Essential guide for air travel with hearing aids and cochlear implants. TSA screening, airport security, airline communication, device protection, battery requirements, and accessibility tips for deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers.

Flying with Hearing Aids & Cochlear Implants: Complete 2025 Guide

Flying with hearing aids or cochlear implants is generally straightforward, but understanding TSA screening procedures, airline communication protocols, and device protection strategies ensures smooth, accessible travel. Over 48 million Americans have hearing loss, and most travel without complications when properly prepared.

This comprehensive guide covers everything deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers need to know for confident air travel.

Can You Fly with Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants?

Short answer: Yes, absolutely. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are fully compatible with air travel and cause no safety issues.

Key Points:

✅ Hearing aids: Can be worn throughout flight, including takeoff and landing ✅ Cochlear implants: Internal devices unaffected by flight; external processors can be worn ✅ No airline notification needed: Hearing devices not considered "medical equipment" requiring advance notice ✅ TSA screening straightforward: Devices don't need to be removed ✅ Batteries allowed: Standard hearing aid batteries and rechargeable lithium batteries permitted

TSA Screening with Hearing Aids

Walk-Through Metal Detectors

Hearing Aids: ✅ Keep hearing aids IN during screening - Do not remove ✅ Will NOT trigger metal detector - Too small ✅ No special procedures needed - Walk through normally

Why Keep Them In:

You need to hear TSA officer instructions
Risk of loss or damage if removed
No safety concerns
Faster screening process

Body Scanners (Full-Body Imaging)

Hearing Aids: ✅ Safe for hearing aids - Millimeter wave scanners don't damage devices ✅ Keep devices in - No need to remove ✅ May show on image - TSA officer sees small objects but understands

Cochlear Implants: ✅ Generally safe - Most manufacturers approve millimeter wave scanners ✅ Check manufacturer guidelines - Verify your specific model ✅ Alternative screening available - Request pat-down if concerned

Recommended Approach:

Notify TSA officer before screening - "I have hearing aids/cochlear implant"
Show TSA Notification Card (optional but helpful)
Request pat-down if concerned - Always an option

Hand Wand Metal Detectors

Important Consideration for Cochlear Implants:

⚠️ Handheld wands can interfere with cochlear implants

Strong magnetic fields from wands
Can temporarily affect processor
Manufacturers recommend avoiding direct wand contact

What to Do:

Notify officer: "I have a cochlear implant"
Request pat-down instead - Safer alternative
If wand used: Ask officer to avoid direct contact over implant site

Hearing Aids: ✅ Hand wands safe for hearing aids - No interference concerns

Communicating Your Hearing Loss

TSA Notification Card

What Is It: Voluntary card from TSA stating you're deaf or hard of hearing.

Benefits:

Quick way to inform TSA officers
Reduces verbal miscommunication
Shows you're prepared
Available in multiple languages

How to Get:

Download from TSA.gov/travel/passenger-support
Print and laminate
Keep with travel documents
Show to TSA officer before screening

Sample Card Text:

TSA NOTIFICATION CARD

I am deaf / hard of hearing.

I may need you to:
□ Speak clearly and face me
□ Write down instructions
□ Use gestures
□ Be patient

Thank you for your assistance.

Communicating with TSA Officers

Effective Strategies:

Notify officer immediately - Before they start speaking
Lipread if possible - Ask officer to face you, speak clearly
Write it down - Bring notepad and pen
Use phone text - Type instructions if needed
Bring companion - Travel partner can interpret

What TSA Officers Should Do:

Face you when speaking
Speak clearly (not necessarily louder)
Use gestures and pointing
Write instructions if needed
Be patient and understanding

Airline Communication

Booking and Check-In

No Advance Notification Required:

Hearing aids and cochlear implants don't require airline pre-approval
No medical documentation needed
Book flights normally

Optional: Request Accessibility Services

Most airlines offer:

Wheelchair assistance for boarding
Priority boarding (if needed)
Visual boarding announcements
Seat assignment near gate agent communication

How to Request:

Call airline special assistance line during booking
Note accessibility needs in reservation
Remind gate agent at check-in

In-Flight Communication

Challenges:

Can't hear boarding announcements
May miss flight attendant instructions
Emergency announcements difficult to hear
Seat mate conversations challenging

Solutions:

1. Inform Flight Attendants:

Tell crew you're deaf/hard of hearing when boarding
They can tap your shoulder for attention
Will check on you visually
Provide written emergency instructions if needed

2. Use Assistive Technology:

Smartphone speech-to-text apps (Live Transcribe, Otter)
Airline apps - Visual boarding updates
Closed captioning - On in-flight entertainment (when available)
Text-based communication - Type to seat mate

3. Watch Visual Cues:

Observe other passengers
Watch flight attendant gestures
Monitor seatbelt sign
Follow safety demonstration visually

