Summer is almost here and that means time for travel! Whether that means flying to explore a new continent, embarking on a cross-country road trip, or getting to check out new places near your hometown, there’s an adventure out there for everyone.
Your Cochlear™ Nucleus® or Baha® Sound Processor can help you enjoy all the sounds of summer, no matter where your travels take you. Here are five tips for making the most of your summer:
1. Understand the protocol for airports/flying
It’s okay to walk through metal detectors and full-body scanners with your sound processor on, though you may want to turn off the telecoil to avoid any potential buzzing sounds.
You do not need to turn off your sound processor for take-off and landing. While passengers in the U.S. are required to switch off computers and other electronic devices, medical devices are exempt from this rule.
For more information, read the TSA’s issued guidelines for airport screening of the hearing impaired.
2. Pack the gear you’ll need to hear
You’ll want to plan ahead of time for the different hearing environments you’ll encounter on your trip. For example:
- Bring batteries! Make sure you’re prepared for longer than you think you’ll need them, in the event of an unexpected layover or spontaneous trip extension.
- If your destination is rainy or humid, pack a Dry & Store or similar equipment to keep your processor functioning smoothly.
- If you’ll be swimming or spending time near the water, an Aqua+1-5 can be a great investment.
- For hiking or camping, make sure you have a case to prevent it from getting damaged in your backpack. Store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- If you plan to fly, print out a Patient Identification Card to help inform airport security about your cochlear implant.
- Don’t forget to pack a vibrating alarm clock, especially if you’ll be traveling alone.
3. Know where to restock
No matter how well you plan, sometimes circumstances are unavoidable and you may not have access to your carefully-packed collection of supplies. However, the Cochlear Store is open 24/7 and stocked with accessories, cleaning and storage equipment, covers, magnets and more. Next-day shipping is available for urgent orders, as well as free shipping for orders over $50. If you haven’t made a purchase on the online store before, you will first need to activate your Cochlear Family account. You can access the online Cochlear Store from your Cochlear Family account.
Visit the Cochlear Store before you leave to know what is and isn’t available to purchase online.
4. Exercise caution with high-impact activities.
Activities such as scuba diving, skydiving, amusement park rides, roller coasters, and bungee jumping can apply acceleration or pressure to your head. If you decide to engage in high-impact activities, it is recommended that you wear a helmet that allows enough spacing over the implant site to prevent pressure from being applied. Such a helmet may help to reduce impact forces, but it will not fully protect the implant system. It is recommended that you do not wear your external sound processor when engaged in these activities; however, it is always best to first check with your hearing health provider.
5. Give yourself a chance to rest
A vacation should be just that—a vacation! Make sure to schedule in some down-time when you can focus on relaxation. For many, that means being intentional about finding a quiet space where you don’t have to work to hear. Whether it’s a beach side cabana, a lakefront cabin, a mountaintop getaway or a chill afternoon at home, give yourself time to recuperate and refresh. You deserve it!
Log in or activate your Cochlear Family account to learn more about traveling with your Cochlear Nucleus or Baha Sound Processor. Happy travels!