When venturing out to your favorite destination you will need to take steps to safeguard your hearing aid investment. Sometimes getaways are not as free of worry as you would like. Taking precautions to protect your hearing aids will give you one less thing to be worried about when traveling. What sort of special handling do your hearing aids require while you are on vacation?
What Are The Basics
You’ll want a thoroughly packed cleaning kit, for starters. Clean your hearing aids the same way as you would when you are at home. A brush or pick comes with most quality brand cleaning kits. It’s a prudent idea to bring a case for storage and a soft wiping cloth.
Extra batteries will probably come in handy as well. You will potentially use your hearing aid more than normal so a backup set is a prudent idea. If your hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, bring along an extra charger, too. Your additional charger should be put somewhere separate in case one gets lost.
Also, plan to bring these other items:
- Tubing
- Soft domes
- Sport clip
Make a list of everything you use when you’re at home before leaving and double check to be certain you have everything you need with you before you pack up the automobile. You never know for sure exactly when you might actually need one of your hearing aid supplies, so put them in an easily accessible place. Carry on luggage is the best spot to put these items if you are going on a plane.
A Professional Cleaning And Checkup is a Good Idea Before You Leave
A week prior to going bring your hearing aids in for an expert tune-up. While traveling it’s necessary that they are correctly functioning. Ask your retailer about any warranties you have on your devices and take any paperwork with you in case something happens. Be sure that you know the steps for filing a claim, so you don’t neglect anything and possibly void your warranty.
You should check into whether there are any hearing aid retailers close to where you are going. This way you know where to go if you need a quick service, a new battery or even a replacement hearing aid.
Some Considerations When You Are Wearing Hearing Aids at The Airport
Sometimes it is hard to comprehend all of the changing security requirements when you’re at the airport. One thing you should know is to wear your hearing aids while going through the security checkpoints. Tell the security officer that you have a hearing aid as you approach so that they know ahead of time. If you listen to the security agent’s direction you probably won’t need to remove them to pass through the metal detector.
It’s also not a problem if you wear your hearing aids on the plane. Normally, you might be required to turn off cell phones and mobile devices while taking off but your hearing aid can stay on. Be ready because sometimes your hearing aid doesn’t work as well on the plane. Learn to fill the void by using visual hints to the flight crew and the other people near you so they understand you can’t hear. Cupping your ear, for instance, indicates that you can’t understand.
Consider Getting a Dryer or Dehumidifier
Water fun and humid weather go right along with vacationing. Just because you don’t plan to go swimming, that doesn’t mean humidity is not still a potential problem. A dryer is really important when on vacation and also all year round.
Learn About How Your Hearing Aids Work
Some features work best in one kind of environment, other features work better in a different kind of setting. For example, you’ll need to filter out background noise in a restaurant or at a theme park. Hearing aids have outdoor settings that will make the beach more enjoyable. But you have to be familiar with how your hearing aid functions if you want to use these features.
A Remote Microphone is a Good Thing to Bring Along
In noisy environments, this will be helpful. You just clip the microphone to the person who you are talking with which enhances their voice so that you can converse freely.
Notify the Hotel or Resort
Normally, popular vacation spots accommodate for the hearing impaired. Since you won’t be wearing your hearing aids at night you will want to take advantage of that. Ask them about rooms with smoke alarms that flash the lights or shake the bed. Closed caption televisions and special phones can be requested.
Vacationing is enjoyable, but it can be crazy, too. Get your hearing aids situated before you go, so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Schedule an appointment for a tune-up today.