When heading out to your favorite destination you should put steps in place to protect your hearing aid investment. Sometimes vacations are not as worry-free as you would hope. If you want one less concern, come up with a plan to protect your hearing aid while on vacation. When heading out, are there any special precautions to put in place for the safety of your hearing aids?
Start With the Essentials
You’ll want a thoroughly packed cleaning kit, to begin with. When going on vacation you still should do everything you do at home to keep your hearing aids clean. A brush or pick comes with the majority of brand name cleaning kits. You should also bring a soft dry cloth to wipe the surface down and a case to store them in when not wearing them.
You will probably also need replacement batteries. Odds are you’ll be putting in the hearing aids longer than normal, so it’s prudent to bring a backup. If your hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, bring an additional charger, too. Your additional charger needs to be put somewhere separate just in case one gets lost.
Start thinking about what extra items you will probably need for your hearing aids including:
- Tubing
- Soft domes
- Sport clip
A checklist is crucial to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything you might need. You never know exactly when you might need one of your hearing aid supplies, so put them in an easy to access spot. Carry on luggage is the best spot to carry these things if you are going on a plane.
Before You Leave Make Sure You Have Your Hearing Aids Checked and Cleaned by a Professional.
One week prior to going take your hearing aids in for service. Properly working hearing aids will make traveling safer and much more enjoyable. You may need to take your hearing aids in for unexpected emergency servicing while on vacation so consult your retailer regarding any warranties you may have. Be sure that you know how to file a claim, so you don’t overlook anything and possibly void the warranty.
It won’t hurt to find out if there is a retailer close to where you will be staying, too. Or look up hearing aid repair or retailers on your own. If you require a new battery or maybe even some repairs, you will be able to bring it right in.
Wearing Hearing Aids at The Airport
Considering all of the changing security requirements, going to the airport is always puzzling. When you are walking through the security gate, keep your hearing aids in your ear. Tell 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 direction you most likely won’t have to take them out to walk through the metal detector.
It’s also perfectly fine to wear your hearing aids on the plane. You will not need to turn them off before take off like you have to with a cell phone, either. Be prepared because sometimes your hearing aid won’t work quite as well when you’re on the plane. Try to compensate by using visual indicators to the flight crew and the others near you so they understand that you can’t hear. If you can’t understand what someone is saying, try cupping your ear to let them know.
A Drying Kit or Dehumidifier is a Smart Idea
Swimming and humidity go hand in hand with vacations. Even if you don’t plan on going swimming in a pool or going into the ocean, it is a smart idea to have a way to dry out your hearing aids during the night to prevent water damage. A dryer is a precaution worth having all year round, but it’s particularly important when you travel.
Learn About How Your Hearing Aids Operate
Some features work best in one kind of setting, other features work better in a different kind of environment. For example, you’ll need to filter out background noise in a restaurant or at an amusement park. You will have more fun at the beach when 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 loud settings, this will come in handy. You simply clip the microphone to whoever you are talking with to enhance their voice so that you can talk freely.
Notify the Hotel or Resort
Normally, popular vacation venues 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 that shake the bed or flash bright 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 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.