As February nears its end and we begin to look forward to spring, perhaps you’ve set up some travel plans for the coming months. There’s nothing like a good vacation to celebrate the return of warmer weather. Navigating the airport with hearing aids shouldn’t be a logistical nightmare, but we do have some tips to help you stay safe, protect your devices and ensure that you enjoy your best hearing experience.
How to Store and Pack Your Hearing Aid Supplies
Air travel is usually pretty reliable, but sometimes the unexpected happens, like long layovers or even canceled flights. In the event of such a circumstance, it’s strongly recommended that you pack all your hearing aid supplies in your carry-on bag, not your checked bag; otherwise, you may find yourself unable to access important supplies in a pinch.
Moreover, if you use rechargeable hearing aids, TSA guidelines prohibit rechargeable hearing aid cases from going in checked bags due to the lithium battery, so they need to go in your carry-on. As we said above, this is a safer option for you, anyway.
This may go without saying, but don’t pack your hearing aids. Plan on wearing them throughout the airport and on the plane. We’ll go over this more in-depth in a moment.
Going Through Security
Airport security is famous for making you shed your layers: jacket, shoes, belts and the like, all placed in the bins. This does not go for hearing aids. TSA guidelines explicitly state that “you are not required to remove any hearing aids or cochlear implants” when going through security. Your hearing aids will not set off the metal detector, and the X-rays will not harm your hearing aids when you walk through.
Keep Your Hearing Aids In
As touched on above, the general rule of thumb in the airport and on the airplane is to keep your hearing aids in. We know airports can be noisy—people talking around you, constant announcements, suitcase wheels squeaking across the floor, advertisements playing on various television screens. However, for your safety, it’s critical that you keep your hearing aids in throughout the experience. You need to be sure that you’ll hear an important safety announcement, maintain awareness of your surroundings and don’t lose your hearing aids (which is not hard to do in a bustling environment like an airport).
On the Plane
Once again, while on the plane, you should keep your hearing aids in. Many hearing aid users complain that airplanes are loud, so use your hearing aid app to adjust your settings or lower the volume, but do not remove your devices from your ears.
Follow these guidelines, and you’re sure to have a fun and safe trip! And if you have any questions or want to schedule a hearing aid tune-up before your trip, contact Beneficial Hearing Aid Center.