When heading out to your favorite getaway you should take steps to safeguard your hearing aid investment. Sometimes getaways are not as free of worry as you would like. If you would like one less worry, make a plan to protect your hearing aid while on vacation. What protective measures can you take for your hearing aids when you go on vacation.
What Are The Basics
Make sure to bring along a full cleaning kit to begin with. Clean your hearing aids the same as you would when you are at home. A brush or pick is included with the majority of quality brand cleaning kits. It’s a smart idea to bring a carrying case for storage and a soft cleaning cloth.
It’s a prudent strategy to bring extra batteries, as well. Odds are you’ll be putting in your hearing aids longer than you usually do, so it’s smart to have a backup set. Don’t overlook that replacement charger if you have a hearing aid that has rechargeable batteries. Every now and then things get misplaced so carry your extra charger in a different bag.
These are a few other items you should bring along:
- Tubing
- Soft domes
- Sport clip
A checklist is crucial to be certain that you don’t forget anything you might need. Pack your hearing aid items in an easily accessible spot to be sure that you can get at them anytime. When you are taking a plane, as an example, keep this stuff in your carry on luggage or bag.
Get Your Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned and Checked Out
Bring your hearing aids in for a good cleaning and a professional tune-up a week or two before you go on your trip. While traveling it’s essential that they are correctly functioning. Ask the retailer about any warranties you have on the hearing aids and bring any paperwork with you in case something goes wrong. Make sure you know the steps for filing a claim, so you don’t miss anything and possibly void your warranty.
It won’t hurt to ask if there is a retailer close to where you will be staying, too. Or look up hearing aid repair or retailers by yourself. If you need a replacement battery or maybe even some repairs, it will be possible to bring it right in.
Wearing Hearing Aids at The Airport
Sometimes it is difficult to comprehend all of the constantly changing security criteria when you’re at the airport. The first thing you should know is to keep your hearing aids in while going through the security checkpoints. Notify the security officer that you have a hearing aid as you approach so that they know ahead of time. If you follow the officer’s instruction you most likely won’t need to take them out to go through the metal detector.
While you are on the aircraft you can still keep your hearing aids in your ears as well. In most cases, you need to turn off cell phones and mobile devices before taking off but your hearing aid can stay on. You may discover your hearing aids won’t work quite as well on the plane, so be ready for that possibility. Use visual clues to let people know you might not hear as well. Cupping your ear, for example, indicates that you don’t understand.
A Drying Kit or Dehumidifier is a Smart Idea
Vacations usually go right along with swimming and humidity. Even if you don’t plan on going swimming in a pool or going into the ocean, it is a prudent idea to bring a way to dry out your hearing aids at night to avoid water damage. A dryer is really important when on vacation and also year round.
Make Sure You Know How Your Hearing Aids Operate
Different features work better in different settings. In a busy restaurant for instance, or at an amusement park, you will need to filter out background noise. Some have outdoor settings that will make the beach more enjoyable. You can’t know what feature to use if you are not familiar with how your hearing aid works.
Bring a Remote Microphone
In loud settings, this will come in handy. When you are chatting with somebody, clip the mic to them and you will be able to hear them better.
Notify the Hotel or Resort
Prominent vacation destinations normally have accommodations for the hearing impaired. Since you won’t be using your hearing aids at night you will want to take advantage of that. Ask them about rooms with smoke alarms that flash the lights or shake the bed. Closed caption televisions and special phones can be requested.
Vacationing is fun, but it can be frantic, 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.