Traveling with Hearing Aids: Your Essential Checklist for Stress-Free Trips

Protecting Your Hearing Aids in Different Climates

Travel exposes your devices to conditions they rarely face at home. Each climate type presents unique challenges.

Hot and Humid Destinations

Heat and humidity are your hearing aids’ worst enemies. Moisture seeps into electronic components and causes corrosion or malfunction.

Use your dehumidifier every night in tropical or humid locations. Even if your devices seem dry, invisible moisture accumulates throughout the day. Brands like Phonak and Starkey design moisture-resistant models, but no device is completely waterproof.

Remove your hearing aids before swimming, showering, or entering saunas. Store them in their protective case, not the bathroom where steam can reach them. Beach destinations require extra vigilance because salt water and sand cause severe damage.

Avoid leaving hearing aids in hot cars or direct sunlight. Temperatures above 120°F can warp plastic components and drain batteries rapidly.

Cold Weather Travel

Winter conditions stress hearing aids differently than heat. Condensation forms when you move from cold outdoor air to warm indoor spaces.

Remove your hearing aids and let them reach room temperature before wearing them inside. This prevents moisture from forming inside the devices. Wipe them dry with a soft cloth before reinserting.

Cold temperatures drain batteries faster. Carry extras even if you think you have enough. Some travelers keep spare batteries in an inside pocket close to body heat to prevent discharge.

Wind noise increases in cold climates. Many modern devices from ReSound and Unitron include wind noise reduction features. Activate these settings before heading outdoors.

Dry, High-Altitude Locations

Desert and mountain destinations create static electricity buildup in hearing aids. This causes crackling sounds or temporary malfunction.

Keep a small bottle of anti-static spray for hearing aids in your travel kit. A quick wipe prevents static discharge. Your devices may also need more frequent cleaning in dusty environments.

High altitude itself doesn’t damage hearing aids, but the dry air can make ear canals uncomfortable. Use ear drops if needed, but keep moisture away from your devices.

Daily Maintenance While Traveling

Don’t skip your cleaning routine just because you’re away from home. Daily care prevents problems that ruin trips.

Morning and Evening Routines

Check your hearing aids each morning before inserting them. Look for visible wax buildup, debris, or moisture. A quick brush removes most issues before they affect performance.

Every evening, wipe your devices with a dry cloth and place them in your dehumidifier. This takes two minutes but prevents moisture damage that requires professional repairs.

Store hearing aids in their case when you remove them during the day. Don’t wrap them in tissue or set them on counters where they can fall or get lost.

Handling Water Exposure Accidents

Even careful travelers occasionally expose hearing aids to water. Act quickly if this happens.

Remove the batteries or stop charging immediately. Don’t try to test if the devices still work. Shake out excess water gently and place the hearing aids in your dehumidifier or a bag of uncooked rice.

Leave them undisturbed for at least 24 hours. Rice absorbs moisture effectively in emergencies. After 24 hours, insert fresh batteries and test function. If problems persist, contact your hearing care provider.

Water damage often appears hours or days after exposure. Don’t assume your devices are fine just because they work immediately after getting wet.

Special Travel Scenarios

Certain activities require extra preparation for hearing aid users.

Business Travel

Conference calls and meetings in unfamiliar rooms test your hearing abilities. Scout the room layout before important meetings. Position yourself where you can see speakers’ faces clearly.

Many Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can connect directly to conference call systems. Test this connection before your meeting starts to avoid technical difficulties.

Bring backup batteries even for rechargeable devices. A dying hearing aid during a crucial presentation creates avoidable stress.

Road Trips

Car travel is gentler on hearing aids than air travel, but long hours in vehicles present challenges. Wind noise from open windows can overwhelm your devices’ noise reduction features.

Keep your cleaning supplies accessible during multi-day road trips. Dust from highways accumulates quickly in device microphones. A quick cleaning at rest stops maintains clear sound quality.

Store your hearing aids in their case when taking breaks, not in cup holders or center consoles where they can overheat or get crushed.

Cruise Ships and Boat Travel

Ocean salt spray damages hearing aids rapidly. Wear a hat or headband to create a barrier between your devices and sea spray when on deck.

Cruise ship cabins often have high humidity levels. Use your dehumidifier religiously, even if the air feels dry. The ocean environment creates moisture you can’t see or feel.

Bring extra cleaning supplies for cruises. You won’t have easy access to stores if you run out mid-voyage.

Adventure Travel

Hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures expose hearing aids to elements they’re not designed to handle. Consider leaving expensive devices at home and using older backup aids for these trips.

If you must bring your primary hearing aids, invest in waterproof storage bags. Protect devices from rain, river crossings, and unexpected weather changes.

Inform your travel companions about your hearing aids. They can help monitor for sounds you might miss, like approaching wildlife or weather warnings.

Emergency Preparedness

Despite perfect planning, problems occasionally occur. Prepare for these common emergencies.

Lost or Damaged Hearing Aids

Photograph your hearing aids and their serial numbers before traveling. Store these images in your phone and email them to yourself. This information speeds replacement if devices are lost.

