Flying with hearing aids or using them on flights is simpler than you may imagine. People generally worry about travelling with hearing aids and 'Can I use hearing aids on an airplane?' is a common question. In this blog post, we discuss all the key steps to keep you informed for the next time you fly away. Hearing loss should not hinder travelling, either for business or pleasure. With a few simple tips, it will not pose any difficulty or stop you from using any kind of transport. Considering the more stringent airport regulations, you may think that boarding a plane with a hearing device may be a little different to using a hearing aid in a train or car.
4 Top tips for flying with hearing aids
To make your traveling experience as effortless as possible, there are several things you can do:- Inform the airport officials about your hearing impairment so that you will be given proper attention.
- Ensure you have easy access to all the flight information just as for other passengers in cases of emergency.
- Be prepared with additional fresh hearing aid batteries, in both your hand and checked-in luggage. It may not be easy to purchase them from your destination.
- Bring all the appropriate hearing aid accessories you need to keep your hearing aid safe and in proper working order.
Passing through airport security with hearing aids
Hearing aids are complex electronic devices and it is only natural to be concerned about flight regulations and requirements when you travel. For ease, you should notify any security officers of your hearing impairment. There are no restrictions which will prevent you from wearing your hearing aid on the plane. You will not need to remove your hearing aid to pass through barriers, x-rays, or full body checkers. On the contrary, it is better to keep it on to facilitate communication with the airport officials. What you can do, is decrease the volume in order to avoid any disturbing noise coming from any interference with the signal from the scanner. Most importantly, the screening devices at the airport will not damage your hearing aid and you can safely pass the security check. You can download and print a notification card from the Transport Security Administration so you can subtly and discreetly inform staff of your hearing impairment.Flying with Hearing Aids
It is safe to keep your hearing aid on when boarding the plane, unless otherwise stated in the manual. Some people, though, prefer to turn it off in order avoid the background noise on board. You will not be required to turn it off while taking off and landing. It isn't considered a personal electronic device and is not classified in the same category as MP3 players, iPods, laptops, mobile phones, smartphones etc. Nevertheless, it is good to know what features the hearing aid has. For example, if it features an FM system, you will need to switch it off.
If you are traveling to a hot and humid place, do not forget to pack a
hearing aid dehumidifier in your luggage such as the Phonak ‘C&C Line’ Drying Beaker & Drying Capsules Kit. Moisture can be detrimental to your hearing aid and may prevent it from functioning properly. Depending on your destination, you may not be able to find a specialist to fix it or a service may be expensive. So it's best to pack all you need for your hearing aid maintenance in advance. Also, to help keep your ears safe when flying you can use Earplanes Flight Ear Protection, an ear plug specifically designed for air travel.
You can read more about ear popping, pressurisation and how to fix it in our blog post: Ear Popping Problems
It's best to ask your audiologist beforehand if you are not sure about the specific functions of your hearing aid. You can also ask the flight attendant for assistance once on the plane.
About Hearing Direct
We are one of the world's leading hearing aid specialists. Hearing Direct offers a wide range of affordable products, as well as information resources to help improve the quality of life for the hard of hearing. We sell:
- Hearing aids,
- Batteries,
- Hearing Aid Accessories such as earplugs,
- and amplified devices such as super loud alarm clocks and amplified phones.
