A Guide to Traveling with Hearing Aids

Traveling opens up new experiences and adventures, but for those who rely on hearing aids, it can present some real challenges. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an international trip, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your hearing aids working smoothly throughout your journey.

At PAC Audiology, we've seen just about every travel-related hearing aid mishap you can imagine. From devices that quit working on tropical beaches to batteries that died during important business meetings, we've helped our patients learn from these experiences and travel more confidently.

Getting Ready Before You Leave

The best time to discover a problem with your hearing aids isn't when you're standing in an airport terminal. We tell our patients to come in at least two weeks before any big trip so we can make sure everything's working properly and address any issues that come up.

During your pre-travel visit, we'll give your devices a thorough once-over, clean them completely, and test battery life for traditional models. If you have rechargeable hearing aids, we'll check that your charging case is holding power like it should. This simple step prevents most of the headaches travelers run into.

We can also make sure you have a proper cleaning kit that's specific to your hearing aid model. You'll get the right brushes, wax removal tools, and cleaning solutions that actually work with your devices.

Smart Packing Strategies

Organization saves the day when you're traveling with hearing aids. Put together a dedicated kit with all your supplies and backups. If your devices use regular batteries, pack plenty of extras since the specific type you need might not exist in international pharmacies. For rechargeable models, you’ll want to make sure to have an outlet adapter if travelling internationally to ensure you can charge them while abroad.

Keep a copy of your hearing test results and device specifications with your important papers. This paperwork can be a lifesaver if you need emergency help or repairs while you're away from home. Some of our patients carry a simple letter from us explaining their hearing loss, which can smooth things over with airport security.

Always pack your hearing aids and supplies in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage gets tossed around, and cargo holds can get extremely hot or cold, neither of which your devices will appreciate.

Getting Through Airport Security

Today's hearing aids are built to handle standard airport security without any problems. You can wear them through metal detectors and those full-body scanners. The technology from companies like Phonak, ReSound, Oticon, Signia, Widex, Starkey, and Unitron is designed to handle this kind of screening.

If the scanners make you uncomfortable, you can always ask for a manual pat-down instead. Let the security folks know you're wearing hearing aids upfront – it usually speeds things up and prevents any awkward moments about electronic devices.

Dealing with Weather and Climate

Different places can really mess with your hearing aids. Humidity tops the list of troublemakers. Beach vacations, muggy climates, and even heavily air-conditioned spaces can introduce moisture that can cause problems for electronic components.

A small hearing aid dehumidifier is worth its weight in gold when you travel to humid environments. These compact units suck out moisture that builds up during the day, especially in sticky weather. Make it part of your nightly routine – your hearing aids will thank you.

Extreme temperatures cause their own problems. Don't leave your devices baking in a hot car or sitting in direct sunlight. Cold weather drains batteries faster, so keep your spares somewhere warm, like an inside pocket.

Daily Care on the Road

Stick to a simple daily routine no matter where you are. Each morning, take a quick look at your hearing aids for damage, dirt, or moisture. Use the right tools to gently clean the microphone openings and speakers.

Battery management becomes critical when you're away from home. Keep tabs on power levels and swap them out before they're completely dead. There's nothing worse than having your hearing aids die during an important moment.

For rechargeable models, charge them every night without fail. Consider portable charging options for long days out and about. Some newer charging cases can juice up your devices multiple times, which is great for extended adventures.

Fixing Problems on the Go

Even with careful planning, things can go wrong. Muffled sound or on-and-off performance usually means moisture got in somewhere or debris is clogging things up. Start with basic cleaning and use your dehumidifier to tackle moisture issues.

Feedback or whistling sounds often mean your hearing aids aren't sitting right. Air pressure changes during flights or swelling from different climates can affect the fit. Custom devices might need small tweaks after big altitude changes.

Battery problems top the list of travel complaints. If your hearing aids seem weak or cut in and out, replace the batteries even if they're not technically dead. Weird weather can affect battery performance before they're actually drained.

Finding Professional Help

Look up audiology services where you're going before you leave. While we hope you won't need emergency help, knowing where to find qualified professionals gives you peace of mind. Most hearing aid manufacturers have networks of authorized repair shops worldwide.

Keep your manufacturer's customer service number handy. Many companies offer phone support that can walk you through troubleshooting or help you find nearby service centers.

For international trips, check if your hearing aid brand has offices in the country you're visiting. This information becomes valuable if you need parts or emergency service.

Tech Features That Make Travel Easier

Modern hearing aids pack features that can make your trip more enjoyable. Bluetooth lets you stream audio straight from your phone, making gate announcements and airplane movies much clearer. Many devices now have apps that let you tweak settings, monitor battery life, and even track down lost hearing aids.

Directional microphones and background noise controls become lifesavers in chaotic travel spots like airports and busy tourist areas. Learn how to use these features through your device buttons or smartphone app before you need them.

Real Ear Measurement programming gives your hearing aids the precise setup they need for all the different listening situations you'll face while traveling. This detailed fitting process, which we use here at our clinic, delivers better results across various environments than standard factory settings.

Get Your Devices Travel-Ready

Don't let hearing aid worries keep you from exploring the world. With some basic preparation and know-how, your devices can deliver reliable performance no matter where you go. We make sure all our patients get the pre-travel checkup and guidance they need for successful trips.

Our team will inspect your devices thoroughly, share practical maintenance tips, and make sure you have everything needed for worry-free travels. Call PAC Audiology at 425-455-0526 to set up your appointment and hit the road with confidence, knowing your hearing is covered wherever life takes you.