Know your hearing aid specifications. Understanding your device model helps local providers source compatible parts or temporary replacements. Schedule a consultation before your trip to get this information from your provider.

Travel insurance sometimes covers lost or damaged medical devices. Check your policy before departure and carry a copy of the coverage details.

Finding Help in Unfamiliar Cities

Research hearing care providers at your destination before you leave. Save their contact information in your phone. Most major cities have providers who can handle emergency repairs or adjustments.

Your hearing aid manufacturer may have international service centers. Contact them before traveling to international destinations. They can direct you to authorized service providers worldwide.

Many modern devices allow remote adjustments through smartphone apps. Your provider back home might be able to fix minor issues without requiring an in-person visit.

Communication Strategies When Devices Fail

Don’t let device failure ruin your trip. Prepare backup communication methods.

Download speech-to-text apps on your smartphone. These apps transcribe conversations in real-time when you can’t hear clearly. They work in noisy restaurants, crowded tourist sites, and other challenging environments.

Carry a small notepad for written communication in emergencies. This old-fashioned method works anywhere without requiring technology or batteries.

Inform travel companions about your hearing needs before problems occur. They can help relay important information if your devices malfunction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take out my hearing aids at airport security?

No, you can wear your hearing aids through all airport security screenings. The TSA does not require removal of hearing aids for metal detectors or body scanners. Inform the security officer that you’re wearing hearing aids before screening begins. If additional screening is needed, officers can perform a visual inspection or use a handheld wand without requiring device removal. International airports follow similar policies, though customs officers may ask about your devices when crossing borders.

What is the flight mode for hearing aids?

Flight mode (also called airplane mode) is a setting that disables wireless connectivity in Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids while maintaining amplification function. This feature allows you to hear clearly during flights while complying with airline electronics policies. To activate flight mode, check your hearing aid user manual or smartphone app for specific instructions, as the process varies by manufacturer and model. Some devices use button combinations, while others require app-based activation. Many airlines now permit Bluetooth use throughout flights, so confirm current policies with your airline before disabling this feature.

Should you wear your hearing aids while flying?

Yes, wearing your hearing aids during flights helps you hear important safety announcements, communicate with flight attendants, and respond to emergency instructions. Modern hearing aids handle cabin pressure changes without damage. If you experience temporary discomfort during takeoff or landing, the issue stems from natural ear pressure equalization, not your devices. You can remove them briefly during intense pressure changes if needed, but most users find that swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum resolves discomfort without device removal. Keep your hearing aids accessible throughout the flight rather than storing them in overhead bins.

How do I prevent my hearing aids from getting lost while traveling?

Establish a consistent storage routine. Always place your hearing aids in their protective case when not wearing them, never wrap them in tissue or napkins that might be discarded. Use bright-colored cases that are easy to spot in hotel rooms or bags. Attach a small tracker device (like an AirTag) to your hearing aid case for additional security. Create a designated pocket in your carry-on bag exclusively for your hearing aids. Before leaving any location, do a quick visual sweep of counters, nightstands, and bathrooms where you might have placed your devices temporarily.

Can I swim or shower with my hearing aids while traveling?

No, remove your hearing aids before any water exposure, including swimming, showering, or entering hot tubs and saunas. Even water-resistant models aren’t designed for full submersion or prolonged moisture exposure. Store your devices in their protective case in a dry location away from bathroom steam. If your hearing aids get wet accidentally, remove batteries immediately (or stop charging), shake out excess water gently, and place them in a dehumidifier or bag of uncooked rice for at least 24 hours before testing function. Salt water and chlorine cause severe damage and require immediate drying action.

What should I do if my hearing aids stop working during my trip?

First, check the obvious causes: dead batteries, wax buildup in the microphone, or moisture in the battery compartment. Replace batteries, clean the devices thoroughly, and let them sit in a dehumidifier for several hours. If problems persist, contact your hearing care provider back home for remote troubleshooting through your smartphone app if available. Research local hearing care providers at your destination who can perform emergency repairs or temporary adjustments. Carry your device specifications and serial numbers to help local providers source compatible parts. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical device repair or replacement before future trips.

Are there special considerations for international travel with hearing aids?

Yes, research your destination’s regulations regarding lithium batteries in rechargeable devices, as some countries have restrictions. Carry a letter from your hearing care provider stating your medical need for the devices to help with customs questions. Bring enough batteries for your entire trip, as specific hearing aid battery sizes may not be available internationally. Check voltage requirements for your charging case and bring appropriate power adapters. Save contact information for hearing aid manufacturers’ international service centers before departure. Keep your device specifications and prescription information readily accessible in case you need emergency replacements or repairs abroad.

Pack Smart, Travel Confidently

Traveling with hearing aids requires preparation, but it doesn’t have to limit your adventures. The right supplies and a solid maintenance routine keep your devices functioning perfectly throughout your trip.

Your hearing aids help you enjoy travel experiences fully. Clear conversations with new friends, important announcements at terminals, and the sounds of unfamiliar places all depend on working devices. A few extra minutes of planning prevents the frustration of device failure far from home.

Ready to ensure your hearing aids are travel-ready? Contact us for a pre-trip device check and personalized packing recommendations based on your destination.