A Comprehensive Guide to Proper Hearing Aid Care While Traveling

As indispensable tools in daily life, hearing aids become even more critical while traveling. In this guide, we provide comprehensive tips on proper hearing aid care while traveling, to help ensure your devices remain in perfect working order so you can enjoy your next getaway with confidence.  

Hearing Aid Care Pre-Travel Checklist 

The secret to any stress-free travel experience is all in the prep work. Before hitting the road, you will want to ensure your hearing aids are in tip-top shape and you’ve packed everything you’ll need to keep them that way.  

Below, we’ve outlined the ultimate hearing aid care pre-travel checklist, and packing list to help keep your trip, and your devices, running smoothly.  

Schedule a Hearing Aid Check-Up Appointment 

Begin your pre-travel preparations by scheduling a check-up appointment with your hearing care specialist. This appointment is essential for identifying any potential issues or adjustments needed for your hearing aids before you leave.  

Your hearing specialist will carefully inspect your hearing aids for any signs of wear or damage, and conduct a thorough cleaning of the devices, removing any wax or debris that may affect their performance. Once your devices are clean, they will make any necessary repairs, and ensure that your hearing aids are programmed optimally for the various sound environments you might encounter during your travels.  

By including a hearing aid check-up appointment in your travel preparation, you not only address any potential issues proactively but also set the stage for a more comfortable and enjoyable trip.

Hearing Aid Care Packing List

Establishing a hearing aid care travel kit is crucial for maintaining your devices on the go. Taking the time to create a well-thought-out hearing aid care packing list ensures you are equipped to handle any situation that may arise during your travels. 

If you are flying somewhere, all your hearing aid care travel essentials should be packed in your carry-on bag to ensure they don’t get lost. If you are traveling out of the country, make sure to bring the correct outlet adaptor so you can keep your hearing aids fully charged.

Storing Your Hearing Aids While Traveling 

While traveling, it’s important to avoid exposing your hearing aids to extreme temperatures and to always keep them dry. So before setting out on your next travel venture, make sure to invest in a protective waterproof case for your hearing aids.  

This is essential to shield them from physical damage and potential exposure to extreme temperatures. In addition to a waterproof storage case, a travel-size umbrella or raincoat can help ensure your hearing aids remain undamaged even if you get caught in the rain while wearing them. 

Hearing Aid Drying Kit 

When you travel to humid areas or hot climates, sweat can also expose your hearing aids to excess moisture. It’s always a good idea to bring a hearing aid drying kit with you on your travels to help mitigate moisture damage. This can be any tight-seal container and moisture-absorbing drying capsule, or a drying device. 

Air Travel with Hearing Aids

Navigating airports and flying with hearing aids may present unique challenges, but with proper preparation, it can be an easy and stress-free experience. Below we explain what to expect while traveling with hearing aids, including tips on getting through airport security and how to fly comfortably. 

Going through Airport Security 

Wearing your hearing aids at the airport will help ensure you are able to hear important announcements and directions. However, one common misconception about flying with hearing aids is that you must remove them before going through airport security.  

Thankfully this is not true; you are allowed to wear your hearing aids through airport security, but it is always a good idea to tell TSA that you’re wearing them as well. Metal detectors, body scanners, X-rays, and other security screening machines will not affect or damage your hearing aids in any way either.  

Flying with Hearing Aids 

Flying with hearing aids is perfectly safe, and there are plenty of ways to increase your comfort and get the most out of these devices during your flight. Here are some tips for flying with hearing aids: 

• Air pressure: Changes in air pressure won’t affect hearing aids, and they are perfectly safe to wear while flying. However, if air pressure gets uncomfortable, you can try chewing gum or yawning to help pop your ears. 
• Background noise: Some people find turning down the volume of their hearing aids helps reduce background noise while flying. Many hearing aids have travel settings or noise cancellation features to help manage different situations while flying as well. 
• Storage: If taken out during the flight, immediately put your hearing aids in their storage case and in your carry-on so they don’t get lost or left on the plane by accident. Any other essential hearing aid accessories, such as chargers and spare batteries, should also be stored in your carry-on for convenient access. 

Hearing Aid Cleaning and Maintenance While Traveling 

Maintaining clean and well-functioning hearing aids is crucial, especially when away from home. Follow these tips to ensure your devices remain in optimal condition throughout your travels. 

Daily Cleaning Routine 

When you travel, it’s best to stick to a daily cleaning routine to prevent wax buildup and maintain optimal sound quality. Wipe down your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth, and clean your earmolds and tubing to ensure they are free from dirt and debris.  

When not in use, store your hearing aids in a protective case or charging case, and keep them away from heat and moisture. In hot or humid climates, it’s best to use a hearing aid drying kit every night to avoid any moisture damage. 

Changing the Battery or Charging 

As with any electronic device, your hearing aids require power to function. If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, bring an ample supply, and be sure to replace them when necessary. For rechargeable hearing aids, charge them at night to ensure they don’t run out of battery during the day. 

Hearing Aids Apps for Travel

There are a number of great hearing apps available that you can use to make any travel experience even better. Whether for work or leisure, apps such as Thrive Hearing Control and My Audibel allow you to get the most out of your hearing aids while traveling: 

Enhanced Wireless Streaming

With enhanced wireless streaming, you can effortlessly stream audio from your phone, laptop, tablet, TV, or other devices directly to your hearing aids. This is perfect for entertainment during long flights or car rides. 

Itinerary Reminders 

Travel itineraries provide a framework of your trip to help you keep track of your desired activities, experiences, and must-see destinations. With the Thrive app, you can create custom itinerary reminders that will send a notification to your cell phone and your hearing aids. 

Real-Time Language Translation 

Both the Thrive app and the My Audibel app include a real-time language translation feature, capable of translating up to 27 languages instantly. Simply speak into your smartphone and the app will translate to the language of your choosing, appearing on the screen of your phone, or streamed audibly through your hearing aids.   

Find My Hearing Aids 

Hearing aids are vital tools that you don’t want to lose, especially while traveling. With the Find My Hearing aids feature, you can easily keep track of your hearing aids, even if you misplace them.

Schedule a Hearing Aid Check-Up Appointment Today 

Travel can be a life-changing experience, and caring for your hearing aids properly is essential to ensure you never miss a thing. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way, especially when it comes to making sure your hearing aids provide the best possible auditory experience during your travels.  

Don’t wait until the last minute— get a head start on preparing for your dream vacation by scheduling a hearing aid check-up appointment today.