Now that fall is here and the temperatures are cooler, many of us are envisioning our most dreamy autumn vacation. Some of us dream of rolling roads full of fall colors while those of us who love to chase summer are already thinking of the next warm place we can fly to. If you have hearing aids, there are a few extra steps to plan to make sure your trip is unforgettable in the best way possible.
Don’t Forget the Essentials
If this is your first time flying since the COVID-19 pandemic, you may feel rusty about your traveling skills. If you have never flown with hearing aids, then there are a lot of new things to adjust to. For instance, if you choose to wear a mask on the plane and airport, make sure it is the type that goes around the back of your head, so you don’t risk sling-shotting your valuable hearing aids across a large public room or in the airplane!
Hearing Aid Basics
A thorough packing job will make all the difference when you finally are out there in the wide-open world. You’ll be able to focus on adventure and excitement when you know you have everything to ensure you can hear your best with the addition of your properly functioning hearing aids. Here are some hearing aid essentials when you are out seeing the world on your next big excursion.
- Extra batteries: Make sure to pack extra batteries. Can you even imagine how frustrating it could be to lose power halfway through your vacation? Hearing aid batteries are often hard to find and it’s the last thing you are going to want to search for when you’re out and about in the world. A lot of newer models now feature rechargeable hearing aid batteries. Make sure to invest in a backup charger in case one gets lost along the way.
- Cleaning kit: To make sure your hearing aids last as long as possible, you are going to want to make sure to clean them every night. This bedtime ritual is just as important if not more if you are on the road. Make sure to pack all the supplies you need to make sure you can keep your hearing aids clean and functioning clearly.
- Dryer/dehumidifier: If your destination is a pool or waterside, then you are going to make sure you have a dryer or dehumidifier with you. There is nothing like humidity and water to short-circuit the intricate and delicate electrical connection of your hearing aids. Often dehumidifiers double as a hearing aid battery charger for rechargeable models, so all you have to do is plug it in overnight to make sure that any moisture build-up is eradicated by morning.
Tips for Flying with Hearing Aids
An airport and airplane can be a disorienting experience for anyone, but if you have hearing loss, it takes extra focus to navigate a seeming maze of obstacles, just to get on and off the plane. Here are some tips to make it easier when you fly.
- Wear your hearing aids when you fly. This might seem obvious. You are going to want to be alert for anything that comes your way. When we fly, we are out of our comfort zone and the wide expansive and crowded rooms of an airport can be challenging listening environments for anyone. When your hearing aids are in you can respond to any surprises which come your way, whether they be changes to your flight or emergency directions.
- Keep hearing aid supplies in your carry-on bag. Most of us have had the unfortunate experience of losing our bags on our flight. If you’ve been lucky enough tot have to have had experience, don’t try your luck on this trip! Make sure you have the essentials for travel in your carry-on. This includes your phone charger and all your hearing aid essentials such as batteries, chargers, and cleaning kit. You never know when a delay or missed flight will affect your tight vacation schedule. Be prepared!
- Wear your hearing aids through security. It is very unlikely that your hearing aids will set off metal detectors or be detected in body scanners. What is more important is that you can hear the authorities and respond quickly to their questions and directions. If the hearing devices are detected during security, and you are asked to put them through the x-ray scanner, don’t fret – the x-ray will not harm your hearing.
Enjoy Your Travels!
Travel is a great way to increase the amount of joy and new experiences in your life that you can hold dear for years. Just make sure you can hear through it all by planning ahead! Schedule an appointment with us at Hearing Wellness Solutions before you go, to make sure you have everything you need.
