Traveling with Hearing Aids
Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes vacation season. No matter where you travel on vacation, with your modern hearing aids, you’ll be prepared for anything.
Are you heading to the beach to swim and relax? To the mountains for hiking? Or is the desert calling you for a camel ride? For each of us, the dream of the perfect vacation looks different. There’s one thing, however, that’s beyond dispute: No matter which climate zone your trip takes you to, you’ll be perfectly equipped with your hearing aids. There are just a few small things to keep in mind, because like any electronic device, hearing aids require careful handling.
Before you pack your bags, be sure to visit your hearing care professional and have your hearing aids checked. This way, you can rule out any potential issues right away—such as by replacing worn parts. While you’re there, hearing aid users can also find out whether they can walk through tropical rain with their hearing aids and, if so, whether a special (shock-resistant) storage box with desiccant packets or a dedicated dry case for the hearing aids should be packed. Incidentally, this is also a good idea when traveling to particularly hot climates that increase perspiration. Your trusted hearing care professional can also provide helpful tips on drying and care systems so you can clean these small high-tech devices properly even while on vacation.
You should also pack a sufficient supply of spare batteries in your luggage. If you’re using a charger, be sure to pack the appropriate plugs and adapters for your destination country. In case of an absolute emergency, it’s best to write down the job title of a hearing care professional in the local language. If something does happen, this will ensure you can get help right there. But we don’t expect that to happen, so: Enjoy your vacation!
If you're traveling by plane, your hearing aids may be able to handle the pressure changes on their own. An alternative is custom-fitted earplugs with a special filter—this way, you can travel comfortably and even catch a little sleep on the way.
