Updated December, 2025
Traveling opens doors to new experiences and unforgettable memories. But if you wear hearing aids, a little extra planning helps ensure your devices work perfectly throughout your journey. Whether you’re flying across the country or road-tripping to visit family, the right preparation protects your investment and keeps you connected.
This guide covers everything you need for traveling with hearing aids. You’ll learn what to pack, how to handle airport security, and tips for maintaining your devices in different climates.
Essential Items to Pack for Traveling with Hearing Aids
Smart packing prevents problems before they start. Your hearing aids are small, but they require specific accessories and supplies.
Must-Have Items:
- Extra batteries or charging equipment: Pack at least twice what you think you’ll need. Delays and itinerary changes happen.
- Protective case: A hard-shell case protects your devices from damage in luggage or bags.
- Cleaning tools: Include your cleaning brush, wax guards, and any specialized tools your model requires.
- Drying kit or dehumidifier: Travel-size containers keep moisture away from sensitive electronics.
- Backup hearing aids if available: A spare pair provides peace of mind in case of loss or damage.
- Copies of prescriptions: Carry documentation showing your hearing aid specifications and provider information.
Keep these items in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage. Airlines lose bags, and you don’t want to start your trip without working devices.
Modern hearing aids often include Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio. Bring charging cables for both your hearing aids and any connected devices you plan to use.
Navigating Airport Security with Hearing Aids
TSA screening causes anxiety for many travelers. Understanding the process removes uncertainty when traveling with hearing aids.
You can wear your hearing aids through security checkpoints. The devices won’t trigger metal detectors or damage the electronics. Walk-through scanners and body scanners are safe for modern hearing technology.
TSA Screening Steps:
- Inform the TSA officer that you wear hearing aids before screening begins.
- You don’t need to remove your devices unless requested.
- If you prefer not to wear them through scanners, request a visual inspection instead.
- Officers may ask to see your devices or swab them for explosive residue.
- Keep your documentation accessible in case questions arise.
X-ray machines used for carry-on bags won’t harm your hearing aids either. However, keep them on your person rather than sending them through the conveyor belt.
If you experience hearing loss in both ears, consider notifying security staff. This helps them communicate clearly and accommodate your needs during the screening process.
Protecting Your Hearing Aids in Different Climates
Travel takes you to places with vastly different weather conditions. Temperature extremes and humidity affect hearing aid performance.
Hot and Humid Destinations:
Moisture is the enemy of electronic devices. Beaches, rainforests, and tropical locations expose your hearing aids to sweat and humidity.
Use a dehumidifier every night without fail. These small containers remove moisture that accumulates during the day. Even a few hours in high humidity can cause corrosion or short circuits.
Store your devices in air-conditioned spaces when possible. Never leave them in hot cars or direct sunlight. Extreme heat damages batteries and internal components.
Cold Weather Travel:
Batteries drain faster in cold temperatures. Carry extras and keep spares in an inside pocket close to your body.
Condensation forms when you move from cold outdoor air to warm indoor spaces. This moisture can enter your hearing aids and cause temporary malfunction. Let your devices adjust to room temperature gradually before inserting them.
Static electricity increases in dry, cold conditions. Touch a grounded metal object before handling your hearing aids to discharge any static buildup.
Altitude Considerations:
Mountain destinations and high-elevation cities affect both your ears and your devices. The lower air pressure may cause the same equalization issues you experience on airplanes.
Give yourself time to adjust. Some users find their devices need different volume settings at altitude.
Understanding how to maintain your hearing aids properly ensures they function well regardless of climate.
Hotel Room Tips for Hearing Aid Care
Your accommodation becomes your base for device maintenance. Establish a routine that protects your investment.
Create a Safe Storage System:
Choose one spot for your hearing aids each night. Place them in their case on a nightstand or desk where you’ll see them immediately. Avoid bathrooms because of moisture and the risk of dropping devices in sinks or toilets.
Use the hotel safe for storage during extended absences. This protects expensive devices from theft while you’re out exploring.
Maintain Your Cleaning Routine:
Clean your hearing aids every evening, just as you do at home. Travel disrupts routines, but maintenance prevents problems.
Check wax guards and replace them if needed. Pack extras since you can’t easily buy replacements while traveling.
