Hearing aids travel well with a little planning. Pack spare batteries or your charger plus a travel adaptor, keep your aids cool and dry, take a small cleaning kit, and book a service before you go if anything has felt off. Most importantly, always keep your hearing aids in your hand luggage, never in your checked case.
A holiday should be a break from everyday worries, and with a bit of preparation your hearing aids will not be one of them. Travelling with hearing aids is straightforward once you know what to pack and how to look after them in heat, water, and on a plane. This guide walks through a quick pre-trip check, what to take, and how to keep your hearing aids working smoothly wherever summer takes you.
Before you go: a quick pre-holiday check
The best time to sort out a niggle is before you leave, not when you are 1,500 miles from your clinic. If your aids have felt quiet, sounded crackly, or whistled more than usual, get them looked at in good time. A clean and service gets them in their best shape, and our aftercare packages cover exactly this kind of check.
If something is not quite right, it is far easier to arrange a hearing aid repair before you travel than to hunt for help abroad. Give yourself at least a week or two in case parts are needed.
Packing your hearing aids: a travel kit
A small, well-stocked kit saves a lot of stress. Pack everything in your hand luggage so nothing is lost or cooked in the hold. Here is a simple checklist:
| Pack this | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Charger plus a travel adaptor | No charge means no hearing aids; check the plug type for your destination |
| Spare batteries (if applicable) | A backup if power or charging lets you down |
| Cleaning brush and cloth | Sweat, sun cream and dust build up faster on holiday |
| Spare domes and wax guards | Quick swaps keep sound clear if one blocks |
| A drying pot or capsules | Draws out moisture from heat and humidity overnight |
| Your audiologist’s details | Handy if you need advice while away |
Heat, water, sweat and sand
Hearing aids are small electronics, and summer is tough on them. Heat is a real risk, so never leave your aids in a hot car, on a sunny windowsill, or sealed in a beach bag in direct sun, as excessive heat can damage the components and batteries. Humidity and sweat are the other big culprits, which is why a drying pot overnight is so useful in hot climates.
Sand and water are best avoided altogether. Take your aids out before swimming and keep them away from the water’s edge, as a single grain of sand in a microphone port causes real trouble. The RNID has helpful guidance on looking after hearing aids, and the same principles apply abroad: keep them clean, cool, and dry.
Flying with hearing aids
You can wear your hearing aids right through the airport and on the plane, and in fact it is best to keep them in so you can hear announcements and crew instructions. They will not set off the security scanner, and you do not need to remove them, though you can mention them to staff if you prefer. Hearing aids are safe to use in the air, and many can stay connected to your phone in flight mode for music or films.
Keep your aids and their kit in your hand luggage, never in checked baggage, where they can be damaged, lost, or exposed to extreme cold and heat in the hold.
Charging and power abroad
Different countries use different plug types and voltages, so pack the right travel adaptor for your destination. Most modern hearing aid chargers handle a range of voltages, but check the label to be sure. If your aids use disposable batteries, take more than you think you will need, since the right size is not always easy to find abroad. A portable power bank is a sensible backup for rechargeable aids on long travel days.
If something goes wrong while you are away
If your aids get damp or stop working, resist the urge to dry them with a hairdryer or radiator, as direct heat does more harm than good. Instead, switch them off, open the battery door, and leave them in your drying pot overnight. Clean the domes and wax guards in case a blockage is the real culprit. If they still misbehave when you are home, book a repair or service and we will get them sorted.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear hearing aids through airport security?
Yes. Hearing aids will not trigger the scanner and you can keep them in throughout. If you would rather, you can let security staff know you are wearing them, but you do not need to remove them.
Should hearing aids go in hand luggage or checked baggage?
Always hand luggage. The hold gets extremely hot and cold, and checked bags can be lost or knocked about. Keep your aids and kit with you.
Can hearing aids be damaged by heat?
Yes. Never leave them in a hot car, in direct sun, or in a beach bag in the heat. High temperatures can damage the electronics and batteries. Keep them cool and dry.
What if my charger will not work abroad?
Pack a travel adaptor for your destination and check your charger’s voltage range. If your aids use disposable batteries, take plenty of spares, as the right size can be hard to find away from home.
Can I wear my hearing aids at the beach or pool?
Keep them out of the water, as standard aids are not waterproof, and away from sand, which can clog the microphones. Wear them on the lounger, take them out for a swim, and dry them at night.
My hearing aids got sweaty or damp. What should I do?
Switch them off, open the battery door, and dry them overnight in a drying pot or with drying capsules. Never use a hairdryer or radiator. If problems continue, have them checked.
Should I get my hearing aids serviced before I travel?
It is a good idea, especially if they have felt off lately. A pre-holiday clean and check means fewer surprises away from home, and any repair can be done before you go.
Off on holiday soon? A quick pre-trip clean and check means your hearing aids are ready for anything summer throws at them. Book a service in Leicester before you pack.