Wearing hearing aids is one way to make your travel experience more effortless. The amplified sound they offer will make it easier to hear airport announcements and communicate with staff. But many worry that their hearing aids will get damaged during travel.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway from St. Peters or a longer vacation, a few simple habits can help protect your devices and keep you hearing clearly from departure to return.
Prepare Before You Leave
A little planning goes a long way. Hearing aids are small but essential, and replacing lost or damaged devices while traveling can be frustrating.
Before your trip, pack:
- Extra batteries or a charging cable and power adapter
- A protective carrying case
- Cleaning tools recommended for your device
- Extra wax guards or domes if your hearing aids use them
Keep these items in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage. Flight delays, missed connections, and unexpected schedule changes happen. Having your hearing aid supplies nearby can save a lot of stress.
Airport and Flight Considerations
Most people can wear their hearing aids through airport security screening without removing them. TSA encourages travelers with medical devices to communicate with officers if they need assistance during the screening process.
Once you’re on the plane, many people find it helpful to keep their hearing aids in their ears. You’ll have an easier time hearing boarding instructions, gate announcements and important information from the flight crew. Cabin noise can sometimes make conversations more challenging. If your hearing aids have noise-management or directional microphone settings, consider using them during the flight.
If your flight is long, store your hearing aids in their case in your bag before falling asleep.
Protect Your Hearing Aids During Vacation
Vacations often involve activities that are tough on hearing aids. Heat, humidity, sweat and water exposure can all affect device performance.
If you’re spending time outdoors, at the beach or by the pool:
- Store hearing aids in their protective case when not in use
- Keep them away from water and excessive moisture
- Avoid leaving them in a hot vehicle or direct sunlight
Many travelers are surprised by how quickly moisture can accumulate during active days. A dry storage container or hearing aid dryer can be especially useful for longer trips.
Make sure you know where your hearing aids are before leaving each day. Hotel nightstands, bathroom counters and pockets are common places where devices accidentally get left behind.
How Often Should You Clean Hearing Aids While Traveling?
You should clean your hearing aids every day while traveling. Daily removal of earwax, moisture and debris helps maintain sound quality and extend the life of the devices.
At the end of each day:
- Wipe the devices with a soft, dry cloth
- Remove visible earwax or debris using approved cleaning tools
- Check microphones and openings for buildup
- Store hearing aids in a clean, dry location overnight
Those few minutes of maintenance can help prevent muffled sound or unexpected performance issues during your trip.
Travel Confidently
Hearing aids should add more fun to your travel. With extra supplies, consistent cleaning and an understanding of airport procedures, you can focus less on your devices and more on the experience.
If you have questions about hearing aid maintenance, travel preparation or device performance, our team at Midwest ENT Centre can help you understand how to keep your hearing aids working at their best wherever your plans take you. If it’s been awhile since your last professional cleaning, call us for a service and repair appointment.
Sources
1 Transportation Security Administration. “Disabilities and Medical Conditions.” https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/disabilities-and-medical-conditions