Planning to travel starts with gathering the basics, like your passport, wallet, medication, and phone charger. But for travellers experiencing hearing loss, another item deserves a spot on the packing list, and that’s hearing aids.
In fact, a 2021 Statistics Canada survey, Accessibility in Federal Sector Organizations in Canada, 2021, found that the highest proportion of passengers with disabilities reporting a transportation barrier was travellers with hearing difficulties, at 78.4%.
That can make a busy travel day more stressful. The last thing anyone wants while travelling is to miss an airport announcement. Boarding changes, hotel check-ins, restaurant conversations, and guided tours all rely on clear communication. When hearing becomes difficult, travel can feel more tiring than it needs to be.
Why Hearing Well Matters When You Travel
When someone has to work harder to follow conversations or interpret sounds, it can increase fatigue and make social situations feel more draining. Research refers to this as “listening effort,” which can add up quickly during travel.
This is why hearing aids can be a practical travel essential. They can help travellers stay more connected with companions, follow directions more confidently, and participate more fully in the experiences they planned. Proper hearing enables travellers to focus on enjoying the journey rather than struggling to keep up with what is going on around them.
Preparing Your Hearing Aids Before Departure
For residents of the Bay of Quinte who may be travelling to Prince Edward County, visiting family across Ontario, or flying out of province for a longer trip, prepping hearing aids beforehand can make a significant difference in how much you can truly enjoy your time away.
What many don’t realize is that hearing support does not end once someone receives their devices. Follow-up care is necessary to help ensure hearing aids remain comfortable, properly adjusted, and suited to a person’s day-to-day needs.
Before travelling, scheduling a check-in with a hearing care specialist can ensure your devices are in good condition for your trip. A quick appointment can confirm that devices are clean, working well and adjusted for the environments a traveller may encounter, from quiet hotel rooms to busy restaurants or transit hubs.
It is also wise to think through the small details.
- Are the hearing aids fully charged?
- If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, are backup batteries packed?
- Is the charger in the carry-on rather than checked luggage?
- Are cleaning tools, a storage case and any needed accessories easy to reach?
Small Travel Adjustments Can Make a Big Difference
Travellers may also want to plan ahead for specific communication environments. At airports, this can mean checking flight updates on a phone, asking gate staff to confirm boarding details or travelling with a companion who can help monitor announcements. At restaurants or events, choosing quieter seating can make conversation easier.
The goal is to ensure your vacation is as smooth and comfortable as possible, without the stress that comes with communication barriers.
A Hearing Aid Travel Checklist
Before leaving, pack:
- Hearing aids
- Charger or extra batteries
- Cleaning cloth or brush
- Protective storage case
- Backup domes or wax guards, if used
- Any Bluetooth or phone accessories
- Contact information for your hearing centre
- A printed or digital copy of important travel details
Before departure:
- Charge devices fully
- Clean hearing aids
- Test batteries or charging equipment
- Book a hearing aid check-up if needed
- Keep hearing aids and accessories in carry-on luggage
Travel should be about connection: hearing a loved one’s story, joining a group conversation, enjoying a tour, or confidently catching an important announcement. For Canadians experiencing hearing loss, hearing aids are not just an extra thing to pack, but a part of being ready for the journey.
Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Please consult a hearing care specialist to address your unique needs.
About the author
Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO is an audiologist and Senior Manager of Audiology at HearingLife, Canada’s largest group of hearing centres with over 350 locations across the country. HearingLife clinics use the most advanced hearing aid technology, clinical support, and diagnostic equipment. Katie is an Audiologist registered with CASLPO and has been providing her clients with the best possible hearing health care with HearingLife for over 17 years.
If you’re at high risk of hearing damage, it is advisable to have your hearing checked regularly and advocate for proper hearing protection in your workplace. For more information on different types of hearing loss and educational resources, visit a hearing clinic near you.
