Travelling with Hearing Aids: Tips for Edmonton Travellers

Travelling with hearing aids is straightforward, but a small amount of preparation makes the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one. Whether you are flying out of Edmonton International for a vacation or driving to the mountains for the weekend, these tips will keep your hearing aids working reliably.

At the airport

Security screening

Hearing aids can stay in your ears through airport security. They will not set off the metal detector or be damaged by the X-ray scanner. You do not need to remove them or declare them.

If you are pulled aside for additional screening, let the security agent know you are wearing hearing aids. They are trained to accommodate this.

Boarding and in-flight

Tell the gate agent or flight attendant that you wear hearing aids if you are concerned about hearing announcements. Many airlines have visual displays for boarding information, and some offer captioned in-flight entertainment.

Modern Bluetooth hearing aids can connect directly to your phone for in-flight audio, movies, and music. If your hearing aids do not have Bluetooth, carry a set of over-ear headphones that fit comfortably over your devices.

Packing for your trip

Bring extra batteries

If you use disposable batteries, pack at least twice as many as you expect to need. Specific sizes may not be easy to find at your destination, especially if you are travelling internationally. Keep them in their original packaging and in your carry-on, not checked luggage.

Bring your charger

If you use rechargeable hearing aids, your charging case is essential. Pack it in your carry-on. Bring the correct power adapter for your destination’s outlets.

Pack a cleaning kit

A small brush, wax pick, and a soft cloth take up almost no space and let you maintain your hearing aids on the road. Daily cleaning prevents buildup that can muffle sound or cause feedback.

Consider a drying container

Travel introduces extra moisture, from humid climates, sweat, rain, or swimming. A small desiccant container or electronic dryer protects your hearing aids overnight. This is especially important in tropical destinations.

During your trip

Protect from water

Hearing aids and water do not mix. Remove them before swimming, showering, or any water activity. If they get splashed, dry them immediately and place them in a drying container overnight.

Be careful with sunscreen and bug spray

Apply sunscreen and insect repellent before putting your hearing aids in. These products can clog microphone ports and damage plastic components. If product gets on your aids, wipe it off gently with a soft cloth.

Use them for what they are good at

Hearing aids make travel better. Use Bluetooth streaming for navigation directions. Use them in restaurants to follow conversations. Use them to hear tour guides and enjoy the sounds of the places you visit. That is the whole point.

At your hotel or accommodation

When you arrive, set up a consistent spot for your hearing aids and accessories. A bedside table works well. Place your charger or drying container there on the first night so it becomes routine.

If your room has a safe, use it for backup batteries and spare receivers when you head out for the day. Replacing hearing aids mid-trip is expensive, so keeping extras secure is worthwhile.

Ask the front desk about hearing accessible rooms. Many hotels offer visual alert systems for fire alarms and door knocks, vibrating alarm clocks, and captioned phones. These are available at most major hotel chains at no extra cost.

Road trips from Edmonton

Edmonton is a starting point for some incredible drives, from Jasper and the Icefields Parkway to Drumheller and the Badlands. Long drives with hearing aids are generally comfortable, but wind noise from open windows can overwhelm your microphones. Keep windows up at highway speeds or switch to a noise reduction program if your hearing aids offer one.

At fuel stops along Highway 16 or Highway 2, avoid leaving your hearing aids on the dashboard. Summer sun heats the interior fast, and extreme heat damages batteries and internal electronics.

If you are heading into the mountains, altitude changes can occasionally cause a feeling of pressure or slight changes in how your hearing aids sit. This is normal and typically resolves on its own, but if discomfort continues, a quick adjustment back in Edmonton will sort it out.

Before you leave Edmonton

A quick visit to your audiologist before a trip is worth the time. We can:

• Clean and inspect your hearing aids
• Check battery health on rechargeable devices
• Make any needed adjustments
• Provide spare receivers, domes, or wax guards to take along

Book a pre-trip checkup at any of our Medicine Place Hearing Care locations in Edmonton or Calgary. No referral needed.