Traveling is about soaking in new sights, tastes, and—most importantly—sounds. Whether it’s the roar of the ocean or a guided tour through a historic cathedral, you don’t want to miss a beat. For those who wear hearing aids, a little extra preparation ensures that your technology keeps up with your itinerary.
Here is your ultimate guide to vacationing or just traveling with hearing aids in 2026.
1. The “Can’t-Leave-Home-Without-It” Checklist
Treat your hearing aids like your passport: they need their own dedicated travel kit. Always pack these items in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage, to avoid being “silenced” if a suitcase goes missing.
-
Power Supplies: Pack twice as many batteries as you think you’ll need. If you use rechargeables, bring the charging dock and a portable power bank.
-
International Adapters: If traveling abroad, ensure you have the correct plug adapter for your charger.
-
Dehumidifier/Drying Jar: Travel involves sweat, humidity, and unexpected rain. A drying kit is essential for pulling moisture out of the delicate electronics overnight.
-
Cleaning Tools: Bring your brush, wax guards, and microfiber cloth to manage buildup from sunscreen or dust.
2. Navigating the Airport with Ease
The airport is often the most stressful part of the trip, but your hearing aids are your best allies for hearing gate changes and boarding calls.
-
Security Checkpoints: You do not need to remove your hearing aids for TSA screenings. They won’t set off metal detectors, and X-ray machines won’t damage them. However, it’s helpful to tell the agent, “I’m wearing hearing aids,” so they understand why you might not hear a specific instruction.
-
Utilize Telecoils: Many modern airports are “looped.” If your devices have a telecoil (T-setting), you can stream announcements directly into your ears, bypassing the echoes of a busy terminal.
-
Smartphone Syncing: Ensure your hearing aid app is updated. Many airlines now send real-time notifications to your phone, which can be easier to “read” than trying to decipher a muffled PA system.
3. Protecting Your Tech in Different Climates
Your destination’s environment dictates your maintenance routine:
- Tropical/Beach: If you are in a humid sandy environment, use a dehumidifier every night. Remember to remove your hearing aids before applying spray sunscreen.
- Mountains/Cold: Cold air saps battery life faster. keep spare batteries in an inner pocket near your body heat.
- City/Active: Use your “Outdoor” or ‘Wind” program setting to filter out rushing air during tours.
4. Communication on the Go
Don’t be afraid to self-identify. When checking into a hotel, let the front desk know you are hard of hearing. In the U.S., hotels are required to provide “visual alert” kits (for door knocks or smoke alarms) upon request.
Expert Tip: If you’re heading out on a guided group tour, ask the guide if they use an FM system that can sync with your devices. It’s a game-changer for hearing the history without the crowd noise.