“I have never believed that vacations are luxuries. They are our necessities–just like shelter, clothes, and food, they make us feel like humans and not like animals that care only for survival.” -Alexander Babinets
There is something magic about a vacation. There is anticipation, a sense of adventure and much-needed relaxation that comes with even the simplest of getaways. Hearing loss and hearing aids don’t change that. In fact, hearing aids can actually enhance your vacation experience as they do your everyday life! If you’re new to vacationing with hearing aids, these tips can help you get the most out of your time and be prepared away from home.
Before you Leave
Check in with your hearing health care provider. If you need new batteries or a hearing aid repair, it’s best to find out before you go on vacation. Your provider may also be able to give you some inside travel tips and tricks from their experience.
What to Pack
You already know that it’s crucial to protect your investment by caring for your hearing aids daily. As you do at home, you’ll want to take care of your hearing aids on vacation. What and how much you need to pack in your hearing aid travel care kit may depend on where you’re headed and how long you plan to be away from home. In general, you’ll want to have the following items in your luggage for daily care and the occasional quick repair on the road:
- Extra batteries
- Waterproof containers
- Portable dry-aid to remove moisture build up
- Hearing aid cleaning tools such as a brush and wax pick
- Repair tools
- Accessories such as headphones and other items to help you stay connected
Do Your Research
Wherever you’re headed, you’ll want to do some research before you go to ensure that you get the most from your experience and are prepared in the event of a hearing aid emergency:
- Hearing health care providers – Whether it’s a problem with your hearing aids that you aren’t equipped to fix or hearing problems that hit while you’re away from home, it’s important to be prepared with the name and contact information of a provider in the area you’re visiting. This preparation can save you the time and headache of researching mid-vacation and help you get back to enjoying your time quickly.
- Hearing impaired options – One of the most exciting things to see these days is the number of options out there to help those with hearing loss hear more clearly and travel safely. Hearing devices and other accommodations are now often available at hotels and motels. Call ahead to make arrangements and let the hotel know your needs. Loops that transmit sound directly to hearing aid users are commonly used in public transportation and other popular locations.
Don’t let the fear of travelling with hearing aids keep you from heading out on an adventure! These tips and maybe some text and email alerts from your airline can help you stay stress-free and on track with the vacation fun wherever your next trip may take you.
2017-08-20 19:42:15
