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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
Fluctuating flight conditions and cabin pressure can affect your hearing aids’ functioning. Consider the following tips:
Passengers flying with hearing aids can use Bluetooth, but some rules need to be followed:
In an emergency, airline personnel should take into account travelers with hearing loss. Some of these measures include:
Losing or damaging your hearing aids while flying can be distressing. To minimize these risks, you may want to take these steps:
Jet lag can be especially challenging for people flying with hearing aids due to changing sleep patterns. Here are some ways to cope:
Taking out travel insurance that covers hearing aids can provide additional peace of mind. Here are some things to consider:
Exploring new countries can be challenging for those with hearing loss. Use these tips to make the most of your experience:
Airport announcements can be tricky for those with hearing loss. Try these strategies to stay updated:
Proper care of your hearing aids before and after flying can extend their lifespan. Here are some tips for maintaining your hearing aids:
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.