It’s Summertime!  Those travel plans you’ve been waiting for are here.  If you have kids who wear hearing aids or cochlear implants, you’ll have to take some extra steps to make sure those summer plans go smoothly. 

Swimming, visiting family, sightseeing and amusement parks may all be on the list and a missing or damaged hearing device is never on the agenda! With the right hearing aid supplies, you should be in good shape.

What should you pack for your summer travels? 

First, make a checklist before you start to pack.  This will alleviate most of the stress and ensure that everything gets put into the luggage where it belongs - and not left in the drawer where it won't do you any good on vacation. In addition to obviously bringing your child's hearing aids, you'll want to make sure you have the right hearing aid accessory for every situation.

Here’s a good start to your checklist: 

Extra batteries 

Drying capsules and drying case such as a Dry & Store.  

Extra tubes 

Vacuum pump desiccator 

Hearing aid back up if possible 

Charger for smartphone if you use apps to control your hearing device 

Charger for other hearing device accessories 

Cleaning equipment 

Wax guards 

Instruction manuals, if needed 

Ear Gear!

Cochlear implant users may also require: 

Patient ID Card that mentions cochlear implant 

Spare processor 

Personal audio cable and mains isolation cable 

Spare cable and coil 

Remote control and charger 

It is always a good idea to pack enough batteries and a battery charger.  Bring any spare parts and even a spare hearing aid.  Perhaps you have an old pair and in the case where something goes wrong with your hearing instrument, something that sort of fits and works may be a heck of a lot better than nothing.  Some audiologists will provide a spare processor when going on a long trip.  

Make sure that the electrical sockets at your destination match your device.  If traveling to a foreign country, do your research and bring the appropriate adapter.   

Extra batteries for hearing devices come in handy but what if you have other accessories such as a smartphone that needs charging?  Bring along your phone charger and extra batteries for that as well. Long airport stays and not having accessible power when you need it can be frustrating especially when you've spent the money to have hearing aids that integrate with your smartphone for the added convenience. 

Always pack your hearing aid protective sleeves and clips like Ear Gear and other accessories in a bag that is easily accessible and preferably waterproof.  If traveling on a plane, these items should be in your carry-on luggage. 

Make sure you let the airport staff know that you have batteries. You may have to pack those separately. 

You should also carry any medications, important papers, and valuables with you at all times.  Stranded in an unfamiliar place without these items is an awful feeling and will take time away from enjoying the summer vacation. 

If you’re heading to a climate that is humid, you’ll have to pay special attention to the moisture and sweat that accumulates around the hearing instrument.  Beaches are known for wreaking havoc. Saltwater, sand and hearing aids do not mix well! Having Ear Gear easily accessible will help protect your hearing instruments safe from all of these vacation hazards. 

Carry a small case such as a Dry & Store for keeping hearing aids safe and dry at night. 

You may not be traveling to a humid part of the world but summer fun includes swimming pools, sprinklers, and water fights.  Perhaps even a surprise rain shower.  Worry less about moisture getting into the hearing device by packing your Ear Gear. We have models that come with cords and hearing aid clips, which are great for active kids. Plus, getting caught in the rain or blasted with a water gun won’t be such a concern.  

When traveling with little ones, keep their hearing aids on when boarding the train or plane.  Scanners will not harm the devices and it is easier to coach children on the security process if they can hear the instructions from you or the staff. 

Amusement parks are a popular destination for summer vacation.  Children love rides and hearing devices shouldn’t hold them back from enjoying this family time. Let the staff know if your child requires some extra help.  They may give you a special wristband that allows the parents to enter the rides as well to offer support, instructions and make sure your child is safe.  With some of the wilder rides, it may be a good idea to take off the hearing instruments or use your Ear Gear corded model which has a clip to keep hearing aids attached to the clothing in case they fall off.   

Small children are active.  Yes, even when they’re strapped into a car seat or belted to a seat on an airplane.  To prevent losing hearing devices, use the Ear Gear corded model throughout the trip.  There is an Ear Gear model for most hearing instruments, available in 8 standard colors, with a cord or without. 

Now that you've got your handy checklist and these tips...do you have your Ear Gear ordered and ready to go with you?? You can purchase hearing aid covers and cochlear implant covers from Ear Gear online or ask your audiologist! There are Ear Gear dealers around the world and there may be one near you.  

Ear Gear was rated #1 overall in this study conducted by By Karen L. Anderson, PhD, and Jane R. Madell, PhD. 

What if the hearing aid does go missing? 

If the hearing aid has gone missing, then you’ll have to retrace your steps very carefully and thoroughly.  This isn’t the most relaxing thing you could be doing on your holiday and the worst part is, your child will have to endure the rest of the holiday without hearing clearly.  As an extra step, always write or stick a phone number onto the hearing device in case it is found.    

Losing a hearing instrument is, of course, the worst scenario when it comes to hearing aids. We hope this never happens and that your summer travel plans go smoothly.  With this checklist, you should be well on your way!  

Please visit the Ear Gear website and shop all our models that prevent sweat, dirt, moisture, loss and wind noise.  It’s the least expensive insurance you can buy to ensure your summer vacation goes as planned!