Traveling with Hearing Aids

Don't let hearing loss hold you back.

Take the trip you've dreamt of

Traveling with hearing loss or hearing aids may seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Planning and knowing how to prepare for a trip is the key to making it a great experience.

"When we're traveling, it's really a plus to know that there is a Miracle-Ear clinic nearby that we could go to, if Bruce needed adjustment on his hearing aids" - Maren H.

Checklist for traveling with hearing loss

Follow these simple steps to make your travel experience easy and enjoyable.

Planning all travel arrangements in advance will help you avoid any potential hiccups later.

If possible, complete bookings online. This includes prices, dates and your actual reservations. Having your information in writing will make it easier to show people your travel info is correct.

Find out if where you’re staying or venues you will visit have any provisions or hearing assistive technologies for the hearing impaired. If not, it may be worth checking somewhere else.

Take any necessary equipment with you. This includes packing extra batteries and bringing the right cleaning supplies for your hearing aids. Also, be sure to pack all your hearing-related items in your carry-on luggage, as this will help minimize your risk of loss. If you have an extra set of hearing aids, you may want to bring those as well.

Make sure you’re able to both send and receive text messages abroad. In addition, be sure to request any travel updates to alert you via text.

Google Translate is a great way to help ease communication abroad. To make common requests easier, just type a few common phrases and Google Translate will automatically translate them. A free app is also available for your phone.

Having a map handy will help make it easier to find your way around or ask for directions, especially when you might have a hard time understanding the locals otherwise.

Because you may have trouble hearing a knock on the door, a phone ring or the alarm clock in your room, it’s important to notify hotel staff of your hearing loss in order to make special arrangements.

Before leaving on any trip, make sure your hearing aids are working properly by having them checked by a hearing care professional. Remember to also ask for a referral to a hearing professional in the location you plan on traveling to.

Ask tour guides and other professionals for help when needed. After all, that’s why they’re there.

You never know when you might drop your hearing aids in the pool or need a quick repair. Did you know that our lifetime service and warranty are good at any of our 1,400 locations across the country? Find a Miracle-Ear location near where you're staying ahead of time so this information is readily available in case you may need it.

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More tips for travel with hearing aids

Getting ready to hit the road (or the skies)? Before you take off, look at our final pieces of advice for making your trip go as smoothly as possible.

When traveling by car…

Make sure passengers are aware you’re hearing impaired and look for cars that have Bluetooth technology to make it easier to receive calls without having to answer a phone while driving.

When traveling by plane…

Inform the flight staff that you're hearing impaired. Also, consider reserving an aisle seat to help ease communication between you and your flight attendants. Hearing aids and other listening devices can be worn during airport security screenings and can stay on during the duration of your flight, so there's no need to power them off during takeoff and landing.