Using Hearing Aids During the Busy Holiday Travel Season

Do you wear hearing aids & travel a lot during the holidays?

Airplane noise levels often exceed the recommended noise levels. Add pressure changes and headphone volume and you have a recipe for disaster!

The holiday season is one of the busiest times for travel. Visiting family or friends far away is a top priority so you can spend time with loved ones for the holidays. Unfortunately, traveling does come with some risks for people with hearing issues, but there are things you can do to minimize your exposure.

Traveling by airplane causes travelers to be subjected to noise levels anywhere from 80-100 decibels for up to 10 hours, which exceeds the recommendation of the National Institute for Occupational Health. Travelers can also experience heightened tinnitus from pressure changes or increased headphone volume that can damage your hearing. To help with the extra noise while traveling by airplane, experts recommend using earplugs or noise canceling headphones.

For travelers with hearing aids, make sure to notify the airline cabin crew that you are hearing impaired. They will make sure to accommodate any needs you have while you are traveling with them. Use the noise reduction feature on your hearing aids to help with background noise, but make sure to listen during the safety instructions before takeoff. Pack extra batteries or a charger for your hearing aids in your carry-on bag in case you need them during your flight or vacation. A little planning ahead of time will help make things easier and help you enjoy the journey more.

Contact Sound Hearing Care for an appointment to have your hearing checked at any of our four convenient locations including Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, and Greenville.