Holiday travel tips for hearing aid users
The holiday season often involves travelling to see loved ones, whether for family gatherings, festive events, or a much-needed summer getaway. For hearing aid users, holiday travel comes with extra considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare, maintain your devices, and make the most of your travels while staying connected to the sounds of the season.
1. Pack a hearing aid travel kit
When preparing for holiday travel, having a dedicated hearing aid travel kit can help you avoid any disruptions. Consider packing the following items:
- Extra batteries or chargers: If your hearing aids are battery-powered, pack enough extra batteries to last your entire trip. If they are rechargeable, bring the charging station and any necessary adapters, especially if you are travelling internationally.
- Drying kit or dehumidifier: Holiday destinations may expose your hearing aids to cold, wet, or humid environments, which can affect performance. A drying kit helps keep moisture at bay.
- Cleaning tools: Bring a cleaning kit to ensure your hearing aids remain in top shape, especially after long days of travel or exposure to different climates.
- Protective case: Use a sturdy case to protect your hearing aids during transit, particularly when going through airport security or carrying them in your luggage.
2. Stay connected with assistive technology
Modern hearing aids are equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing you to connect directly to your smartphone or other devices. Here’s how it can help while travelling:
- Stream announcements: If your hearing aids are compatible with induction loop systems, switch your hearing aids to telecoil mode to stream flight information and announcements directly into your ears, reducing background noise interference.
- Use navigation apps: Apps like Google Maps provide audio directions to help you stay on course when navigating new places.
- Listen to entertainment: Stream music or movies directly to your hearing aids, enhancing your in-flight experience.
3. Prepare for different environments
Holiday travel often involves moving through various sound environments, from quiet car rides to bustling airports and crowded holiday gatherings. To ensure optimal hearing in every setting, be familiar with how to adjust your hearing aids to suit different soundscapes.
Many modern hearing aids have automatic adjustments or multiple settings for different environments. Before your trip, ask your Hearing Care Professional about programs that can be added for travel, such as settings for noisy spaces or outdoor environments.
4. Watch out for weather conditions
The weather can be a factor in holiday travel, and cold or damp conditions can affect your hearing aids. If you’re travelling to colder destinations, be mindful of condensation that can form when moving between cold outdoor air and warm indoor spaces. Use a drying kit regularly to prevent moisture buildup inside your devices.
If you’re heading to a warmer, more humid destination, this could lead to sweating, which might also affect your hearing aids. If you hearing aids aren’t already waterproof and sweatproof, consider using hearing aid sweat covers to protect your devices from moisture.
5. Plan for holiday gatherings
Holiday gatherings can be noisy, with multiple conversations happening simultaneously, background music, and clinking dishes. To ensure you can participate fully:
- Position yourself well: Sit near the people you want to talk to and avoid loudspeakers or noisy kitchen areas.
- Use hearing aid features: Some hearing aids offer features like noise reduction or directional microphones, which can help you focus on specific voices in a crowded environment.
- Take breaks: If the noise becomes overwhelming, take short breaks in quieter areas to give your ears and hearing aids a rest.
6. Have a backup plan
Finally, while today’s hearing aids are highly reliable, it’s always smart to have a backup plan. If possible, bring an extra pair of older hearing aids or keep a list of nearby Audiologists or hearing aid repair centres at your destination. Having a contingency plan in place will ensure you’re never caught off guard by unexpected issues.
Hearing Aid Support from Knox Audiology
At Knox Audiology, we understand that holiday travels are a time for joy and connection. To ensure you make the most of these precious moments, it’s essential to plan ahead and take a few extra precautions with your hearing aids. Our team of university-qualified and experienced audiologists is committed to helping you prepare for these special occasions. We provide trusted, friendly, and professional hearing services tailored to your unique needs. To learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, call 03 9800 5697 or book online.