Flying with Hearing Aids
Officially summer is here, even though it may not feel like it… yet! Whether you are planning a road trip somewhere in England or hopping on a flight for a week in the sun, if you have hearing aids there are a few things you need to bear in mind when travelling.
Remember the Essentials – Your packing list
Whilst packing your bikini or speedos, you must remember a few essential items to ensure your hearing care stays top-notch and doesn’t affect your plans.
- Cleaning kit – cleaning your hearing aids is extra important whilst travelling as you will naturally pick up more dirt and (hopefully) sand along the way!
- Extra batteries – your routine will be disrupted whilst travelling and you may not have the same access for charging. So, bring extra batteries just in case.
- Charging equipment – Charging equipment for your rechargeable hearing aids is just as important (if not more) than remembering your phone charger!
- Bluetooth accessories – If you use Bluetooth accessories as part of your daily routine, best to make a full list in the week leading up to your travels.
Can you fly with hearing aids?
If you are new to hearing aids, you may be curious as to how or whether you can fly with these, so here is your guide to getting on a place with hearing aids.
- Can you go through security with hearing aids on? – YES! Hearing aids won’t set off a metal detector. However, as you are guided through the metal detector you can always mention this to one of the staff members, and they will advise you of any specific instructions they may have.
- Can I wear hearing aids during my flight? – YES! And if you are wondering, you do NOT need to switch these off when the flight attendant asks everyone to turn off their electronic equipment (these do not count).
- Should I keep my hearing aids on throughout the entire flight? – For some people, the extra noise of the aircraft can be troublesome, and you may prefer to switch your hearing aids off, but this is completely down to the individual. When it comes to safety, most aircraft safety instructions are visual (as to communicate through language barriers) and flight attendants are used to using visual ques to help communicate. However it is a good idea to inform the person sat next to you that you intend to switch your hearing aids off and ask them if they would mind alerting you if there is any kind of announcement that you wouldn’t otherwise be aware of.
- Can I keep my extra batteries/charger and cleaning equipment in my carry-on bag? – YES! There is nothing here that poses a security risk or that would be flagged for additional scrutiny from security personnel.
Hearing Aids in the Sun and Sea
When on holiday you are placed in different environments as to what you are used to, so its easy to forget that you need to care for your hearing aids differently. Here are a couple quick tips to remember:
- Do not wear your hearing aids in the sea or swimming pool.
- If you are sunbathing on the beach or besides the pool, take your hearing aids off, or ensure you are in shade. Many hearing aids will malfunction if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time (just like your phone).
Have fun and happy holidays from everyone here at Tailor-Made HearingCare. If you or a loved one have any questions, feel free to get in touch via email or phone, whether it be for some advice or to book in an appointment for a full hearing screening. This June, we are doing full hearing screenings for FREE.
