Getting the best out of your hearing aids when travelling

Now that we are getting back into travelling again, it is timely to consider what you might need to know about travelling with hearing aids. Travelling opens a world of opportunities but often involves lots of listening which can be challenging for a person with a hearing loss. Listening for announcements at a train or bus station or airport, listening to the travel guide, interacting with people at accommodation, socialising. All of these are easier if you are hearing your best with your hearing aids. So, how do you get the best out of your hearing aids when travelling?

Optimise your hearing

Ensuring your hearing is optimised is important when travelling and it is a good idea to start this preparation at least a month before you travel.

The first step is to make an appointment to have your hearing and hearing aids checked by your hearing care professional. Doing this early not only means if your hearing aids need repair there is time to get this done, but also if you need to have your hearing aids adjusted a couple of times to get them optimised then there is plenty of time to do this and settle into the new settings.

You should also ask your hearing care professional if there is other technology such as a remote microphone that may be useful to use while you are travelling to help you hear any travel partners or tour guides.

What do you need to take?

Make sure you know which hearing aid parts you change regularly and ensure you have enough of these for your trip. If you are travelling to a hot and humid environment, you may want to take a hearing aid dehumidifier with you to help keep your hearing aid in good working order. A dehumidifier is also handy if your hearing aid accidentally gets exposed to moisture such as rain or jumping in the shower with your hearing aids on. When we are out of our routine things can go wrong.

It is also a good idea to pack a small case just large enough to fit your hearing devices. This should live in the bag you carry during the day so you have a safe place to put your hearing aids should you need to remove them temporarily for any reason. That way you have somewhere safe to put your hearing aids when you come across that unexpected waterfall perfect for swimming in.

If you use disposable batteries with your hearing aids, make sure you take enough with you for your trip as it may be tricky to get them while you are away if you are travelling overseas. Make sure you have a secure spot to store spare batteries – particularly if visiting people with pets or small children. It might be easier to travel with rechargeable hearing aids – while you do then need to remember to take your charger – you don’t need to carry spare batteries. Some chargers will come with an inbuilt battery that allows for portable charging which can be helpful when travelling. If you are travelling overseas make sure you have a good quality power adaptor to plug your charger into so that you can easily charge your hearing aids. Given the essential nature of batteries and chargers, you should pack these in your carry-on luggage just in case your main luggage gets lost.

At the airport

You won’t need to remove your hearing aids to go through security. If you set off the alarm (more likely with a cochlear implant) you may be subject to additional screening. You may want to carry a card saying you are a hearing aid or cochlear implant user in the local language to show security if you are travelling overseas.

Hearing announcements at the airport can be tricky so keep an eye on the boards with written information and let the gate staff if you are having trouble hearing so they can keep you informed. The same is true for on the plane – if you tell the steward you have a hearing loss, they can ensure you know what is happening.

Communication tactics

Don’t forget the usual communication tactics you use such as looking at the person you are talking to and positioning yourself close to any crucial talkers such as tour guides.

Have fun

Being prepared and following these tips will help you make the most out of travel. But most importantly, relax and enjoy your trip.

Contact Knox Audiology today to have your hearing and hearing aids checked before you travel! To make an appointment call 03 9839 3350 or book online.