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Nagish Acquires Sign.mt to Drive Research in AI and Sign Language. Read the announcement
Hearing Loss
August 22, 2023
6 Min

A Guide to Flying With Hearing Aids

People with hearing loss need more planning and preparation before a flight. Click here to read all about it and prepare yourself for a flight!

Author:
Juana Poareo
A Guide to Flying With Hearing Aids
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Introduction 

If you have hearing loss, you might be wondering how the flight experience can accommodate you if you wear hearing aids. 

In this article, we aim to answer some of the most common questions surrounding flying with hearing aids and provide tips for making your flight as stress free as possible.

Do You Have to Take Out Hearing Aids at Airport Security?

There is good news – you do not have to remove your hearing aids during security checks. The same goes for cochlear implants. You get to keep them on.

This applies to all types of hearing aids - Behind the ear (BTE), Completely in canal (CIC), In the ear (ITE), and many others. 

However, if you wear hearing aids, be prepared for potential extra screening by the security team. To avoid any problems, carry your TSA Notification Card to show security. 

This screening is routine and involves no risk to you or your hearing aids or cochlear implant. 

Can You Wear Hearing Aids on the Plane?

Yes, you can. They can be kept on during the entire flight. They don’t interfere with the plane's navigation or communication systems.

In fact, on your flight, your hearing aids can help you communicate better with the flight crew and other passengers. 

Make sure to check the T-coil setting if your hearing aids have this feature. It can improve hearing in environments where there’s a lot of background noise, which is pretty much every single time you’re on a flight. Many airports have induction loop systems for hard-of-hearing travelers. 

Problems People Have When Flying with Hearing Aids

Young woman with long brown hair using smartphone during flight.
Young woman with long brown hair using smartphone during flight.

Most problems that people experience when flying with hearing aids revolve around battery life and changes in air pressure. 

For battery life, it's always a good idea to carry extra batteries. Flights can be delayed, journeys can get extended, and being stuck in a new place without functional hearing aids is not a pleasant experience.

Air pressure changes during takeoff and landing can result in a "popping" sensation or painful pressure in the ears, whether you use hearing aids or not. 

But don’t worry, this is temporary and will ease as the pressure stabilizes. If you wear in-ear hearing aids and the pressure feels uncomfortable, you might try removing them during takeoff and landing.

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Where to Put Hearing Aid Batteries During Your Flight

When flying with hearing aids, it's always a good idea to carry spare batteries. But where's the best place to keep them? 

Because hearing aid batteries are small and can be easily misplaced, it's best to store them in a small, hard case. You might want to keep this case in your carry-on bag for easy access.

To make sure your hearing aid batteries last longer, keep them at room temperature and away from coins or keys, as any contact with metal can short-circuit them. Also, remember to keep the sticker on the new batteries until you're ready to use them.

How to Communicate Your Needs to Flight Staff

Effective communication with airline personnel is vital for a pleasant and safe flight experience when flying with hearing aids. Follow these suggestions to keep stress to a minimum: 

  • Inform the airline about your hearing loss while booking your flight, so they can accommodate you.
  • Carry a “hearing impaired” card that you can hand to flight attendants. They can store it in your profile and locate your seat when necessary.
  • Request pre-boarding at the gate, if needed, to give you enough time to settle and inform the flight crew about your specific needs.

Navigating In-Flight Entertainment With Hearing Aids

Airlines are working to make in-flight entertainment systems more accessible to people who are flying with hearing aids. Here are some things you can do to assure a smooth experience: 

  • If your hearing aids have a T-coil setting, a neck loop is helpful. It creates a magnetic field that your hearing aids can pick up, making audio more clear. 
  • Bring your own headphones or earbuds that are compatible with your hearing aids. Test them beforehand to ensure that they fit comfortably over your hearing aids and deliver good sound quality.
  • Bring your own entertainment. 

Managing Hearing Aids in Different Flight Conditions

Young male traveler on airline flight using a smartphone connected to in-ear headphones
Young male traveler on airline flight using a smartphone connected to in-ear headphones

Fluctuating flight conditions and cabin pressure can affect your hearing aids’ functioning. Consider the following tips:

  • Keep your hearing aid manual handy. It'll help you make setting adjustments based on different flight conditions.
  • Use the T-coil setting in your hearing aids if you're having trouble hearing onboard announcements or conversations.

Can You Use Bluetooth Connectivity on Hearing Aids Inside a Plane?

Passengers flying with hearing aids can use Bluetooth, but some rules need to be followed:  

  • Be aware of flight regulations and turn on "airplane mode" when required. Bluetooth functions are allowed after that.
  • If you experience latency issues, consider using wireless headphones with Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids.

Understanding Emergencies: How Airlines Assist People with Hearing Loss

In an emergency, airline personnel should take into account travelers with hearing loss. Some of these measures include:

  • Providing pre-flight safety briefings in accessible formats, like video screens with captions or written instructions.
  • Using visual cues such as hand gestures to emphasize important information during an emergency.

Dealing with Hearing Aid Loss or Damage during Flight

Losing or damaging your hearing aids while flying can be distressing. To minimize these risks, you may want to take these steps: 

  • Use a hearing aid retention cord to keep your aids in place during your flight. This can prevent them from falling out or getting lost.
  • Bring a backup pair of hearing aids, if you can. This way, you'll have a spare pair if anything happens during your flight.

