When traveling to your favorite getaway you should put steps in place to protect your hearing aids. Sometimes vacations are not as worry-free as you would hope. If you come up with a plan to care for and maintain your hearing aids properly, that’s one less thing to worry about when you travel. When traveling, are there any special precautions to take for the safety of your hearing aids?
Start With the Basics
You’ll want a thoroughly packed cleaning kit, for starters. Keep cleaning your hearing aids the same as when you are at home. A brush or pick comes with the majority of quality brand cleaning kits. When you’re not using them, you need to keep them in a case for safekeeping. Don’t forget to bring along a soft cleaning cloth to wipe them down with.
It’s a good strategy to pack extra batteries, too. You will probably use your hearing aid more than normal so a backup set is a good idea. If your hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, bring along an extra charger, also. Put your chargers in separate places just in case one gets lost.
Also, plan to bring these other things:
- Tubing
- Soft domes
- Sport clip
Make a list of everything you use when you’re at home before you leave and check twice to be certain that you have everything with you before you pack up your car. An easy to get at spot should be chosen to pack your hearing aid products in. Carry on luggage is the perfect spot to keep these items when you are flying on a plane.
An Expert Cleaning And Checkup is a Smart Move Before You Get Going
One week before leaving bring your hearing aids in for an expert tune-up. You want them working their best while you travel. Ask your retailer about any warranties you have on the devices and take any paperwork with you just in case something happens. Educate yourself on how to file a claim otherwise you may miss something and you could void your warranty.
It won’t hurt to find out if there is an office near where you will be staying, too. Or research hearing aid repair or retailers by yourself. If you need a new battery or some repairs, you will be able to bring it right in.
Some Considerations If You Are Wearing Hearing Aids at The Airport
Often times it can be challenging to know all of the constantly changing security expectations at the airport. One thing you need to be aware of is to wear your hearing aids while walking through the security checkpoints. As you come up to the security officers, inform them that you have a hearing aid in. If you listen to the officer’s instruction you probably won’t have to take them out to pass through the metal detector.
You are also free to wear your hearing aids on the airplane. In most cases, you may need to shut off cell phones and mobile devices before taking off but your hearing aid can stay on. When you’re on the plane, your hearing aid may not work as well. Try to compensate with visual signs to the flight crew and the other people around you so they understand that you can’t hear. Cupping your ear, for instance, indicates that you don’t understand.
A Drying Kit or Dehumidifier is a Smart Idea
Vacations usually go hand in hand with water fun and humidity. Even if you don’t plan on going swimming, it doesn’t mean humidity is still not a potential problem. A dryer is a precaution worth having year round, but it’s especially important when you’re traveling.
Make Sure You Know How Your Hearing Aids Function
Different features work better in different environments. In a crowded restaurant for example, or at a theme park, you will want to filter out background noise. Some have outdoor settings that can make the beach more fun. But you have to be familiar with how your hearing aid operates if you want to utilize these features.
A Remote Microphone is a Good Thing to Bring
In noisy environments, this will come in handy. If you are conversing with someone, clip the mic to them and you will be able to hear them better.
Notify the Hotel or Resort
Usually, popular vacation destinations accommodate for the hearing impaired. Since you won’t be using your hearing aids at night you will want to take advantage of that. Ask them about rooms with smoke alarms that have flashing lights or shake the bed. Closed caption televisions and special phones can be requested.
Going on vacation is fun, but it can be frantic, too. Get your hearing aids situated before you go, so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Schedule an appointment for a tune-up today.