Inspect your devices for damage after each day’s activities. Catching small issues early prevents bigger problems.
Manage Background Noise:
Hotels generate unexpected sounds. Ice machines, hallway conversations, and HVAC systems create challenging acoustic environments. Many modern hearing aids feature programs specifically designed for noisy settings.
If you’re traveling with someone, let them know about your hearing needs. Position yourself advantageously during conversations, and don’t hesitate to ask people to repeat themselves when background noise interferes.
International Travel Considerations
Crossing borders adds complexity when traveling with hearing aids. Preparation prevents complications at customs and ensures you can access care if needed.
Documentation and Prescriptions:
Carry a letter from your hearing care provider stating your medical need for the devices. Include specifications, model numbers, and serial numbers. This documentation helps if customs officials question your equipment.
Some countries require medical device declarations. Research requirements for your destinations before departure.
Voltage and Charging Adapters:
Rechargeable hearing aids need compatible power sources. North America uses 110-120 volts, while most other countries use 220-240 volts.
Check if your charger accepts dual voltage (usually marked 100-240V). If not, bring a voltage converter along with plug adapters for your destinations.
USB chargers typically work with simple plug adapters since USB provides standardized voltage. Verify your specific model’s requirements before leaving.
Finding Care Abroad:
Research hearing care providers at your destination before you go. Many common questions about hearing loss and care are universal, but local providers understand regional resources.
Contact your hearing aid manufacturer for international service locations. Major brands maintain global networks for repairs and adjustments.
Travel insurance sometimes covers lost or damaged hearing aids. Check your policy and consider supplemental coverage for expensive devices.
Emergency Preparedness When Traveling with Hearing Aids
Problems happen despite careful planning. Knowing how to respond reduces stress and minimizes disruptions.
If Your Hearing Aids Stop Working:
First, check the simple fixes. Replace batteries, clean receivers, and verify all settings. Many apparent “failures” resolve with basic troubleshooting.
Contact your hearing care provider remotely if problems persist. Many practices now offer telehealth appointments for adjustments and troubleshooting. Some hearing aids allow remote programming without office visits.
Locate nearby hearing care clinics at your destination. Call ahead to explain your situation and verify they service your brand.
If You Lose Your Hearing Aids:
File a police report immediately if theft is involved. This documentation supports insurance claims.
Contact your provider about loaner devices or expedited replacement. Some manufacturers offer emergency replacement programs for travelers.
Check if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers hearing aids away from home. Travel insurance may also provide coverage depending on your policy.
Backup Communication Strategies:
Download speech-to-text apps on your smartphone. These tools provide visual representations of conversations when your hearing aids aren’t available.
Carry a small notepad and pen for written communication in emergencies. Many people find this simpler than typing on phones.
Inform travel companions about your hearing needs and communication preferences. They can help advocate for you if technical problems arise.
Activities and Adventures with Hearing Aids
Don’t let hearing aids limit your adventures. With proper precautions, you can enjoy almost any activity.
Water Activities:
Standard hearing aids aren’t waterproof. Remove them before swimming, showering, or water sports. Store devices safely in your hotel room or a waterproof container if you’re at the beach or pool.
Some manufacturers offer waterproof models designed for active lifestyles. Discuss these options with your provider if water activities are important to you.
Sweat during hiking or other active pursuits can damage devices. Use sweatbands or protective sleeves designed for hearing aids. Clean and dry your devices thoroughly after sweaty activities.
Outdoor Adventures:
Wind noise challenges many hearing aid users during outdoor activities. Modern devices include wind-reduction technology, but you may need to adjust settings manually.
Secure your hearing aids with retention clips or sports bands during activities like biking or hiking. These accessories prevent loss if devices dislodge.
Dust and dirt damage sensitive electronics. Cover your ears with a hat or bandana in dusty conditions. Clean devices immediately after exposure to dirt or sand.
Dining and Entertainment:
Restaurants create difficult listening environments even for people without hearing loss. Request seating away from kitchens, entrances, and large groups when possible.
Theater and concert venues often provide assistive listening systems. Ask about these services when purchasing tickets. Some systems work directly with hearing aids equipped with telecoils.
If you have bilateral hearing loss, positioning matters significantly in group settings. Sit where you can see speakers’ faces and minimize background noise from your weaker side.
