You make a financial investment when you buy hearing aids, so take measures to keep them safe and secure as you hit the road. Vacations are supposed to be stress-free, but it doesn’t always turn out that way. If you come up with a plan to care for and protect your hearing aids correctly, that’s one less thing to worry about while you travel. What type of special handling do your hearing aids require while you are on your trip?
There Are Some Simple Things You Can do
First of all, you will need to bring your cleaning kit. Clean your hearing aids the same way as when you are at home. A brush or pick comes with the majority of brand name cleaning kits. When you’re not using them, you should put them in a case for safekeeping. Don’t forget to bring along a soft cloth to wipe them down.
It’s a prudent idea to bring along extra batteries, also. Odds are you’ll be wearing the hearing aids longer than you usually do, so it’s smart to bring a backup set. Don’t forget about that extra charger if you have a hearing aid with rechargeable batteries. Put your chargers in separate places in case one gets lost.
These are some other things you may want to bring along:
- Tubing
- Soft domes
- Sport clip
A checklist is essential to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything you may need. You never know exactly when you might need one of your hearing aid supplies, so pack them in an easy to access place. When you are taking a plane, as an example, keep this stuff in your carry on luggage or bag.
A Professional Cleaning And Checkup is a Smart Move Before You Leave
A week before leaving bring your hearing aids in for an expert tune-up. When traveling it’s important that they are correctly working. Ask the retailer about any warranties you may have on the devices and take any paperwork with you in case something happens. Don’t inadvertently void your warranty by missing something. Take some time to learn how to file a claim.
It won’t hurt to ask if there is an office around where you will be staying, also. Or research hearing aid repair or retailers by yourself. This way you know where to go if you need a quick service, a new battery or even a new hearing aid.
Some Considerations If You Are Using Hearing Aids at The Airport
With all the changing security requirements, going to the airport is always challenging. The first thing you should know is to wear your hearing aids while walking through the security checkpoints. As you come up to the security officers, tell them that you are wearing a hearing aid. most of the time, you will not have to remove them when you walk through the metal detector, but listen to the instructions of the security officer.
You are also free to wear your hearing aids on the airplane. Normally, you may need to turn off cell phones and mobile devices while taking off but your hearing aid can stay on. You might find that your hearing aids don’t function as well on the plane, so be prepared for that possibility. Learn to fill the void with visual signs to the flight attendant and the other people near you so they understand that you can’t hear. When you don’t understand what someone is saying, try cupping your ear to make them aware.
A Drying Kit or Dehumidifier is a Good Idea
Water fun and humidity go right along with vacations. Just because you don’t plan on going swimming, it doesn’t mean humidity is not still a potential problem. A dryer is a precaution worth having year round, but it’s particularly important when you’re traveling.
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 environment. In a busy restaurant for example, or at an amusement park, you will want to filter out background noise. You will get more enjoyment out of the beach when you use outdoor settings. You won’t know for sure what feature to take advantage of if you are not familiar with how your hearing aid works.
A Remote Microphone is a Good Thing to Bring Along
In loud environments, this will come in handy. When you are speaking with somebody, clip the mic to them and you will be able to hear them better.
Notify the Hotel or Resort
Normally, popular vacation venues 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 have flashing lights or shake the bed. Closed caption televisions and special phones can be requested.
Vacationing is fun, but it can also be frantic, 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.