Travelling with a hearing aid means you need to make some extra preparations. From packing and planning transportation to dealing with crowded airports, traveling can be stressful enough. Add hearing loss to the mix, and it can get tricky very fast.
Take an overview of potential hearing difficulty flashpoints
Make a quick assessment of where you’re going. The activities you’ll be doing. The modes of transportation you’ll be using. The environments you’ll be in can help you discover potential hearing risks and how to mitigate them.
This includes the following:
- Airplane Noise: Depending on the length of your travel, you may be subjected to prolonged exposure to loud airplane noise. Tinnitus is also frequent on flights due to changes in elevation and pressure levels.
- Loud Noise Exposure: You may encounter loud venues on your travels, such as concerts, tourist sites, train stations, and amusement parks.
- Climate: If you are in a tropical or humid climate, your hearing aids may be affected by moisture in and around the ears.
- Swimmers Ear: This is an ear infection that arises when swimming leaves excess water in the ears.
Knowing about these dangers will help you prepare and pack for everything you’ll be doing while on the road.
These tips will help ensure that you are prepared for whatever surprises travel throws your way.
When flying, keep your necessities in your carry-on bag
The last thing you want is for your vital accessories to be tucked away deep within a checked suitcase when the airline declares that your luggage may not make your flight connection. Make sure you keep anything you might need in the short term—including batteries, chargers, and cleaning accessories—safe in a carry-on bag.
Charge your hearing aids before you depart
Speaking of batteries, this is a good time to remind you to charge your batteries before you begin your travels. When you get into a routine and charge your devices at the same time every day. It can be difficult to remember that you may need to change up your schedule to accommodate your travel, so set a reminder if possible. This is an important step to take even if you don’t expect your trip to last long because unforeseen delays are always possible.
Wear your hearing device during travel
Some people are tempted to pack their hearing aids for the trip, mostly because they are afraid that the noisy environments involved in travel situations like airports and planes will cause problems. However, without your hearing aid in place, you might not be able to hear important announcements or travel updates, so it’s advised that you wear your device. As an added bonus, if you train yourself to put your hearing aid in before leaving you’ll be less likely to forget it in the first place.
Keep your hearing aid on when proceeding through security
You most likely won’t have to take your hearing aid out when moving through a metal detector or body scanner. You may want to turn down the volume on your device. Some scanners may cause a loud sound when you go through. You may choose to inform the security staff that you are wearing a hearing aid beforehand. It is not required. Separate remote controls and accessories must be sent through the x-ray with your electronics.
Alert crew members to your situation
It may be beneficial to let the flight attendants know that you are wearing a hearing aid. If you don’t feel that you can perform the duties required when seated in an exit row. Ask for a seat reassignment. In the event of an emergency, ask for help if instructions aren’t clear.
You deserve a hearing device that is customised to fit your needs. Live your life to the fullest whether you’re traveling the world or spending time with your loved ones at home. Schedule an appointment at The Spectacle Maker today. We offer a 30 day free trial on all our hearing devices.