Tip #1 – Check the hearing-impaired section when you purchase airline tickets.

“Even if it is not something you are really worried about, it will help them know that you need to choose an aisle seat or sit near the front if those seats are still available. Most airlines will charge you more to sit up there, but if you do need to read lips this will really help.” – Laurie

Tip #2 – Pack your hearing device supplies in your personal item bag.

“Pack your hearing aid batteries and supplies in a case in your personal item bag, such as a backpack, tote, crossbody bag, or briefcase that can fit underneath the seat in front of you on the airplane. This is so your supplies do not get lost if they are in your checked luggage or if your carry-on suitcase does not fit in the overhead bins.” – Laurie

The UK Civil Aviation Authority does not allow the rechargeable battery case to be packed in your checked or hold luggage. It must be checked in your personal item or carry-on suitcase as it has a lithium battery in it.

“I recommend getting a tech organiser to place your rechargeable case and cords in to make it easily accessible while travelling.” – Laurie

Tip #3 – You do not have to take your hearing instruments out during the airport screening.

“You do not have to take your hearing aids out or put them in the grey bin to go through airport screening or security at the airport. Your hearing aids stay on your ears throughout the whole process of travelling, no matter where you may be.” – Laurie

Tip #4 – Do not wear earrings while travelling, especially if you are wearing a mask.

“I don’t recommend wearing earrings while you are travelling throughout the airport or on airplanes, especially while wearing a mask. This is because they can get tangled and eventually lost while taking off your mask. Sometimes the same thing can happen if you wear hearing aids while wearing a mask.” – Laurie

Tip #5 – Use your hearing device’s phone app.

“If your hearing aids can be controlled on your phone via an app (my ReSound hearing aids can, for example) you should be able to enjoy going to shows or being in crowded areas while you are on holiday. This is because the apps can help you control the noise, filter out the noise, filter background noise, and use speech focus at a restaurant.

“You will be able to sit around a large table on a cruise ship at a show and hear everyone because you have the access and capability to control your hearing aids via the app to help you hear better.” – Laurie

Tip #6 – Download entertainment 24 to 36 hours before your flight.

“Some of the airplanes still use the back of the seat in front of you and actual headphones to allow you to watch entertainment on the flight. Some airlines will pass out Bluetooth earbuds for seat back entertainment, but that is newer technology.

“If you cannot listen to a show through actual headphones, you can download Netflix videos, other shows, or YouTube videos on your phones ahead of the flight. I recommend downloading the entertainment you want to watch on the airplane about 24 to 36 hours before your flight. When you are up in the airplane, your phone will be able to watch those shows you have downloaded onto your phone, even if it is in airplane mode.” – Laurie

Tip #7 – Get to know your airline’s app.

“Your airline’s app has all your flight information. It will alert you to any gate changes (especially helpful if you cannot hear the gate airline agents in the concourse). It will also show you which carousel your bags will be unloaded. The airline’s app will also be where you can watch their entertainment system.” – Laurie

Tip #8 – Protect your hearing instruments while at the pool or the beach.

“When you are going swimming at the pool or the beach, you can pack your hearing aids in a plastic bag to protect them near a large body of water. You can also place the hearing aids in the plastic bag in another bag that is splash proof. I recommend getting a larger bag to fit other items to take so you do not lose anything you brought with you.

“I recently got new rechargeable hearing aids from ReSound and my biggest fear is that I’ll lose the charger while on holiday. I asked my audiologist what I should do if that happens: they suggested immediately emailing them so that they could prepare a replacement for when I get back home. She said to immediately email your audiologist so they can get you a replacement one for when you get back.” – Laurie

Tip #9 – Pack a valet tray that’s open while sleeping at night.

“When you are sleeping at night, you can pack a valet tray that is open. One reason I like these valet trays is that they pack flat, so it is not taking up space in your carry-on and they come in all different colours. It also protects your hearing aids and supplies if you like having water by your bed and your arm accidentally knocks your glass over.” – Laurie

Tip #10 – Use a peanut butter lid for protection of hearing aids and supplies while sleeping.

“The great thing about the peanut butter lid is that it does not blend in with the granite countertop of the bedside table at the hotel so you will not forget what is in the peanut butter lid and that would protect it more from water on the surface of the bedside table.” – Laurie

Tip #11 – Use a thin scrap piece of fabric.

“If you cannot find a valet tray or peanut butter lid, you can pack a thin scrap piece of fabric for the same purpose of protection. Make sure it is a bright colour, so it does not blend into the countertop.” – Laurie

H2: For more information:

Visit Laurie’s travel channel here.

Read our blog on festival season and noise-induced hearing loss.

Read this article on tinnitus and traveling.