When venturing out to your favorite getaway you should take steps to protect your hearing aid investment. It would be nice if all trips were worry-free, but unfortunately, that’s not always the way it goes. If you would like one less worry, make a plan to take care of your hearing aid while on vacation. When heading out, are there any special precautions to take for the safety of your hearing aids?

Start With the Essentials

You’ll want a thoroughly packed cleaning kit, for starters. When traveling you still should do everything you do while at home to keep your hearing aids clean. A brush or pick comes with the majority of brand name cleaning kits. It’s a good idea to have a case for storage and a soft cleaning cloth.

It’s a good strategy to bring along replacement batteries, as well. More than likely you’ll be wearing the hearing aids longer than usual, so it’s prudent to have a backup set. If your hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, bring an additional charger, also. Every now and then things get lost so put your extra charger in a different bag.

Here are some other items you may want to bring along:

• Tubing
• Soft domes
• Sport clip

Make a checklist of all the things you use at home before leaving and check twice to be certain that you’ve got everything with you before you pack up the vehicle. An easy to get to place should be selected to put your hearing aid supplies in. When you are taking a plane, for instance, keep this stuff in your carry on luggage or bag.

Have Your Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned and Checked

Your hearing aids should always be tuned up and cleaned at least a week before you leave. When traveling it’s important that they are properly working. Ask your retailer about any warranties you may have on the hearing aids and take any paperwork with you in case something happens. Learn how to file a claim or else you might miss something and you could void your warranty.

You should check into whether there are any hearing aid retailers close to where you are staying. If you require a replacement battery or maybe even some repairs, it will be possible to bring it right in.

Using Hearing Aids at The Airport

With all of the changing security specifications, going to the airport is often challenging. When you are walking through the security gate, keep your hearing aids in your ear. Notify the security officer that you have a hearing aid as you approach so that they know ahead of time. If you follow the security agent’s instruction you probably won’t need to remove them to walk through the metal detector.

While you are on the plane you can still keep your hearing aids in your ears as well. You will not need to turn them off before the plane takes off like you have to with a mobile device, either. When on the plane, your hearing aid may not work as well. If you are having a hard time hearing, use visual hints to let people know. Cupping your ear, for example, sends a signal that you can’t understand.

A Drying Kit or Dehumidifier is a Good Idea

Vacations often go hand in hand with water fun and humidity. Even if you don’t plan to go swimming, that doesn’t mean humidity is still not a potential problem. A dryer is very important while on vacation and also all year round.

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 environment. In a busy restaurant for example, or at a theme park, you will want to filter out background noise. You will have more fun at the beach if you use outdoor settings. But you have to be familiar with how your hearing aid operates if you want to take advantage of these features.

Bring Along a Remote Microphone

In loud environments, this will be helpful. When you are speaking with somebody, clip the microphone to them and you will be able to hear them better.

Notify the Hotel or Resort

Commonly, popular vacation venues accommodate for the hearing impaired. You’ll want to take advantage of that because you won’t be wearing your hearing aids at night. Ask them about rooms with smoke alarms that have flashing lights or shake the bed. Ask if they have special phones for the hearing impaired and televisions with closed captioning.

Traveling is enjoyable, but it can also be crazy, 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.