When traveling to your favorite getaway you will need to take steps to protect your hearing aid investment. Sometimes vacations are not as free of worry as you would like. If you come up with a plan to take care of and protect your hearing aids correctly, that’s one less thing to stress about when you travel. What protective steps should you take for your hearing aids when you go on vacation.
What Are The Basics
Make sure to bring a complete cleaning kit to begin with. Anything you do at home to keep your hearing aids clean, you’ll need to do while you go on vacation. Almost all good quality hearing aid brands come with or offer a specialized cleaning kit that contains a brush or pick. When you’re not wearing them, you should keep them in a case for storage. Also, bring along a soft cloth to wipe them down with.
It’s a good strategy to bring along replacement batteries, as well. You will potentially use your hearing aid more than usual so a backup set is a smart idea. Don’t overlook that extra charger if you have a hearing aid that has rechargeable batteries. Put your chargers in separate bags just in case one gets misplaced.
Start thinking about what additional accessories you might want for your hearing aids including:
- Tubing
- Soft domes
- Sport clip
Creating a checklist is crucial to be certain that you haven’t forgotten anything you may really need. An easy to access spot should be chosen to carry your hearing aid supplies in. Carry on luggage is the best place to put these things when you are going on a plane.
Have Your Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned and Checked
Your hearing aids should be professionally tuned and cleaned at least a week before you leave. Properly functioning hearing aids will make your travels safer and more enjoyable. Ask your retailer about any warranties you have on your hearing aids and bring the paperwork with you in case something happens. Make sure that you know the steps for filing a claim, so you don’t miss anything and void your warranty.
You ought to find out if there are any hearing aid repair shops close to where you are staying. If you need a new battery or maybe even some repairs, it will be possible to bring it right in.
Using Hearing Aids at The Airport
Sometimes it is hard to comprehend all of the constantly changing security criteria while at the airport. One thing you need to be aware of is to keep your hearing aids in while walking through the security checkpoints. Inform security that you have a hearing aid as you approach so that they know ahead of time. If you adhere to the security agent’s instruction you probably won’t have to take them out to pass through the metal detector.
While you are on the plane you can still keep your hearing aids in as well. You will not be required to turn them off before the plane takes off like you have to with a cell phone, either. You may notice your hearing aids don’t work quite as well on the plane, so be prepared for that possibility. Try to fill the void with visual indicators to the flight attendant and the other people near you so they understand you can’t hear. For instance, you can cup your ear to show that you can’t understand.
Consider Getting a Dryer or Dehumidifier
Vacations usually 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 good idea to have a way to dry out your hearing aids at night to protect against water damage. A dryer is a preventative measure worth having year round, but it’s especially important when you travel.
Make Sure You Know How Your Hearing Aids Operate
Different features work better in different environments. For instance, you’ll need to filter out background noise in a restaurant or at an amusement park. You will have more fun at the beach if you use outdoor settings. But you have to be familiar with how your hearing aid operates if you want to take advantage of these features.
Bring a Remote Microphone
In noisy settings, this will be helpful. When you are conversing with someone, clip the microphone to them and you will be able to hear them better.
Call Ahead to The Resort or Hotel
Commonly, popular vacation destinations accommodate 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 have flashing lights should be available to you. Find out if they have special phones for the hearing impaired and televisions with closed captioning.
Going on vacation is fun, but it can also be crazy, 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.