When traveling to your favorite getaway you will need to take steps to protect your hearing aid investment. Sometimes getaways are not as worry-free as you would like. Taking precautions to take care of your hearing aids will give you one less thing to be stressed about when going on vacation. What protective measures can you take for your hearing aids when you go on vacation.
What Are The Basics
You’ll want a thoroughly packed cleaning kit, to begin with. Everything you do while at home to clean your hearing aids, you’ll need to do while you go on vacation. A brush or pick is included with most brand name cleaning kits. It’s a smart idea to have a case for storage and a soft cleaning cloth.
You may also need extra batteries. It’s a good idea to bring along a backup because you will most likely wear your hearing aid more than you usually do. If your hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, bring along an additional charger, also. Your extra charger should be put somewhere separate just in case one gets misplaced.
Consider some additional accessories you will probably want for your hearing aids such as:
- Tubing
- Soft domes
- Sport clip
A checklist is crucial to be sure that you don’t forget something you may really need. You never know for sure exactly when you might need one of your hearing aid supplies, so pack them in an easy to access spot. When you are taking a plane, for instance, keep this stuff in your carry on luggage or bag.
An Expert Cleaning And Checkup is a Good Idea Before You Leave
A week before you go take your hearing aids in for service. While traveling it’s essential that they are properly working. Ask your retailer about any warranties you may have on the hearing aids and take the paperwork with you just in case something goes wrong. Be sure you know the steps for filing a claim, so you don’t neglect anything and void your warranty.
It won’t hurt to find out if there is an office near 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 replacement hearing aid.
Using Hearing Aids at The Airport
With all of the changing security specifications, going to the airport is always confusing. One thing you should know is to wear your hearing aids while going through the security checkpoints. As you come up to the security officers, let them know that you have a hearing aid in. If you follow the security agent’s direction you most likely won’t need to remove them to walk through the metal detector.
It’s also not a problem if you wear your hearing aids on board the plane. You will not be required to turn them off before the plane takes off like you do a cell phone, either. You might discover your hearing aids won’t work as well on the plane, so be ready for that if it happens. If you are having a hard time hearing, use visual signs to let people know. As an example, you can cup your ear to indicate that you can’t understand.
Consider Getting a Dryer or Dehumidifier
Water fun and humidity go right along with vacationing. Just because you’re not planning to go swimming, it doesn’t mean humidity is not still a potential problem. A dryer is really important while on vacation and also year round.
Learn About How Your Hearing Aids Work
Different features work best in different environments. In a crowded 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 what feature to take advantage of if you are not familiar with how your hearing aid works.
Bring Along a Remote Microphone
In noisy environments, this will come in handy. You just clip the mic to the person who you are talking with to enhance their voice so that you can converse freely.
Call Ahead to The Resort or Hotel
Commonly, popular vacation venues accommodate 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. Find out if they have special phones for the hearing impaired and televisions with closed captioning.
Traveling is fun, 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.