Posted Thursday May 15, 2025
Whether you're escaping to a tropical paradise or heading out on a business trip, your hearing aids can be essential travel companions. They help you stay connected, safe, and immersed in every experience. To ensure smooth travels, here are ten dos and don’ts for traveling with hearing aids:
1. Don’t leave your hearing aids at home
Your hearing aids are just as important as your passport or wallet. They help you stay alert to important sounds—like airport announcements, traffic, or conversations—and make it easier to navigate unfamiliar environments.
Once you reach your destination, better hearing helps you soak in the full experience: from the sound of waves crashing and wildlife calls to live music and new languages.
2. Do keep extra batteries or a charger with you
To avoid unexpected power loss, pack extra batteries or your charger in your carry-on. This ensures your hearing aids remain functional throughout your trip.
Tip: You’ll know it's time to change batteries if the sound becomes distorted or if you're frequently increasing the volume.
3. Don’t forget your accessories
Bring along accessories that enhance your hearing experience. Wireless microphones, TV streamers, and remote mics for tour guides can all be incredibly helpful in noisy or group settings.
Travel tip: If you’re travelling internationally, bring a power adapter compatible with your accessories and charger.
4. Do wear your hearing aids at the airport
Airports are full of important audio cues—from gate changes to boarding announcements. Wearing your hearing aids helps you stay informed and avoid confusion.
If your hearing aids include telecoil functionality, you may be able to access airport hearing loops for clearer sound. And don’t worry—security screenings like metal detectors and scanners won’t harm your hearing aids.
5. Don’t stow supplies in checked luggage
According to airline guidelines, external battery chargers and spare lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on. Keeping your hearing aid supplies with you also ensures they’re accessible when you need them mid-travel.
6. Do let flight attendants know about your hearing loss
In-flight noise makes it hard to hear—even for people without hearing loss. Let the flight crew know so they can share important information with you directly, such as safety instructions or meal service details.
7. Don’t turn off your hearing aids during the flight
Hearing aids don’t interfere with airplane systems, so there’s no need to turn them off during takeoff or landing. Keeping them on allows you to stay engaged with flight staff and fellow passengers.
8. Do bring a drying kit
If you’re heading to a humid climate or plan to spend time near water, a drying kit or hearing aid dehumidifier can help prevent moisture buildup. These kits protect your devices from humidity, sweat, and temperature changes, all of which can affect performance.
9. Don’t forget cleaning tools
Pack your cleaning tools—like brushes, cloths, and wax guards—to maintain your devices daily. Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance and longevity while you're away from home.
10. Do create a safe spot for your hearing aid supplies
Once you arrive, designate a consistent spot in your hotel room or lodging for your hearing aids and accessories. This helps you keep everything organised and avoid misplacing anything when you're rushing out.
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For battery-powered hearing aids: Store them in a case with battery doors open to allow airflow and extend battery life.
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For rechargeable devices: Keep them in the charger and ensure its plugged in or powered.
Bonus tip!
- Travel insurance: Include your hearing aids on your travel insurance, as typically your usual House and Contents insurance won't cover your aids when you're out of the country.
Need more help?
Before your trip, your hearing care professional can help you stock up on supplies, answer questions, and give you personalised tips to make your journey more enjoyable.
Safe travels and happy hearing!