Summer is here and, for many, that means planning a well-deserved getaway in another country. If you’re a new or seasoned hearing aid user you may welcome these tips to ensure your hearing aids continue to be a help, not a hinderance, during your travels… with a little preparation and planning, you can enjoy your holidays and your best hearing experience with minimal fuss.

Whether you’re planning a tropical escape or a bustling city break, your hearing aids are one of your best companions for getting the most out of your adventures. Here are a few top tips for traveling with hearing aids to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:

1. Don’t leave your hearing aids at home!

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth reiterating. When it comes to travel, your optimum hearing experience is not something you want to leave behind. Wearing hearing aids on your trip makes things simpler and safer – think improved ability to hear information like airport announcements and traffic noise. Then, when you arrive at your destination, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience… imagine hearing waves crashing on the beach, the calls of native wildlife, local music, people’s laughing and enjoying themselves, or the melody of different languages around you.

2. Pack spare batteries (or upgrade to rechargeable)

Keeping your hearing aids working their best is key to maintaining your hearing health and enjoyment. So, be sure to pack plenty of spare hearing aid batteries, which provide all-day battery life. Alternatively, consider upgrading to rechargeable hearing aids for even more convenience.

3. Carry-on your batteries

Current Transport Security Administration/TSA guidelines require external battery chargers and uninstalled or spare lithium-ion batteries be packed in carry-on bags. This means you’ll need to take your hearing aid batteries (and charger, if your hearing aids are rechargeable) with you into the airport cabin.

4. Don’t forget your compatible adapter

Make sure to bring a compatible adapter to use with accessories such as your charger. This will ensure you can always power up your devices…with all the amazing sights, sounds, and conversations ahead, you’d hate to run out of power mid-adventure.

5. Wear your hearing aids in the airport

Wearing hearing aids is invaluable for hearing essential flight information from the airport’s public address system, and there is no need to remove your hearing aids while going through metal detectors, x-rays, or other security screening machine. They won’t affect or damage your hearing aids.

However, the TSA does recommend that you inform the TSA security officer that you are wearing hearing aids and let them know if you will need any assistance with the screening process.

6. Your hearing aids can help you on the flight

There is no need to switch off hearing aids on your flight… hearing aids do not interfere with plane navigation or communication systems.

So, this is another win for keeping your devices in. You’ll have an easier time communicating with flight staff, chatting with your seatmates, and hearing the captain’s announcements.

If you need any support with hearing difficulties, just let the cabin crew know.

7. Consider bringing a drying kit

If you’re holidaying somewhere warm, humid, or near water, a drying kit/dehumidifier for your hearing aids can be a game changer. These can help defend against the build-up of humidity, perspiration, and condensation on your devices, which can impact their performance. Such build-up can also be affected by simple temperature swings from going in and out of air conditioning.

Drying kits are affordable, easy to use, and your audiologist can help you find the right one for your hearing aids.

8. Bring your maintenance tools

Remember to bring your hearing aid cleaning tools to maintain daily cleaning and optimal performance of your devices throughout your trip. These would include your hearing aid tool (with brush) and/or a dry, soft cloth to clean earwax, moisture, and debris from the outer parts of your hearing aid.

By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that you enjoy every moment of your summer travel adventures to the fullest!