You make a financial investment when you buy hearing aids, so take steps to keep them safe as you hit the road. It would be nice if all vacations were worry-free, but sadly, that’s not always the case. Taking precautions to take care of your hearing aids will give you one less thing to be concerned about while going on vacation. What kind of special handling do your hearing aids require when you are on your trip?
Start With the Basics
You’ll want a fully packed cleaning kit, to begin with. When going on vacation you still should do all of the things you do while at home to clean your hearing aids. A brush or pick is included with the majority of brand name cleaning kits. It’s a good idea to have a case for storage and a soft cleaning cloth.
You may possibly also need replacement batteries. It’s a good idea to bring a backup set since you will most likely use your hearing aid more than you typically do. Don’t overlook that extra charger if you own a hearing aid with rechargeable batteries. From time to time things get misplaced so carry your extra charger in a separate bag.
Give consideration to some extra components you will probably want for your hearing aids including:
- Tubing
- Soft domes
- Sport clip
Prior to loading up your car check twice to be sure that you have everything you might need. Pack your hearing aid items in an easily accessible place to be sure that you can access them anytime. Carry on luggage is the best spot to keep these items if you are going on a plane.
Before You Leave be Sure You Have Your Hearing Aids Checked and Cleaned by a Hearing Aid Professional.
Take your hearing aids in for a cleaning and tune-up a week or two before your trip. When traveling it’s important that they are properly working. Ask your retailer about any warranties you have on your hearing aids and take the paperwork with you just in case something happens. Make sure you know the steps for filing a claim, so you don’t miss something and void the warranty.
You ought to check into whether there are any hearing aid repair shops near where you are going. Then you will know where to go if you need quick service, a new battery or even a replacement hearing aid.
Using Hearing Aids at The Airport
Considering all the changing security requirements, going to the airport is always perplexing. The first 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. most of the time, you probably won’t have to take them out when you go through the metal detector, but listen to the instructions of the security officer.
You are also allowed to use your hearing aids aboard the plane. You will not be required to turn them off before take off like you have to with a mobile device, either. Be prepared because sometimes your hearing aid won’t work as well on the plane. If you are having a hard time hearing, use visual hints to let people know. If you can’t understand what someone is saying, try cupping your ear to make them aware.
Consider Getting a Dryer or Dehumidifier
Vacations often go hand in hand with swimming and humidity. Just because you’re not planning to go swimming, that doesn’t mean humidity is still not a potential issue. A dryer is very important while on vacation and also all year round.
Learn About How Your Hearing Aids Operate
Certain features work best in one kind of environment, other features work better in a different kind of setting. For instance, you’ll need to filter out background noise in a restaurant or at a theme park. Hearing aids have outdoor settings that can make the beach more enjoyable. You can’t know for sure what feature to use if you are not familiar with how your hearing aid works.
Bring a Remote Microphone
In noisy environments, this will come in handy. When you are conversing with somebody, clip the mic to them and you will be able to hear them better.
Notify the Hotel or Resort
Commonly, popular vacation spots accommodate for the hearing impaired. You’ll want to take advantage of that because you won’t be wearing your hearing aids at night. Ask them about rooms with smoke alarms that flash the lights or shake the bed. Ask if they provide special phones for the hearing impaired and televisions with closed captioning.
Traveling is fun, but it can 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.