Top 10 tips for travelling with hearing loss and hearing aids
Whether you’re being whisked away to a tropical paradise or enjoying a staycation in the UK, if you’re a hearing aid user, it’s important to ensure that all your hearing aid necessities are accounted for. Even one forgotten item, like a spare tube or battery, can put a dampener on your entire trip, leaving you unable to take part in conversation or enjoy the sounds – as well as the sights – of somewhere new.
Hearing aid checklist
Travelling can be stressful at the best of times. There are so many things to remember: passports, tickets, money, and if you’re a hearing aid user, you need your hearing aids and accessories to be ship-shape to ensure you can enjoy the experience to the full.
To help you stay on top of your hearing needs, especially in humid conditions that require special care, we’ve prepared a handy checklist of items to take with you:
- NHS hearing aids: The most important piece of equipment on this list. Don’t leave home without them!
- Cleaning kit: Sand in your tube is a definite holiday downer! A cleaning kit is essential for maintaining the quality and performance of your hearing aid, especially when facing elements like sand and humidity. Learn more about maintaining your device with our handy guide on How to Clean Your NHS Hearing Aids.
- Batteries or chargers: Whilst recharging your body and mind on holiday, don’t forget to give your hearing aid the same treatment.
- Spare tubes: Don’t get your tubes in a twist, just replace them! Having spares is crucial. Learn more in our article on The Importance of Changing Your Hearing Aid Tubes.
- Assisted Listening Devices: Devices like Multi Mic, Phone Clip+ and TV streamer can enhance your hearing in a range of different environments, making your holiday even more enjoyable and ensuring you don’t miss any of the action or conversation. NHS patients get 25% off these wireless accessories with a 60-day refund policy. Novus Health also offers a demo service where patients can try before they buy, but please note that this is subject to availability as they are very popular. Explore more and find the right device for you on the Novus Hearing Assisted Listening Devices page.
Top 10 tips for travelling with hearing aids
Our top 10 tips to travelling with hearing loss and taking care of your hearing aids will ensure you have the best holiday, ever!
- Effective communication: Your holiday will be even more enjoyable when you can engage fully in conversations. Always face the person you’re listening to, as visual cues can enhance your understanding. Utilising tools like the BeMore app, along with simple communication strategies, ensures you won’t miss out on any fun chats around the pool or dinner table.
- When travelling by car: If you’re travelling by car whilst on holiday, remember not to leave your hearing aids on the dashboard. Cars heat up very quickly, and high temperatures can damage your hearing aids.
- Keep them dry: If you’re headed for sunnier climes or having a relaxing beach vacation, be aware of environmental factors that can affect your hearing aids. It (almost goes without saying), but make sure you remove your hearing aids before jumping in the ocean, pool, or hot tub! If your hearing aids do get exposed to moisture, it’s essential to dry them properly. Open the battery compartments and leave them to air dry in a safe place overnight or use a hearing aid dehumidifier if you have one (these are available from novus Health). Proper drying ensures that your hearing aids continue to function optimally, even after exposure to humidity or accidental moisture contact.
- Dine out at quieter times: If you’re planning to eat out, consider choosing very early or very late times for lunch or tea. Restaurants are often quieter during these times, making it easier to engage in conversation without straining to hear. If you’re unsure of the best time to dine, don’t hesitate to call the restaurant ahead and ask about their quieter hours, or ask to be seated at a quieter table. This simple strategy can enhance your dining experience and help you connect more easily with family and friends.
- Protect your hearing aids from hairspray: When getting ready for a night out or a special event, remember that hairspray can damage your hearing aids. Before applying hairspray, remove your hearing aids and place them in a safe location. Wait for the hairspray to dry completely before replacing your hearing aids. This simple precaution ensures that you won’t accidentally spray your hearing aids, which can cause damage or affect how well they function.
- Stay connected with remote assistance: Going on holiday doesn’t mean you’re on your own when it comes to your hearing aid needs. Download the innovative BeMore App and you’ll have remote assistance at your fingertips. The hearing loss specialists at Novus Health can fine-tune your hearing aids through the app, even while you’re miles away from home. This includes tailoring the behaviour of your hearing aids – including adjusting the volume to your liking or even drowning out unnecessary noise – to ensure they are working optimally for you. It’s like having a personal audiologist with you on your trip.
- Air travel with hearing aids: When traveling by air, it’s essential to keep your hearing aids secure and accessible. Pack them in your carry-on luggage along with spare batteries and a cleaning kit. It’s also worth familiarising yourself with airport security procedures regarding hearing aids and informing security personnel if you need help during screening.
- Be careful with the suncream: Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial but be mindful of how sunscreen can affect your hearing aids. Apply sunscreen before putting on your hearing aids to avoid getting any lotion or oil on them, as this can damage the devices and block the microphones. Also, remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating. For more information on the importance of wearing sunscreen, check out our dermatology blog.
- Pack extra supplies: When traveling, it’s wise to pack extra hearing aid batteries, tubes, and domes, just in case. You never know when you might need them and having spares on hand can save you from inconvenience or disruption during your trip. Keep these supplies in a safe and accessible place in your luggage so that you can quickly replace them if needed.
- Research hearing aid-friendly attractions: Before embarking on your journey, take some time to research attractions and activities that are hearing aid-friendly. Look for venues, tours and events that offer assistive listening devices or captioning services for visitors with hearing loss. Planning can ensure that you fully enjoy your travel experiences without any communication barriers.
Happy hearing aids, happy holidays!
By taking our top 10 tips on board before and during your travels, your hearing aids will be a helpful companion throughout your holiday, rather than a source of stress. If you have any questions or need extra guidance on how to care for your hearing aids while travelling, please reach out to our team at Novus Health. Enjoy your trip!
