeping the windows up helps minimize outside noise, which also helps minimize noise inside your vehicle. Further, and this goes for anyone, keep noisy distractions to a minimum. Loud music, radio, or passengers can keep you from focusing on the task at hand – driving and arriving safely.
  • Train or subway: Public transportation, like subway, bus, or train, doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This is another place where you can take advantage of loop systems. You can also simplify your trip by planning ahead. Check out the system online, map out your route, and buy tickets online so you can set out on your journey feeling confident and ready!

Once you get there

When making a hotel or room reservation, you can request a hearing-accessible room if your needs require. By law, most hotels are required to set aside a certain number of rooms outfitted with visual notification devices (for fire and emergency alarms), telephone amplifiers, and TDDs. We advise calling ahead if you want to request these services.

Don’t forget to power up

All packed and tickets in hand? Remember, hearing loss never has to hold you back from enjoying the sounds of spring and summer. No matter where you choose to travel this season, you can keep your hearing aids charged up and ready to go when you are.

Oticon’s new SmartCharger is small, portable, and designed specifically for travel. It gives you three full charges without an outlet. And, the charging case keeps your Oticon More™ devices dry and protected. Ask us how to order!

Hearing Care is Health Care™

Before you go, we wanted to talk about why we believe that hearing care is health care. Our practice proudly offers Oticon BrainHearingTM technology, because it’s designed to support the brain’s role in making sense of sound. What this means for you is that your brain gets the quality sound information it needs to stay healthy.

Oticon’s hearing aid solutions help your brain work the way it’s intended. Want to find out more?

To schedule an appointment, call 812-273-6262.

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