Travelling with hearing loss

Holidays are all about relaxation, new experiences and taking a break from everyday life. Even with hearing loss or hearing aids, you can still travel the world and discover new places. Good preparation and an awareness of potential challenges can help you enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Here you’ll find practical advice on everything from preparing for your trip and flying to looking after your hearing aids whilst on holiday.

Proper preparation before travelling

Careful preparation can help ensure that travelling with hearing loss goes smoothly. From checking your technical equipment to drawing up a well-thought-out packing list, there are a number of things to consider. The following sections provide guidance on what to look out for when preparing for your trip.

Technical check at the hearing care professional

Before a long trip, it may be a good idea to have your hearing aids checked by a hearing care professional. This allows wear parts such as filters or tubes to be inspected and replaced if necessary. A thorough professional cleaning of the devices is also recommended before your holiday. With modern hearing aids, it is often possible to have special programmes set up for specific listening situations, such as loud environments or air travel. Anyone wearing a cochlear implant should also check before travelling that all components of the audio processor are in working order. A hearing aid guide can provide additional guidance during preparation.

Packing list for hearing aid users

In addition to the usual travel essentials, there are a few extra items that people with hearing aids should pack. A sufficient supply of batteries is important, as these may not be available everywhere abroad. For rechargeable hearing aids, do not forget the charger and the appropriate plug adapter for your destination. Cleaning supplies such as brushes, cleaning wipes and replacement filters enable daily care whilst on the move. A drying system, whether electric or in the form of drying capsules, can be particularly important in humid climates. In case of an emergency, it is advisable to carry a spare device, if available. A hearing aid ID card or a medical certificate can also be helpful in certain situations, such as at security checks or if medical care is required abroad.

Air travel with hearing aids and implants

Air travel is generally not a problem for people with hearing aids. However, there are a few specific points to bear in mind, from security checks at the airport to pressure equalisation during the flight. The following sections provide practical advice for a relaxed journey by air.

Airport security checks

Hearing aids and cochlear implants can usually remain in the ear during airport security checks. The devices do not affect the operation of metal detectors or body scanners, nor are they damaged by them. However, implants may occasionally set off a metal detector. In this case, it is helpful to inform security staff of the implant in advance. A relevant ID card or a medical certificate can facilitate communication. Some people find it more comfortable to reduce the volume of their hearing aids during security checks, as electromagnetic fields can occasionally cause interference. Spare batteries and accessories should be carried in hand luggage so they can be accessed if needed. Anyone wishing to find out more about air travel in later life will find further practical advice in our magazine.

Pressure equalisation and tips for the flight

During take-off and landing, the air pressure in the aircraft cabin changes, which can lead to an uncomfortable sensation of pressure in the ears. This affects people with and without hearing loss equally. Pressure equalisation occurs via the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat. Simple measures such as swallowing, yawning or chewing gum can help to support pressure equalisation. Sucking sweets also encourages swallowing. If your nose is blocked, for example due to a cold, pressure equalisation can be more difficult. In such cases, it is sometimes recommended to use a decongestant nasal spray before the flight, although this should be discussed with a doctor if you are unsure. Hearing aids can remain in the ear throughout the flight. Devices with Bluetooth functionality should be switched to flight mode during take-off and landing, provided this is required by the airline. On board, it may be helpful to inform the cabin crew of your hearing loss so that important announcements can be relayed to you personally if necessary.

Challenges posed by climate and environment

Different climatic conditions place special demands on the care of hearing aids. Whether tropical heat, salty sea water or cold weather on a winter holiday: the sensitive electronics of the devices require protection and care. The following sections provide advice for various holiday situations.

Humidity and heat on holiday

High humidity and heavy sweating can take their toll on the electronics of hearing aids. In tropical or subtropical regions, it is therefore particularly important to dry the devices daily. Electric drying boxes, ideally with UV light for disinfection, are very useful here. Drying capsules can also be used whilst on the move. Direct sunlight and extreme heat should be avoided, as they can damage the devices. Leaving hearing aids in the car or on the beach in direct sunlight is therefore not recommended. Waterproof protective cases or so-called sweatbands can provide additional protection against moisture during sporting activities. Should a device nevertheless get wet, swift action is required: the batteries should be removed immediately and the device dried in a drying system or using drying capsules.

Beach, water and winter sports

There are several potential hazards for hearing aids at the beach: salt water can be corrosive, and fine sand can block the microphones. Non-waterproof hearing aids should be removed and kept safe when swimming in the sea or a pool. For people who do not want to be without their hearing aids even in the water, there are special waterproof models or protective accessories available. After a day at the beach, it is advisable to clean the devices thoroughly to remove salt and sand residues. During winter holidays, cold temperatures and condensation pose the main challenges. Batteries discharge more quickly at low temperatures and should therefore be carried as close to the body as possible. The temperature change between cold outdoor air and heated indoor spaces can lead to condensation forming inside the device, which is why drying them in the evening is important here too.

Communication and orientation at your holiday destination

In unfamiliar surroundings and possibly faced with an unknown language, communication can pose an additional challenge for people with hearing loss. Modern technology and good preparation can help here. The following sections provide tips for communication and cultural participation at your holiday destination.

Digital aids and apps

Smartphones now offer numerous ways to facilitate communication. Translation apps with voice input and text output can help overcome language barriers. Live transcription apps convert spoken language into text in real time, which can be helpful when talking to locals or service staff. Many modern hearing aids can be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing phone calls or audio content to be streamed directly. When using them abroad, you should check your roaming settings to avoid unexpected costs. The Bluetooth connection to the hearing aid works independently of the mobile data connection. If you are interested in apps for the hard of hearing, you can find further information in our guide.

Cultural activities and accessibility

Many museums, theatres and cultural venues now offer support for people with hearing loss. Inductive loop systems, recognisable by the symbol of an ear with the letter T, transmit the audio signal directly to the T-coil in the hearing aid. FM systems or neck-loop systems are used during guided tours to transmit the guide’s voice directly. When planning a trip, it can be worth researching in advance what accessible facilities are available at your holiday destination. Specialised travel portals and databases list accommodation and facilities that cater to the needs of people with hearing loss. In hotels, you can ask for rooms with visual alert systems for doorbells or smoke alarms. Vibrating alarm clocks for waking up in the morning are sometimes available or can be brought along yourself.

After the trip

Upon returning from holiday, hearing aids require special attention. Exposure to climate, sand or moisture may have left traces that are not always immediately visible. The following sections provide guidance on aftercare.

Care and maintenance of hearing aids

After a trip, it is advisable to give your hearing aids a thorough clean, even if they were looked after daily during your holiday. Microscopic particles of sand, salt or sun cream can become lodged in crevices and openings and impair their function. Superficial dirt can be removed using a soft, dry cloth and standard cleaning equipment. It is also advisable to check the filters and tubes for blockages or damage. For devices that have been exposed to significant moisture, drying them in a drying system for several days may be advisable.

When to visit a specialist

Following a trip to a destination with extreme weather conditions, or if the hearing aids were subjected to heavy wear and tear whilst on holiday, a professional clean and check-up by a hearing care professional may be advisable. The specialist can also use specialised equipment to examine the interior of the hearing aids for moisture damage or corrosion. If you have noticed any changes in hearing quality during or after your trip, a visit to a hearing care professional or an ENT specialist is recommended. Even if a hearing aid is lost or damaged abroad, your local hearing care professional can often help and, if necessary, put you in touch with local partners.