Traveling is usually nerve wrecking enough by itself, but when you have a hearing impairment it can sometimes become even more stressful. Not sure if you’re supposed take out your hearing aids for the scanners? How do you avoid missing important announcements over the loud speakers? Luckily, airports are starting to install hearing loop systems so hearing aid users don’t have to worry about missing an important messages. Check out these helpful tips about traveling with hearing loss and get ready for your next trip!
What is a Hearing Loop System?
Hearing loop systems are not new, in fact you may have even seen them in your local theater or city hall area. The loop systems that are available in some airports allow hearing aid users to simply switch their hearing aids over to ‘T’ or “telecoil’ mode, which in return picks up a much clearer sound from the speakers at the airport. Not all hearing aids have a telecoil setting, so it is important to ask your hearing specialist if your hearing aid comes with one and if so, how to use it. Even if your hearing aid does not have its own telecoil system, there are loop accessories that you can purchase to help you better hearing the important sounds around you when you are in a space that is loop-accessible.
Here is a list of United States Airports that currently use looping systems:
- Boston Logan International Airport
- Muskegon Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
- Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport,
- Detroit Airport (Delta terminal)
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids
- South Bend International Airport
Here are the top 3 questions most people with hearing aids ask when going to the airport:
- Do I have to take my hearing aid out to go through security? No, you do not need to take out your hearing aids to go through airport security. You do need to notify the screening agent that you use a hearing aid so they are aware prior to your scan. If your hearing aid shows any abnormal results in the scan, an agent may ask for you to submit to further screening such as a manual inspection.
- Can I keep my hearing aids on during the flight? Yes! Your hearing aids are exempt from being turned off.
- Can I pack my hearing aids and batteries in my carry on? Yes, you can. You bag may be subject to a manual search, however you will be cleared once the agents are aware of your hearing aids.
Don’t let your hearing loss hold you back from flying all around the world! Take the time to plan your trip knowing that your hearing aids won’t cause any issues at the airport. Even better yet, if you fly out of or into one of the airports listed above, you’ll even be able to connect your hearing aid to the sound system there. If you have any questions about your hearing aid and how to use it with a loop system, simply contact us and speak with our experienced audiologist at Krista Sazalc, Audiology, PLLC.