The sun is out, the weather is becoming increasingly better, Pools are opening up, and it’s the perfect time to take travel.
Whether it’s a short drive to the coast or heading across the states to one of your favorite summer destinations, ensuring you are well prepared if you wear hearing aids will make your trip much more relaxing and enjoyable.
Bring the essentials
You’ve planned your trip, and you’ve started to pack. The first thing to remember is a few essential things to ensure your hearing aids stay in working order for the entire trip. These are a few things to consider:
Extra Batteries or Charger: You may find, while traveling, that you wear your hearing aids for more extended periods than you usually would, so you may go through batteries or wear your batter down (rechargeable) more frequently. Also, if you run out of batteries on vacation, it could be difficult to purchase new ones depending on your location. It’s always a good idea to bring all chargers, cables, or more batteries than you think you will need.
Cleaning Kit: Your typical routine will likely be thrown off when traveling. Remember your cleaning kit and stick to your regular cleaning schedule as closely as possible, helping guard against additional wear and tear they may experience due to being in new and different locations.
Extra wax guards and domes: Bringing additional wax guards and domes can be a lifesaver while on vacation. A misshapen dome or a clogged wax guard can make your trip far less enjoyable, so make it a point to bring extras if any issues arise.
Dryer / Dehumidifier: This is critical if you plan to vacation anywhere humid or near water. Ensure you bring your dryer or dehumidifier and use it nightly to dry out your hearing aids altogether.
Bluetooth: If you use Bluetooth accessories regularly, don’t overlook bringing them along too. Accessories such as remote mic can make talking to flight attendants, airline employees, or others in crowded and noisy environments more manageable.
Traveling by plane with hearing aids
Airports can be noisy and disruptive, making it difficult for everyone to hear, especially for individuals with hearing loss. To ensure a smooth travel experience, it’s recommended to inform the security agent that you are wearing a hearing aid when passing through security. Additionally, when you arrive at the departing gate, it’s important to inform the flight staff about your hearing loss and request their assistance in notifying you when it’s time to board. Most airlines now offer apps that can keep you updated on your flight status and boarding time, which can be very helpful if you set them up before your trip.
Lastly, avoiding packing your spare hearing aid batteries and supplies in your checked luggage is vital. This is because there is a risk of losing your baggage during travel, leaving you without the essential items you need when you reach your destination.
Road trips with hearing aids
Going on a road trip is an excellent opportunity to chat with your companions or enjoy the scenery. However, hearing aid wearers may face challenges in the car.
To make your journey more comfortable, consider the following tips.
Firstly, only drive if you feel safe and comfortable doing so. Prolonged periods of strain can lead to fatigue, making it difficult to hear or concentrate. If you feel tired or struggle to hear, it’s best to let someone else take the wheel for a while.
Secondly, minimize distracting noise in the car, such as music or audiobooks, as this can interfere with your ability to hear external sounds.
Finally, to make conversations easier, consider using a remote mic. This can be clipped onto your companion’s shirt or placed in the back seat to enhance sound clarity and make communication smoother.
Staying at a hotel
If you book your hotel via phone, inform the staff about your hearing loss and the accommodations you might need. Find a secure spot in your hotel room to store your hearing aids, batteries, and other supplies. It’s easy to misplace your hearing aids in unfamiliar surroundings, so always place them in the designated spot to avoid inconvenience.
Enjoy your trip
Traveling is a great way to explore new scenery, visit friends and family, and experience different cultures. Make the most of your trip by utilizing these tips to plan, and remember to care for your hearing aids while away. Get the most out of your trip by being prepared, but most of all, have fun!
Call Salem Audiology Clinic, and find out why we have been the Willamette Valley’s most trusted hearing care center for over 40 years. (971) 701-6322.
Salem Audiology Clinic: Where you can trust what you hear.
*1 Healthy Hearing, Signs you need a new hearing aid https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/51928-Signs-you-need-a-new-hearing-aid