Owais Crawford
Hearing aid wearers may experience some anxiety when navigating airport security, but there are clear guidelines in place to ensure a smooth process. While some sources suggest that hearing aids may be damaged by X-ray machines, official guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) state that hearing devices are not affected by X-ray inspection or walk-through metal detectors. In fact, it is recommended that hearing aids are kept on during security checks and throughout the flight to ensure important announcements are not missed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should hearing aids be removed during security checks? | No, it is recommended that hearing aids are worn at all times at the airport and while flying. |
| Do hearing aids need to be turned off during take-offs and landings? | No, but if they have Bluetooth capability, this may need to be turned off. |
| Do hearing aids interfere with the plane's navigation or communication systems? | No, they do not. |
| Can hearing aids be damaged by airport scanners? | Hearing aids are not affected by X-ray inspection or walk-through metal detector screening. |
| Can hearing aids be screened using Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)? | Yes, they can be safely screened. |
| How to improve hearing during a flight? | Check the T-coil setting if your hearing aids have this feature. |
| What are some tips for flying with hearing aids? | Carry extra batteries, inform the airline about your hearing loss, carry a "hearing impaired" card, and use phone apps that translate foreign languages. |
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What You'll Learn
Hearing aids do not need to be removed at security
Hearing aid wearers can rest assured that they do not need to remove their devices at security. In fact, it is strongly recommended that hearing aids are kept on at all times while at the airport, so that important announcements and safety briefings can be heard and understood.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued guidelines for travellers with hearing loss or hearing aids. According to the TSA, hearing devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, external components of cochlear implants, and middle ear implants are not affected by X-ray inspection or walk-through metal detector screening. These devices can also be safely screened using Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT).
However, it is worth noting that wearing a hearing aid may result in additional screening of the person and their belongings. This is a routine procedure and involves no risk to the individual or their hearing devices. To avoid any problems, it is recommended to carry a TSA Notification Card to show security.
Hearing aid wearers can also take other steps to ensure a smooth journey. For example, it is a good idea to carry spare batteries and back-up hearing aids in carry-on luggage. Additionally, travellers can inform the airline about their hearing loss when booking their flight, and carry a "hearing impaired" card to show flight attendants. Many airports also have induction loop systems for hard-of-hearing travellers, which can help with communication.
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X-ray machines may damage hearing aids
There is conflicting information on whether X-ray machines can damage hearing aids. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), hearing aids are not affected by X-ray inspection. TSA guidelines state:
> "According to Otolaryngologist and Otolaryngology surgeons, hearing devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, external component of cochlear implants, and middle ear implants are not affected by X-ray inspection or walk-through metal detector screening. In addition, these devices may also be safely screened using Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)."
However, Bonnie Adams, co-leader of the Hearing Loss Association, points out that user guides for cochlear implant processors warn that X-ray machines may damage the internal processor microphone or the T-Mic. Adams advises against placing these items in luggage that will be screened with X-rays.
Some hearing aid user manuals also mention not sending hearing aids through airport X-ray machines to prevent potential damage to the microchip.
It is worth noting that dental X-rays have been found to have no effect on hearing aids. In a study, two manufacturers supplied behind-the-ear hearing devices for testing, and no changes were reported after exposure to X-rays. However, one vendor suggested removing the hearing device before exposure to radiation to prevent the occurrence of a very unusual accident.
Given the conflicting information, if you are a wearer of a hearing device and are unsure about X-ray screening, it is recommended to check with your healthcare provider or the hearing aid manufacturer for specific instructions or alternative screening methods.
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Metal detectors will not be set off by hearing aids
If you wear hearing aids, you may be concerned about setting off metal detectors at the airport. However, hearing aids do not contain enough metal to set off metal detectors. In fact, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that hearing devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, external components of cochlear implants, and middle ear implants are not affected by walk-through metal detector screening.
It is recommended that you keep your hearing aids on while going through airport security and metal detectors. This is because removing them may make it difficult for you to communicate effectively with security officers and understand their instructions. TSA Security Officers are trained to provide assistance to persons with hearing disabilities, so it is important to inform them of your disability and your preferred method of communication.
If you are uncomfortable with going through the walk-through metal detector, you can request a full-body pat-down and a visual and physical inspection of your hearing aid while it remains on your body. It is important to note that hearing aids do not need to be turned off during takeoffs and landings, and they do not interfere with the plane's navigation or communication systems.
To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable to consult with a hearing aid specialist before your trip and carry your TSA Notification Card with you to show security. Additionally, be sure to pack extra batteries and backup hearing aids in your carry-on luggage, as battery life can be a common issue when travelling with hearing aids.
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Extra screening may be required
Hearing aid wearers may be subject to extra screening at the airport. This is a routine procedure and involves no risk to you or your hearing aids. However, it is always good to be prepared.
Firstly, it is important to note that hearing aid users are not required to remove their devices during security checks. This applies to all types of hearing aids, including behind-the-ear (BTE), completely-in-canal (CIC), and in-the-ear (ITE) devices. It is recommended that you keep your hearing aids on at all times in the airport and while flying, to ensure you don't miss any important announcements or briefings.
However, it is a good idea to be prepared for additional screening. You can do this by carrying your TSA Notification Card, which will inform security staff of your hearing aids. It is also beneficial to inform the airline about your hearing loss when booking your flight, so they are aware and can accommodate you.
If you are unsure about the X-ray screening of your hearing aids, you can ask for a full-body pat-down and a visual and physical inspection of your hearing aids while they remain on your body. This may be a more comfortable option for some travellers.
To make your experience as smooth as possible, it is recommended to consult with a hearing aid specialist before your trip. They can provide specific advice and ensure you are fully prepared for airport security procedures.
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Carry spare batteries
Hearing aid batteries are safe to go through airport security scans and will not impact their performance. However, it is advisable to carry spare batteries when travelling, as you may go through them faster than usual. Long-haul flights may also slightly affect the life of the battery due to the dry nature of the cabin. Therefore, it is recommended to carry spare batteries in your hand luggage, preferably in their original packaging or a special battery caddy, to avoid them being crushed or punctured. Keeping them in their original packaging also makes them easily accessible when going through the X-ray machine.
Additionally, rechargeable hearing aids typically use lithium-ion batteries, which the TSA advises keeping in your carry-on luggage. It is also a good idea to check with your airline about their rules for allowable hand or hold luggage to ensure that hearing aid batteries are permitted.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need to remove your hearing aids during security checks. This includes cochlear implants and applies to all types of hearing aids. However, you may be subject to additional screening by the security team.
Hearing aids are not affected by X-ray inspection, walk-through metal detector screening, or Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT). However, some hearing aid user manuals mention not sending hearing aids through the airport X-ray machine to prevent potential damage to the microchip.
It is recommended that you carry spare batteries and a TSA Notification Card. You may also want to inform the airline about your hearing loss when booking your flight and carry a "hearing impaired" card.
