Tips For Fixing Your Hearing Aid on Vacation

Traveling is a typically an enjoyable activity but it can often be stressful for those with hearing loss and hearing aids. With summer right around the corner, many of us are planning vacations and weekend getaways. If you’re traveling with hearing aids, you may be worried that it’s just one more thing to worry about. Whether for business or pleasure if you’re one of the millions of Americans who wear hearing aids, remembering these tips can help you travel stress-free and your hearing aids well maintained.

Before traveling

Traveling with hearing aids can be challenging, which is why sufficient preparation before your trip is imperative. Be sure to pack enough replacement batteries and tubing; these may be difficult to obtain in certain areas. It is also a good idea to take a dehumidifier for drying your hearing aids to prevent moisture problems, especially if you are traveling to a warm, humid climate.

Remember to review the insurance coverage on your hearing aids. You may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance in case your hearing aid is lost or stolen, which can help alleviate some of the stress you may have about traveling.

Have your hearing aids checked prior to traveling. Before leaving on any trip, make sure your hearing aids are working properly by having them checked by your hearing care professional.

Ask for a referral to a hearing professional in the location you are traveling to. Your audiologist or hearing care provider is the best place to go for this information. He or she may even be willing to contact a professional in the area where you are traveling and work out an arrangement.

If your hearing aid malfunctions while traveling

There is nothing more frustrating than a hearing aid that fails when you most want to hear. Packing an adequate hearing aid travel kit could help you solve minor problems, but in the event you can’t fix the issue yourself, you can still find someone to service your hearing aid.

Before seeking a hearing care provider, try troubleshooting the problem yourself. You could save yourself a lot of time and money with these quick tips if your hearing aid goes on the blink:

If your hearing aid is weak or not working properly:

• Check the battery to make sure it’s inserted correctly and functioning properly
• Make sure the volume control is set to the appropriate level
• Check the vents and receiver openings to make sure they’re not clogged with earwax or dirt, and that the tubing is connected properly
• Make sure the microphone is not clogged

If your hearing aid is distorted or has inconsistent sound:

• Replace the hearing aid battery (this could be a sign that it’s weak or defective)
• Get rid of any moisture in the tubing with an air blower and replace cracked cords

If your hearing aid is emitting feedback:

• Check that the volume isn’t turned up too high (this can cause the hearing aid to emit a whistling or squealing sound)
• Be sure the earpiece is inserted correctly into your ear and the microphone isn’t covered by any clothing

When to seek a hearing care professional

If these troubleshooting tips don’t resolve your hearing aid’s problem, then you’ll need to seek a hearing care professional. If any parts are missing or damaged, particularly the tubing, a hearing aid repair will be needed.

Persistent feedback is also a sign the hearing aid should be looked at by a professional; feedback can be a sign of an improper fit. Since your ear changes shape over time, your hearing aid can become slightly displaced, creating a whistling or squealing sound.

Finding a hearing care professional on vacation

If your hearing aid needs repair on vacation, it can feel like a daunting task to find a professional in an area you’re unfamiliar with. First, you can always try calling your personal hearing practitioner to see if they can recommend someone in your area. If your hearing provider is unable to help you find a center, you can always search online for a professional in the area. Most sites provide reviews of hearing care providers which can make it easier to determine which one to see.