Tips for Coping with Jet Lag and Sleep Differences for Hearing Aid Users

Young woman in bed wearing sleep mask to cope with jet lag.
Young woman in bed wearing sleep mask to cope with jet lag

Jet lag can be especially challenging for people flying with hearing aids due to changing sleep patterns. Here are some ways to cope: 

  • Use a vibrating pillow alarm that works with or without your hearing aids.
  • Try some relaxation techniques to help adjust to the new time zone, like yoga, deep breathing exercises, or meditation.

Travel Insurance for Your Hearing Aids: Do You Need It?

Taking out travel insurance that covers hearing aids can provide additional peace of mind. Here are some things to consider:

  • Check if your current insurance policy includes travel coverage for medical devices like hearing aids. If not, inquire about adding it.
  • Compare insurance plans to find one that specifically covers hearing aids and provides a level of coverage you feel comfortable with.

Navigating a Foreign Country with Hearing Loss

Exploring new countries can be challenging for those with hearing loss. Use these tips to make the most of your experience:

  • Use phone apps that translate foreign languages and provide transcriptions of spoken language in real time.
  • Use speech-to-text apps. 
  • Learn key phrases before arrival. 
  • Research deaf-friendly attractions, events, and facilities (especially hotels) to ensure a fun and accessible travel experience.

Handling Airport Announcements for Hard of Hearing Travelers 

Airport announcements can be tricky for those with hearing loss. Try these strategies to stay updated:

  • Sign up for text notifications or flight status updates through the airline's app.
  • Make use of visual information screens throughout the airport that display flight statuses, gate changes, or delays.

Hearing Aid Care: Before and After a Flight

Proper care of your hearing aids before and after flying can extend their lifespan. Here are some tips for maintaining your hearing aids:

  • Bring a hearing aid cleaning kit and follow a regular cleaning routine, as dust and debris can accumulate due to changing environments.
  • Keep a small, airtight container with a desiccant handy. It'll help you properly store and protect your hearing aids from moisture and humidity. 

Conclusion

Being proactive, equipping yourself with resources and information, and planning ahead can make your flight smooth and enjoyable. Whether you're an avid globetrotter or an occasional flyer, it's important to remember that flying with hearing aids shouldn't hamper your love for traveling. 

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Juana Poareo

The founder of Being Access-able, an accessibility resource hub for brands and entrepreneurs. She also writes about accessibility and advocacy.

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Nagish Acquires Sign.mt to Drive Research in AI and Sign Language. 
‍Read the announcement

A Guide to Flying With Hearing Aids

Key Findings

  • Workplace Impact: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals report that communication barriers hinder career mobility.
  • Healthcare Challenges: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals experience communication barriers in healthcare settings, contributing to delays in treatment.
  • Concerns About Emergency Communications: 20% of Deaf and 24.3% Hard-of-Hearing users also expressed serious concerns that communication barriers would prohibit them from contacting healthcare personnel in an emergency situation.
  • Independence Boost: Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence, with 60% of Deaf users and 63% of Hard-of-Hearing users reporting increased autonomy.
  • Emotional Strain: 55% of Deaf users and 83% of Hard-of-Hearing users reported emotional distress due to communication frustrations.
  • Social and Professional Opportunities: 46% of Deaf and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing users saw improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies.

Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence

At Nagish, we’ve seen firsthand just how much communication shapes daily life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Our recent survey highlights the significant barriers they face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives. But it also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology. The results of this survey reinforce our commitment to empowering these communities and remind us why our mission matters: with access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.

We collected data through a comprehensive survey involving over 300 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and currently use hearing assistive technology. The survey included 179 Deaf and 140 Hard-of-Hearing participants, with data collected in an inclusive and accessible manner to ensure that everyone could participate and share their experiences without barriers.Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility

Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential. Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.

Download the PDF Report

A majority of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants reported that communication barriers affected their career decisions, making it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers.

Deaf Participants

Hard-of-Hearing participants

65% of Deaf users rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively, which can limit their ability to fully engage in dynamic work environments.

Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges are not just a workplace issue — they extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact individuals’ health outcomes. Accessible communication tools are essential for ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can receive timely and accurate medical care, especially in emergency situations

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users face communication barriers in healthcare settings, which can lead to missed appointments, misunderstandings about medical treatments, and delayed care.

Deaf users:

62%

Hard of Hearing users:

66%

Some Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users have concerns about reaching healthcare professionals in emergencies, highlighting serious public safety risks.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is just how much independence is boosted with assistive technology. This improvement in independence is not just about doing things on their own; it’s about having the confidence and ability to engage fully in both professional and personal settings.

Assistive technology has significantly increased the independence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users in managing daily tasks, showing clear improvements after adoption.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
Beyond independence, assistive technology creates connection.By removing communication barriers that keep people from joining in socially or professionallyassistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Assistive technology has helped Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users expand their social networks and professional opportunities, enabling new connections and career growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
People often overlook the emotional and psychological toll of communication , but they can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.

A significant number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users experience frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends, leading to isolation and stress.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What’s also clear to us is that the question isn’t whether assistive technology helps—it’s how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.. By making these tools more accessible, we can open up new opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers, maintain better health, and lead more independent lives.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it’s in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives. 
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.