Memorial Day starts the unofficial start to summer. Students are graduating, swimming pools are opened, and travel plans take-off. It can be a fun few months for all.
As travel plans begin, don’t forget about hearing devices. Caring for hearing aids, bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA), and cochlear implants is probably more important when traveling, since your local audiologist is not “down the street” to help with any issues.
We offer these three tips for your hearing devices to help ensure a smooth summer:
- Keep Charged. While packing, remember to take non-expired batteries for your device. At least one set is recommended, in case you are without power for a day (think being stuck in the airport due to severe weather). If you have rechargeable batteries, your charger and extra cochlear implant batteries need to be packed in your carry-on bag.
- Keep Clean. Depending on your length of travel, you may need to pack your cleaning tools. Designer Audiology recommends a soft, dry toothbrush for daily cleaning, but if this is too large while traveling, smaller tools are available. One tip is to use disposable dental gum soft-picks to clean a hearing aid vent. Brushes are still recommended to clean the hearing aid speaker/receiver area and microphones. Designer Audiology has small, thin brushes available, similar to the one initially included with the initial hearing aid/cochlear implant purchase. In a pinch, a soft, dry cloth can help clean the device; use an eyeglass cleaning cloth for your hearing device (only- don’t switch back to cleaning glasses), toilet paper, or Kleenex.
- Keep Dry. Keep your devices dry and free of debris, especially at the beach (sand and water), around swimming pools, and when in warm, humid environments. Take your storage case and/or dryer to ensure the electronics are working optimally and are in a safe place, when not being used.
Prior to leaving for your trip, Designer Audiology can professionally clean and test your devices. It is recommended that the appointment be scheduled 2-3 weeks before the departure date to ensure enough time to repair any problems.
If you unexpectedly need professional support while traveling, there are resources available. Designer Audiology can often recommend a professional close to you; simply contact the office via phone or email. Additionally, hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturers have website with a tool to ‘Local a Professional.’ Simply visit the website and enter your current city, state and/or zip code and find a provider located close to you (see the list below and find your device company). The internet can be helpful; use website such as Google, Yelp, or Hearing Tracker to find an audiologist.
Wherever your travel plans take you, we wish you safe travels, a great time, and look forward to seeing your favorite picture at your next appointment. Here is one of Dr. Spoor’s favorite from her trip to Temecula, CA, this spring.
Wherever your travel plans take you, we wish you safe travels, a great time, and look forward to seeing your favorite picture at your next appointment. Here is one of Dr. Spoor’s favorite from her trip to Temecula, CA, this spring.
Links to Locate a Professional Near You
Cochlear Implant Manufacturers
Advanced Bionics
Cochlear Americas (cochlear implants and BAHAs)
Med-El Corp. (cochlear implants and Bone Conduction systems)
Hearing Aid Manufacturers
Oticon
Oticon Medical
Phonak
ReSound
Rexton
Signia/Siemens/Sivantos
Starkey
Unitron
Widex