What’s the Best Way to Travel on Airplanes with Hearing Aids?

Flying can be stressful for anyone, but if you wear hearing aids, you may have extra questions: Do I need to take them out at security? Will airplane noise damage them? How do I hear boarding announcements?

To make your next trip smoother, we’ve compiled this comprehensive Q&A guide to traveling with hearing aids—covering everything from packing tips to in-flight comfort.

Q1: Do I need to remove my hearing aids at airport security?

Short answer: No.

The TSA and international security agencies allow you to keep hearing aids on during screening. Unlike pacemakers or large electronics, hearing aids are small, low-power devices that don’t interfere with scanners.

Metal detectors: Hearing aids may contain metal parts, but they rarely trigger alarms. Even if they do, you can simply inform the officer that you’re wearing medical devices.
Body scanners: Safe for hearing aids. Radiation levels are minimal and won’t damage them.
X-ray bins: If you place accessories (like chargers or batteries) in trays, they’ll be scanned safely—radiation does not harm them.

Pro tip: Carry a medical device card (downloadable from the Hearing Loss Association of America or your hearing aid manufacturer). This helps speed up conversations with security staff.

Q2: Should I keep my hearing aids in during takeoff and landing?

Yes—always keep them in unless they’re uncomfortable.

Airplane announcements are important for safety. Removing aids means you risk missing instructions.
Unlike Bluetooth headphones, hearing aids are exempt from airline electronics restrictions. You don’t need to turn them off during takeoff/landing.
If you’re worried about pressure changes, know that hearing aids don’t increase discomfort. Ear fullness from cabin pressure is caused by your Eustachian tubes, not the devices.

Q3: What about Bluetooth features—do I need to switch them off?

Most airlines require passengers to switch devices to airplane mode. The good news:

Modern hearing aids with Bluetooth Low Energy are usually allowed to stay on. Airlines consider them medical assistive devices, like pacemakers.
If you’re unsure, turn off Bluetooth streaming temporarily in your hearing aid app. They’ll still work as amplifiers without streaming.
Once the flight reaches cruising altitude and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth is permitted, you can reconnect and stream audio.

Q4: How do I pack hearing aids and accessories for a flight?

Here’s a checklist:

Hearing aids – wear them during travel.
Spare batteries – TSA allows dry-cell batteries in carry-on. For rechargeable aids, pack the charger and cable.
Dehumidifier case – planes are dry, which can affect electronics. A portable drying kit helps overnight.
Cleaning tools – wax filters, brushes, and wipes.
Protective case – in case you nap or remove them.
Backup aids (if available) – great for longer trips.

Important: Always carry them in your personal bag, not checked luggage. Lost luggage = lost hearing.

Q5: Can airplane cabin noise damage hearing aids?

Not at all—but it may affect your listening comfort.

Cabin noise averages 80–85 decibels, like city traffic. Hearing aids won’t be damaged, but background noise can make listening harder.
Use noise management features in your hearing aid app. Many devices have programs for “airplane” or “noise reduction.”
Some travelers like over-ear noise-canceling headphones worn over hearing aids. They don’t interfere and give double protection.

Q6: How can I hear flight announcements clearly?

This is one of the biggest challenges for hearing aid users. Airplane PA systems are often muffled.

Solutions:

Stay alert near the gate: Agents usually repeat announcements if you explain you have hearing loss.
Ask for assistance: Airlines can note your file to provide individual boarding announcements.
Use telecoil (T-coil) if available: Some newer airport terminals broadcast announcements through hearing loop systems.
Turn on directional microphones: Aim them forward to focus on voices.
Ask flight attendants directly: Don’t hesitate—they’re trained to help.

Q7: How do pressure changes affect hearing aids?

For you: Cabin pressure mainly affects your ears, not the devices. Chewing gum, swallowing, or yawning helps open the Eustachian tubes.
For the device: Pressure does not damage electronics. However, humidity from condensation may, so keep aids in a drying kit overnight.

Q8: What if my hearing aids stop working mid-flight?

Stay calm—most issues are simple fixes:

Dead battery? Replace with a spare.
Moisture? Wipe them dry and store in case until landing.
Feedback/whistling? Adjust the fit or lower volume.
Always carry manual tools and spare domes if your aids use them.

Q9: Can I watch in-flight movies with hearing aids?

Yes, but it depends on the airline:

Many planes still use wired headphone jacks. Use a streaming accessory (like Phonak TV Connector or ReSound Multi Mic) plugged into the seat audio jack.
Some airlines now offer Bluetooth audio pairing—perfect for direct-streaming aids.
Alternatively, download movies/podcasts on your phone and stream directly via your hearing aids.

Q10: What’s the best seat choice for travelers with hearing aids?

Front rows: Quieter, easier to hear attendants.
Window seat: Less exposure to aisle noise, though engine hum may be louder near the wings.
Bulkhead: More space to organize gear, but announcements may echo.

If announcements are critical, choose front half of the plane, away from engines.

Q11: Do I need to tell the airline in advance?

Not required, but recommended if you:

Need pre-boarding assistance.
Want individual boarding announcements.
Require hearing loop or captioning support at international airports.

Most airlines have a “special assistance” option when booking or checking in online.

Q12: How can I protect hearing aids from loss during travel?

Use a labeled case with your name/email.
Add tracking stickers (like Tile or AirTag) to cases.
Wear a clip or tether if you’re worried about them falling during naps.
Insurance: Many hearing aid warranties cover loss. Check before your trip.

Q13: How do I handle long international flights with hearing aids?

Rechargeable aids: Plan charging schedule. Use in-seat USB ports or power banks.
Disposable batteries: Carry more than you think you’ll need—airports abroad may not sell your size.
Sleep strategy: Some travelers nap with aids out, but store them safely in your seat pocket case (never loose).
Drying overnight: Hotel rooms abroad may be humid; always use your dehumidifier case.

Q14: What about connecting flights and layovers?

No need to remove aids at transfer security.
Keep essentials with you: chargers, batteries, and cases in your carry-on.
Airport lounges: Some now feature hearing loops for easier announcements—worth checking.

Q15: Do airlines offer hearing aid-friendly accessibility services?

Yes—more than ever.

Subtitles on seatback screens are now common.
Airlines like Delta, United, and Lufthansa have accessibility policies for passengers with hearing loss.
Crew training often includes strategies for communicating with hearing-impaired travelers.

Final Tips: Flying Stress-Free with Hearing Aids

Always carry spares—batteries, domes, wax guards.
Stay proactive—tell staff you have hearing loss.
Use your phone—download captions, movies, and airline apps for gate updates.
Dry overnight—planes and hotels vary in humidity.
Don’t stress—millions of travelers with hearing aids fly every year without issues.

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