Making the Most of Your Travel Experience
Traveling with hearing aids doesn’t mean limiting your adventures. The right preparation lets you focus on experiences instead of equipment concerns.
Plan Ahead:
Research your destinations’ acoustic environments. Museums, busy streets, and nature settings each present different listening challenges. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare mentally and technically.
Program your hearing aids with appropriate settings before leaving home. Your provider can create custom programs for specific environments you’ll encounter.
Build extra time into your schedule. Hearing in new environments takes concentration and energy. Don’t overpack your itinerary to the point of exhaustion.
Communicate Your Needs:
Tell tour guides, hotel staff, and travel companions about your hearing aids. Most people want to help but need guidance on how to communicate effectively with you.
Request written materials when available. Itineraries, maps, and instructions in print reduce reliance on verbal communication in challenging listening environments.
Use your devices’ features fully. Streaming capabilities, directional microphones, and noise reduction programs exist for real-world situations like travel.
Your Journey Starts Here
Traveling with hearing aids requires planning, but don’t let preparation overshadow excitement. Millions of hearing aid users travel successfully every year by following simple precautions and maintaining their devices properly.
Ready to ensure you hear clearly wherever life takes you? American Hearing + Audiology provides comprehensive hearing care backed by decades of expertise. Our hearing care providers understand the unique challenges of maintaining hearing health while traveling. We help you select devices with features suited to your lifestyle and provide the ongoing support you need.
We accept all insurance plans and work within every budget. With locations across Kansas City, Lincoln, Omaha, Little Rock, Memphis, and Tulsa, we’re in your network and in your neighborhood. Remote care options mean we’re available even when you’re far from home.
Find a clinic near you and start your journey to confident hearing everywhere you go.
Your Traveling with Hearing Aids Questions Answered
Can I wear my hearing aids through airport security?
Yes, you can wear hearing aids through all airport security checkpoints. Metal detectors and body scanners won’t damage modern hearing aids. Inform TSA officers that you wear the devices. They may ask to see them or perform a swab test. You have the right to request a visual inspection instead of going through scanners if you prefer.
Do I need to turn off my hearing aids during flights?
No, hearing aids can remain on throughout your entire flight. They don’t interfere with aircraft systems. Unlike phones and tablets, hearing aids are exempt from electronic device restrictions. Keep them on during takeoff and landing for safety announcements.
How do I prevent moisture damage in humid destinations?
Use a hearing aid dehumidifier every night without exception. These small containers remove moisture that accumulates during the day. Store devices in air-conditioned spaces when possible. Avoid leaving them in bathrooms or humid environments. Pack extra drying capsules since humidity affects them faster than normal.
What should I do if my hearing aids stop working while traveling?
Start with basic troubleshooting: replace batteries, clean receivers, and check all settings. Contact your hearing care provider via phone or telehealth for remote assistance. Locate nearby clinics that service your hearing aid brand. Many manufacturers maintain international service networks. Keep documentation with model and serial numbers accessible.
Can I bring extra hearing aid batteries on airplanes?
Yes, you can pack hearing aid batteries in both carry-on and checked luggage. Keep disposable batteries in their original packaging to prevent short circuits. Bring extras since batteries may drain faster at altitude. Rechargeable hearing aids pose no restrictions. Pack chargers and power banks in carry-on bags.
Do I need special documentation for international travel?
Carry a letter from your hearing care provider confirming your medical need for hearing aids. Include model numbers and serial numbers. Some countries require medical device declarations at customs. Research specific requirements for your destinations. Documentation helps prevent complications if officials question your equipment.
How do temperature changes affect hearing aid performance?
Extreme temperatures impact battery life and device function. Cold weather drains batteries faster. Heat can damage internal components. Let devices adjust gradually when moving between temperature extremes. Condensation forms when going from cold to warm environments. Keep spare batteries close to your body in cold weather to maintain performance.
Should I remove my hearing aids at the beach?
Remove hearing aids before swimming or water sports. Sand and saltwater damage electronics permanently. Store devices in a protective case away from water and sun. Sweat and humidity at the beach also pose risks. Use a dehumidifier nightly during beach vacations. Consider waterproof sleeves if you want to keep devices on while staying dry.
