10 Essential Tips for Traveling with Hearing Aids
Whether planning a tropical escape or gearing up for a business trip, your hearing aids are among your most valuable travel companions. They help you navigate unfamiliar places, connect with new people, and enjoy the rich tapestry of sounds that travel brings.
With a little preparation, you can maintain excellent hearing and avoid common pitfalls, no matter your destination. Here are 10 essential dos and don’ts for traveling with hearing aids:
1. Don’t Leave Your Hearing Aids Behind
Your hearing aids do more than enhance conversations—they make travel safer and more enjoyable. From catching airport announcements to hearing crosswalk signals, good hearing helps you stay alert and engaged.
Once you arrive, hearing aids help you soak in every moment—from the rhythmic crash of ocean waves to live music and local languages.
Bonus: If you use Edge AI hearing aids with the My Starkey app, you can even translate conversations on the go. Simply type or speak a message and receive real-time translations streamed directly into your hearing aids.
2. Do Pack Extra Batteries or a Charger
Running out of power mid-trip is the last thing you want. If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, bring plenty in your carry-on. If you use rechargeable aids, make sure your charger is packed and accessible.
Pro Tip: If sounds start becoming distorted or you’re constantly adjusting the volume, it’s likely time to change the battery.
3. Don’t Forget Your Accessories
Accessories like wireless microphones and streamers can enhance your travel experience:
- Table microphones amplify voices in noisy restaurants.
- TV streamers let you watch shows at your own volume level.
- Clip-on microphones help you follow tour guides clearly.
Traveling abroad? Don’t forget an international power adapter for your accessories and chargers.
4. Do Wear Your Hearing Aids in the Airport
Keep your hearing aids in so you can hear gate changes, announcements, and boarding calls.
Going through TSA? You do not need to remove your hearing aids—they won’t interfere with scanners. However, it’s helpful to inform TSA agents that you’re wearing them.
5. Don’t Put Hearing Aid Supplies in Checked Bags
TSA requires all spare lithium-ion batteries and external chargers to be stored in your carry-on. It’s also practical—keeping your supplies with you ensures you can recharge or replace batteries anytime you need them.
6. Do Inform Flight Attendants of Your Hearing Loss
It’s often hard to hear clearly on planes, even for those with perfect hearing. Letting flight attendants know about your hearing needs ensures they can communicate vital information directly, whether it’s safety instructions, flight information or meal choices.
7. Don’t Turn Off Your Hearing Aids on the Plane
Unlike many electronics, hearing aids don’t interfere with aircraft systems. Keep them on during takeoff and landing so you can hear crew instructions, announcements, and your fellow passengers.
8. Do Bring a Drying Kit
Warm, humid destinations can affect hearing aid performance. A drying kit or dehumidifier protects against moisture from sweat, ocean air, and sudden temperature changes (like going from the beach to air conditioning).
They’re compact, easy to use, and available from your hearing care provider.
9. Don’t Forget Cleaning Tools
Daily cleaning keeps your hearing aids functioning at their best. Bring:
- A hearing aid cleaning brush
- A dry, soft cloth
- Extra wax guards or earpieces (if applicable)
10. Do Set Up a Hearing Aid Station at Your Lodging
After checking in, choose a dedicated spot—like a nightstand or dresser—for your hearing aids and accessories. Keeping everything in one place helps you avoid misplacing important items during your stay.
- Battery-powered aids: Store with battery doors open for ventilation.
- Rechargeable aids: Keep them in a charger or plugged-in case overnight.
Final Thoughts
With a little preparation, your hearing aids can help you enjoy every moment of your journey, from the airport to the beach to the tour bus. If you have questions or would like more personalized travel tips, please reach out to us or call 864-232-3999.
Here’s to Better Hearing this Summer!