Getting to your holiday destination can be stressful at times, ensuring you are on time, remembering everything you need and navigating where you need to be. If you have hearing aids, there may be even more weighing on your mind when you are preparing for a trip. However, with the right advice and strategies, travelling with hearing loss can become second nature.
Before You Go
It is recommended that you pay your audiologist a visit approximately 2-4 weeks before you leave. This is a great opportunity for you hearing care professional to check your devices and ensure they are in working order. It also allows the audiologist to send the devices away for servicing if this is required. Your audiologist can ensure you are stocked up on the equipment you will need on holidays such as batteries, cleaning tools and wax guards.
Whilst you are packing, have a packing list with you so that you do not forget your daily hearing aid essentials. This may be ensuring you have plenty of batteries or if your hearing aids are rechargeable, make sure you have a note to pack your charger on the day that you are leaving. You will also need an adaptor appropriate for the country that you are visiting. If you have “spare” or “old hearing aids” in working condition, it can be beneficial to pack these as a backup. Don’t forget your cleaning tools and a hard protective case to store your hearing aids in when you are not using them. You will likely be wearing your hearing aids during the flight when you leave, therefore, it is best to pack these items in your carry on so that they are accessible whilst you are travelling.
At the Airport
You can wear your hearing aids at the airport and when going through security. In fact, it is encouraged that you wear your hearing aids on the day that you leave so that you do not forget them behind and so that you can hear important information at the airport. It is important that you do not put your hearing aids through the conveyor belt as this may cause static electricity that can damage your hearing aids.
Additionally, several airports have induction hearing loop systems in place. If you have hearing aids that have a telecoil, you can utilise this hearing loop system. Once you switch your hearing aids to the telecoil or “T” program, you will be able to hear announcements and information more clearly even in a noisy environment. If you are unsure if your hearing aids have a telecoil, or how to use it, ask your audiologist in an appointment before you leave for your holiday.
On the Flight
When flying, you can keep your hearing aids on and wear them. It is essential that you are wearing your hearing aids throughout the duration of the flight if you are in an emergency isle or let the flight attendant know if you cannot hear the crew clearly. Unfortunately, your hearing aids cannot typically be connected to the on-board entertainment. If you can stream Bluetooth to your hearing aids, it may be beneficial to pack your own entertainment such as a smart phone or tablet that can stream music, podcasts, TV shows or movies through your hearing aids. Whilst flying, keep in mind that announcements are often hard to hear for all passengers, even with normal hearing due to the noise is in the cabin. Let your flight attendant know if you have any questions or to clarify any instructions you may have missed.
Lastly, when you arrive at your holiday destination set yourself a reminder, whether it be written down on a post-it note or on your phone, to always check that you have your hearing aids before leaving and that your hearing aids are safely stored away when doing water activities.
Don’t let your hearing loss stop you from making memories and having the time of your life on holidays. If you would like to make an appointment with an audiologist at Focus Hearing before you head away call 02 8402 1202 or request an appointment online.
Focus Hearing is your local independent audiology clinic in Crows Nest, Erina, Central Coast, Mona Vale, Northern Beaches and surrounding areas, dedicated to providing individualised hearing solutions.