When heading out to your favorite getaway you should put steps in place to protect your hearing aid investment. Sometimes vacations are not as free of worry as you would hope. If you want one less worry, come up with a plan to protect your hearing aid while on the road. What type of special care do your hearing aids require when you are on the road?
Start With the Basics
Make certain to bring along a complete cleaning kit to begin. Keep cleaning your hearing aids the same as you would when you are at home. A brush or pick comes with most quality brand cleaning kits. You will also want to bring a soft dry cloth to wipe the surface down and a carrying case to put them in when not wearing them.
Replacement batteries will most likely be a good idea too. You will probably wear your hearing aid more than usual so backups are a prudent idea. Don’t overlook that extra charger if you own a hearing aid with rechargeable batteries. Put your chargers in separate places just in case one gets lost.
Also, make plans to bring along these other items:
- Tubing
- Soft domes
- Sport clip
Put together a checklist of everything you use when you’re at home before you leave and double check to ensure you have everything you need with you before you load up your car. An easy to get to place should be chosen to put your hearing aid supplies in. When you are taking a plane, as an example, put these items in your carry on luggage or bag.
Have Your Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned and Checked Out
Your hearing aids really should be professionally tuned and cleaned at least a week before you leave. Properly working hearing aids will make traveling safer and more enjoyable. Ask your retailer about any warranties you may have on the hearing aids and bring the paperwork with you just in case something goes wrong. Don’t inadvertently void your warranty by missing something. Take the time to learn to file a claim.
It won’t hurt to find out if there is an office around where you will be staying, also. Or look up 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 new hearing aid.
Wearing Hearing Aids at The Airport
With all the changing security specifications, going to the airport is always puzzling. When you are going through the security gate, keep your hearing aids in your ear. As you come up to the security officers, let them know that you have a hearing aid in. In most cases, you probably won’t have to take them out as you walk through the metal detector, but follow the directions of the security agent.
It’s also not a problem if you wear your hearing aids on the plane. You will not need to turn them off before the plane takes off like you have to with a cell phone, either. Be ready because sometimes your hearing aid won’t work quite as well when you’re on the plane. If you are having a hard time hearing, use visual signs to let people know. For example, you can cup your ear to show that you can’t understand.
A Drying Kit or Dehumidifier is a Good Idea
Vacations usually go hand in hand with swimming and humidity. Just because you don’t plan on going swimming, it doesn’t mean humidity is not still a potential issue. A dryer is a preventative measure worth having year round, but it’s especially important when you travel.
Make Sure You Know How Your Hearing Aids Function
Some features work best in one kind of setting, other features work better in a different kind of setting. In a crowded restaurant for instance, or at an amusement 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 use if you are not familiar with how your hearing aid works.
Bring Along a Remote Microphone
A remote microphone will be convenient in loud settings, when driving in the car, or if you are on a plane. You just clip the microphone to whoever you are talking with which enhances their voice so that you can converse freely.
Notify the Hotel or Resort
Normally, popular vacation destinations accommodate 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. Find out if they provide special phones for the hearing impaired and televisions with closed captioning.
Going on vacation is enjoyable, 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.