You make a financial investment when you buy hearing aids, so take measures to keep them safe as you hit the road. Vacations should be stress-free, but that’s not always the case. If you come up with a plan to take care of and safeguard your hearing aids properly, that’s one less thing to stress about while you travel. What sort of specific handling do your hearing aids require while you are on the road?
Start With the Essentials
First of all, you will want to pack a cleaning kit. When traveling you still need to do everything you would do while at home to keep your hearing aids clean. Almost all quality brands come with or offer a specialty cleaning kit that contains a brush or pick. When you’re not using them, you should put them in a case for storage. Don’t forget to bring a soft cleaning cloth to wipe them down with.
It’s a prudent idea to bring along replacement batteries, also. You will potentially use your hearing aid more than usual so backups are a prudent idea. If your hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, bring along an extra charger, as well. Put your chargers in separate bags in case one gets lost.
Start thinking about what additional components you will probably want for your hearing aids such as:
- Tubing
- Soft domes
- Sport clip
A checklist is crucial so that you can be certain you haven’t forgotten anything you may need. Put your hearing aid supplies in an easily accessible spot so that you can get at them anytime. If you are flying, for example, carry these items in your carry on luggage or bag.
Before leaving be Certain You Have Your Hearing Aids Checked and Cleaned by a Professional.
Your hearing aids should always be tuned up and cleaned at least a week before you leave. While traveling it’s important that they are correctly working. Ask your retailer about any warranties you may have on the hearing aids and take the paperwork with you in case something goes wrong. Educate yourself on how to file a claim or else you may miss something and you could void the warranty.
It won’t hurt to find out if there is an office around where you will be staying, as well. Or research hearing aid repair or retailers by yourself. This way you know where to go if you need quick service, a new battery or even a new hearing aid.
Using Hearing Aids at The Airport
Sometimes it is challenging to understand all of the changing security specifications when you’re at the airport. One thing you need to be aware of is to wear your hearing aids while going through the security checkpoints. As you approach the security officers, inform them that you are wearing a hearing aid. If you listen to the officer’s direction you most likely won’t have to take them out to pass through the metal detector.
While you are on the aircraft you can still keep your hearing aids in as well. You will not need to turn them off before take off like you do a mobile device, either. Be ready because sometimes your hearing aid won’t work as well on the plane. Try to compensate by using visual hints to the flight attendant and the others around you so they understand you can’t hear. For example, you can cup your ear to indicate that you can’t understand.
A Drying Kit or Dehumidifier is a Smart Idea
Swimming and humidity go hand in hand with vacations. Even if you’re not planning on going swimming, it doesn’t mean humidity is not still a potential issue. A dryer is really important while on vacation and also year round.
Learn About How Your Hearing Aids Function
Certain features work better in one kind of environment, other features work better in a different kind of setting. In a busy restaurant for instance, or at a theme park, you will want to filter out background noise. Hearing aids have outdoor settings that can make the beach more fun. You can’t know for sure what feature to take advantage of if you are not familiar with how your hearing aid works.
Bring a Remote Microphone
A remote microphone will be convenient in loud settings, when driving in the car, or if you are on an airplane. When you are conversing with somebody, clip the microphone to them and you will be able to hear them better.
Call Ahead to The Resort or Hotel
Popular vacation venues commonly have amenities for the hearing impaired. Since you won’t be using your hearing aids during the 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.
Going on vacation is enjoyable, 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.
