Over the River and Through the Woods: Holiday Travel with Hearing Aids

Posted on by CENTA Medical Group


They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, but many people hit the roads or fly the friendly skies to visit with relatives this time of year. If you have hearing loss in Lexington and are planning on traveling for the holidays, we’ve got some tips to make your experience a bit less stressful.

Relying on Hearing Aids When Traveling

Man wheeling a suitcase through an airport

If you wear hearing aids in Lexington and are traveling this holiday season, the following hints will help make your season merry and bright.

  • Bring along extra batteries. The majority of hearing aid batteries last between 5-14 days. You won’t want them to die on you right around the time those ten lords are a-leaping, so pack enough to last you the entire trip. It’s a good idea to pack more than you think you’ll need. Cold weather can sap battery life and you’re likely to find yourself in more social engagements than typical, so extra batteries are essential when you’re on the road.
  • Arrive early. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or bus, it’s wise to arrive at your departure point early. This will allow you to make special arrangements with the ticket agent, gate host, or flight attendant if necessary and will help ensure you don’t miss boarding calls or other special announcements. You might also be able to secure preferential seating.
  • Utilize your smartphone. Texting enables you to keep in touch with your traveling companions can be a lifesaver should you accidentally get separated. Your phone provides access to public resources and a host of free apps that can help you with reservations, maps, and travel alerts.
  • Don’t remove your hearing aids. If you’re worried about wearing your hearing aids through security checkpoints, don’t be. The equipment used won’t harm your devices. Be sure to notify the TSA agent or security personnel just in case. This will also alert them to the fact that your hearing aids might trigger the metal detector and ensure a minimal patting-down should this occur.
  • Keep your hearing aids in your carry-on bag. Packing hearing aids in checked luggage is a bad idea. If your final destination is Portland, Oregon but your baggage ends up in Portland, Maine, you’ll be without your hearing aids for a couple of days and unable to enjoy your trip. Always put them in your carry-on bag instead.
  • Protect your hearing aids from moisture. If you’re visiting someplace wet – Florida or a tropical island, perhaps (or even the aforementioned Portland, Oregon) – you’ll need to protect your hearing aids from moisture. Invest in a waterproof case and a dehumidifier to prevent damage.
  • Look for hearing aid-friendly lodging. Many hotels offer amenities for the hearing-impaired. Look for rooms with features such as closed-caption televisions, looping systems and visual alerting devices to make your stay more pleasant.
  • Print all important documents. Printed copies of reservation acknowledgments, travel itineraries and maps are essential, especially when traveling to a foreign country where language barriers can compound the everyday struggle of communicating with hearing loss.

 

Your Lexington audiologist can help provide more helpful hints on traveling with hearing aids during the holidays.