You make an investment when you buy hearing aids, so take measures to keep them safe and secure as you jet around the world. Sometimes vacations are not as free of worry as you would wish. If you plan ahead to take care of and safeguard your hearing aids properly, that’s one less thing to stress about while you travel. What kind of specific handling do your hearing aids need when you are on the road?
What Are The Basics
First of all, you will want to pack your cleaning kit. When going on vacation you still need to do everything you do at home to clean your hearing aids. Almost all quality brands come with or offer a specialized cleaning kit that contains a brush or pick. You should also pack a soft dry cloth to wipe the surface down and a carrying case to store them in when not wearing them.
It’s a prudent idea to pack extra batteries, too. More than likely you’ll be putting in your hearing aids longer than you usually do, so it’s smart to have a backup. Don’t forget about that extra charger if you own a hearing aid that has rechargeable batteries. Put your chargers in separate bags just in case one gets lost.
Here are a few other items you should bring:
- Tubing
- Soft domes
- Sport clip
Create a list of all the things you use at home before leaving and double check to make sure you have everything you need with you before you pack up the vehicle. Put your hearing aid supplies in an easily accessible place so that you can access them anytime. When you are taking a plane, as an example, put this stuff in your carry on luggage or bag.
A Professional Cleaning And Checkup is a Good Idea Before You Leave
Bring your hearing aids in for a good cleaning and a professional tune-up a week or two before vacation. Properly working hearing aids will make traveling safer and more enjoyable. Ask your retailer about any warranties you may have on the hearing aids and bring the paperwork with you in case something happens. Don’t unintentionally void your warranty by missing something. Take the time to learn to file a claim.
It won’t hurt to ask if there is a retailer around where you will be staying, too. Or look up hearing aid repair or retailers on your own. If you require a replacement battery or some repairs, you will be able to bring it right in.
Using Hearing Aids at The Airport
With all of the changing security criteria, going to the airport is always challenging. The first thing you need to be aware of is to keep your hearing aids in while walking through the security checkpoints. Inform the security officer that you are wearing them as you approach so that they know ahead of time. most of the time, you will not need to remove them as you walk through the metal detector, but listen to the directions of the security agent.
It’s also perfectly fine to wear your hearing aids on the plane. You will not need to turn them off before the plane takes off like you do a cell phone, either. Be ready because sometimes your hearing aid won’t work quite as well on the plane. If you are having trouble hearing, use visual hints to let people know. For example, you can cup your ear to show that you can’t understand.
Consider Getting a Dryer or Dehumidifier
Vacations typically go hand in hand with water fun and humidity. Even if you aren’t planning on swimming in a pool or going in the ocean, it is a prudent idea to bring a way to dry out your hearing aids during the night to avoid water damage. A dryer is a precaution worth having all year round, but it’s particularly important when you’re traveling.
Learn About How Your Hearing Aids Work
Some features work better in one kind of environment, other features work better in a different kind of setting. In a busy restaurant for example, or at a theme park, you will need to filter out background noise. Hearing aids have outdoor settings that will make the beach more fun. You can’t know for sure what feature to use if you are not familiar with how your hearing aid works.
A Remote Microphone is a Good Thing to Bring
A remote microphone will come in handy in noisy environments, when driving in the car, or if you are on a plane. You simply clip the microphone to whoever you are talking with to enhance their voice so that you can converse freely.
Call Ahead to The Resort or Hotel
Prominent vacation destinations usually have accommodations for the hearing impaired. Since you won’t be using your hearing aids at night you will want to take advantage of that. Smoke alarms which shake the bed or flash bright lights should be available. Closed caption televisions and special phones can be requested.
Traveling is enjoyable, but it can also be frantic, too. Get your hearing aids situated before you leave, so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Schedule an appointment for a tune-up today.
