While summer travel brings the thrill of new adventures, it can also pose unique challenges for individuals managing hearing loss or tinnitus.  

Proper preparation is key to ensuring that you experience the joys of summer without unnecessary stress due to communication barriers or discomfort from your hearing devices.  

Preparing Your Hearing Aids 

Before embarking on your journey, it's essential to check your hearing aids and assess their readiness to perform optimally during your travels. With ample preparation and care, you can ensure that you’re hearing your holiday with perfect clarity, and without any hassle. Here are a few things to consider as you’re packing your bags. 

Battery Check 

Always start by checking the batteries in your hearing aids. Make sure you have a sufficient supply of replacement batteries or charging gear. You wouldn't want to risk being caught without power during your adventures! 

For models with rechargeable batteries, make sure to pack your charging case, an adapter for foreign sockets, and a portable charging unit in your suitcase so you can rest assured that your hearing aids will be there for your every need as you’re exploring your destination. 

Cleaning 

A clean hearing aid is a functional hearing aid. Make sure to perform a gentle cleaning of your devices before you leave, which includes removing any debris or wax buildup.  

Having your hearing aids serviced by your hearing health team might also be a valuable added step to ensure they are in peak condition for your trip. 

Proper Fit & Settings 

Ensuring a proper fit is critical for comfort and functionality. If your hearing aids feel loose or uncomfortable, a visit to your hearing healthcare provider can help you adjust the fit and settings according to your travel needs. 

Taking Advantage of Airplane and Hotel Settings 

Most modern hearing aids come with specific settings designed for different environments, such as airplane mode or quieting settings for hotels. 

Airplane Mode 

Travelling by air can be noisy and chaotic, making it hard to hear announcements or communicate with flight attendants. Many hearing aids allow you to switch to an airplane setting, which can help with noise cancellation. Be sure to familiarize yourself with this feature before boarding.  

Hotel Environment 

Because hotels can be unpredictable in the level of noise they generate, it’s often helpful to adjust your hearing aid to better filter out background noise, especially in bustling areas. It’s worth consulting your audiologist to see if your aids can be programmed specifically for these environments. 

If you need help with figuring out these settings, we’re only a phone call away! 

Packing Essentials 

When preparing for your travels, packing adequately for your hearing needs will go a long way towards ensuring smooth communication. 

Extra Batteries and Charging Gear 

Pack more batteries than you think you will need. This is especially important for long trips. Also, consider bringing additional chargers or power banks for USB-charged devices. 

Accessories 

Don’t forget important accessories, such as cleaning kits, drying containers for moisture control, or even a travel case that keeps your aids safe. Include a pen or notebook for writing when verbal communication is tough. 

Communicating in Noisy Environments 

It’s essential to prepare for scenarios where loud noises can hinder communication; even with the best hearing aids, keep these tips in mind to ensure you’re communicating as clearly and smoothly as possible.  

• Lean In: Position yourself close to the speaker. 

• Use Simple Visuals: When in places like markets or tourist spots, collaborate with visual aids or gestures to support your communication. 

• Seek Quiet Spots: If the environment is too noisy, try to find areas where you can have calmer conversations. 

• Informing Companions: Before your trip, let your travel companions know about your listening needs. This will help them be understanding and supportive as you navigate new environments together. 

With these simple adjustments and fixes, your hearing aids will work in tandem with your communication skills to ensure you’re hearing everything you need to.   

Tune-Up Before Travel 

Consider scheduling a pre-travel hearing aid tune-up to address any concerns and ensure optimal performance.  

Travelling this summer doesn’t need to be daunting just because you experience hearing loss or tinnitus. With proper preparation of your hearing aids and by implementing strategies to handle communication challenges, you can focus on enjoying your travels and creating beautiful memories. 

Before your next adventure, visit us to have your hearing aids checked. With the right care and preparation, you’ll not only hear better but also experience summer travel like never before! 

Ready to set off on your next adventure? Schedule a pre-travel hearing aid check today! 

For a quick chat about questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call at (519) 438-0492.