Planning a Trip with Hearing Aids? Stop and Read This First.
You’ve booked the dream trip. Flights are confirmed, bags are half-packed, and the countdown is on.
But if you wear hearing aids, there’s one critical thing that can flip your entire vacation upside down:
Being unprepared.
Over the years, I’ve seen too many patients come home frustrated—not because the resort was bad or the weather turned—but because a simple hearing aid issue stole the joy out of their experience.
So let me walk you through the seven most common travel mistakes I see, and how you can sidestep every one of them—so your vacation sounds just as incredible as it looks.
Table of Contents
- Mistake #1: Checking Your Hearing Aids with Your Luggage
- Mistake #2: Underestimating the Power of Humidity
- Mistake #3: Taking Them Off at Airport Security
- Mistake #4: Packing Too Light
- Mistake #5: Turning Them Off on the Plane
- Mistake #6: Forgetting About Power Adapters
- Mistake #7: Having No Backup Plan
- FAQ
We’ve helped thousands of people in Utah County—from American Fork to Spanish Fork—travel confidently with their hearing aids. Use this checklist and go enjoy your trip.
Mistake #1: Checking Your Hearing Aids with Your Luggage
1. Checking Your Hearing Aids with Your Luggage
Worst-case scenario? Your suitcase vanishes somewhere between Salt Lake City and Cancun. And along with it: your charger, backup batteries, and both hearing aids.
Even worse? If you use a lithium-ion charger, it’s not even allowed in checked bags.
What to do instead:
- Keep hearing aids, charger/cable, drying kit, and spares in your carry-on.
- Use a small hard case to keep parts together.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the Power of Humidity
Tropical destinations are great for the soul, but brutal on hearing aids.
Sweat. Rain. Ocean air. All of it can cause distortion, static—or even a total shutdown.
Fix it fast
- Pack a portable dehumidifier/drying kit.
- Use it every night in humid destinations.
Mistake #3: Taking Them Off at Airport Security
TSA agents do not need your hearing aids in the tray with your keys.
And trust me—those bins are where delicate electronics go to die (or get lost). (Source: TSA – Disabilities & Medical Conditions)
Better idea
- Keep them on and tell the agent you’re wearing them.
- Store extra accessories in a zip pouch so screening is quick.
Browse more practical tips in our Learning Center →
Mistake #4: Packing Too Light
Here’s the truth: even if your hearing aids work perfectly today, things can go sideways fast.
A dome can rip. A wax guard can clog. A battery can drain at the worst time.
Bring these, every time
- Backup batteries (if your aids use them)
- Extra domes and wax guards
- Cleaning tools and a small brush
Mistake #5: Turning Them Off on the Plane
Trying to save battery? You’ll miss gate changes and safety announcements. Hearing aids are allowed in flight under FAA rules that exempt hearing aids from portable electronic device restrictions.
Do this instead
- Leave them on during boarding and flight.
- If your aids use Bluetooth, use Airplane Mode per your manufacturer’s instructions.
Mistake #6: Forgetting About Power Adapters
Different countries = different outlets.
You don’t want to spend your first day in London hunting for a plug converter at the airport gift shop.
Simple fix
- Check your destination’s plug type before you leave.
- Pack a universal adapter in your carry-on.
Mistake #7: Having No Backup Plan
This one’s the heartbreaker.
Lost hearing aids. Damaged charger. A hearing aid failure on day two of a 10-day cruise? That’s a silent nightmare.
Protect yourself
- Bring a backup pair (even an older set).
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical devices.
- Carry your latest hearing test and our clinic contact info.
Get your free, printable checklist:
Need tinnitus support while traveling? See options →
🎥 Bonus: Watch Before You Pack
I recorded a short video version of this guide so you can see exactly what to bring and how to prep.
👉 Watch on YouTube
Final Take
Traveling with hearing aids doesn’t have to be stressful—just have a plan. If you want expert eyes on your devices before you go, we’re here to help.
FAQ
Do I need to remove my hearing aids at airport security?
No. TSA allows you to keep them in. Just tell the agent you’re wearing them.
What should I pack for hearing aids when traveling?
Bring batteries, domes, wax guards, cleaning tools, a drying kit, and your charger.
Can I wear hearing aids on a plane?
Yes. FAA rules exempt hearing aids from device restrictions, so keep them on for announcements.
Do I need a power adapter for my charger?
If traveling abroad, yes. Check your destination’s plug type before leaving.
Should I bring a backup pair of hearing aids?
If possible. Even an older pair is better than none in case of loss or damage.
Where can I get a hearing aid travel checklist?
You can download our free checklist here.