Safety Briefings and Emergency Information

Your Rights:

Airlines must provide safety information in accessible format
Request safety briefing card (always available)
Flight attendants can demonstrate visually
Some airlines have captioned safety videos

Proactive Steps:

Read safety card before takeoff
Watch safety demonstration carefully
Ask flight attendant questions before departure
Count rows to nearest exit (emergency lighting may help)

Protecting Your Devices During Travel

Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage

Always Carry Devices On:

✅ Hearing aids - Keep in carry-on or worn ✅ Cochlear implant processors - Never check ✅ Spare batteries - Lithium batteries must be in carry-on ✅ Charging equipment - Keep accessible ✅ Cleaning supplies - Small quantities allowed

Why:

Temperature extremes in cargo hold
Risk of loss or damage
Need devices during travel
TSA lithium battery requirements

Device Protection Tips

During Flight:

Use protective case - Hard shell for hearing aids
Keep in pocket or bag - Not loose
Turn off when sleeping - Conserve battery, prevent feedback
Avoid overhead bin - Keep devices accessible
Remove before napping - Prevent loss in seat

At Security:

Never place in bin - Keep devices on your person
Secure in pocket - Prevent falling during screening
Check after screening - Ensure devices still in place

In Dry Cabin:

Aircraft cabins are extremely dry (10-20% humidity)
Can dry out ear canals
May cause feedback or discomfort
Use saline ear drops if needed

Battery Requirements and Regulations

Hearing Aid Batteries

Disposable Zinc-Air Batteries: ✅ Unlimited quantity allowed in carry-on ✅ Can be in checked luggage (but don't recommend) ✅ No packaging requirements ✅ Available at most airports (pharmacies, convenience stores)

Travel Tips:

Bring 2x your usual supply
Keep in original packaging (helps identify size)
Store in cool, dry place
Have backup batteries immediately accessible

Common Sizes:

Size 10 (yellow): 3-7 days life
Size 312 (brown): 3-10 days
Size 13 (orange): 6-14 days
Size 675 (blue): 9-20 days (most powerful)

Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

For Rechargeable Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implant Processors:

✅ Carry-on only - Never in checked baggage ✅ Typically under 100Wh - No airline approval needed ✅ Bring charging cables - USB or proprietary chargers ✅ Power banks allowed - For charging on the go (under 100Wh)

TSA Rules:

Rechargeable hearing aids can stay in during flight
Charge at airport outlets (widely available)
USB chargers work with aircraft power (when available)

Cochlear Implant Specific Considerations

Internal Device Safety

Good News: Internal implant unaffected by: ✅ Cabin pressure ✅ Altitude changes ✅ Aircraft electronics ✅ Metal detectors (walk-through) ✅ Millimeter wave body scanners (most manufacturers approve)

Check with Your Manufacturer:

Cochlear
Advanced Bionics
Med-El
Oticon Medical

Verify your specific model's compatibility with airport security equipment.

External Processor

During Flight: ✅ Can be worn throughout flight ✅ Turn off if requested (rare, only during specific aircraft issues) ✅ Keep accessible - Don't pack in overhead bin ✅ Bring backup batteries/charger - Essential

At Security:

Notify TSA officer - "I have a cochlear implant"
Keep processor on - Don't remove
Request pat-down if concerned about hand wand
Have implant ID card - From manufacturer

Cochlear Implant ID Card

What to Carry:

Implant identification card (from manufacturer)
Lists implant model and serial number
States device is medical implant
Helpful for TSA and airline staff

Where to Get:

Provided at implantation
Request replacement from manufacturer
Keep photo on phone as backup

Accessibility Features and Rights

Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Protections

Your Rights:

✅ No discrimination - Cannot be denied boarding due to hearing loss ✅ Effective communication - Airlines must communicate essential information accessibly ✅ Auxiliary aids - Airlines should provide visual announcements when possible ✅ Advance seat assignment - If you need to see flight attendants or monitors ✅ Service animals - Hearing dogs permitted (must meet service animal requirements)

Requesting Accommodations

What Airlines Should Provide:

Visual information - Boarding updates on screens
Written communication - Safety information, flight updates
Seat placement - Near flight attendant station if needed
Patient interaction - Flight crew aware of communication needs

How to Request:

Call airline special assistance line when booking
Note hearing loss in reservation
Remind gate agent at check-in
Inform flight attendants when boarding

Service Animals (Hearing Dogs)

Requirements (as of 2021 DOT rules):

Must be trained hearing alert dog
Complete DOT Service Animal Form (48 hours before flight)
Provide vaccination records
Dog must fit in passenger's foot space or lap

Not Allowed:

Emotional support animals no longer recognized
Must be trained for specific hearing tasks

International Travel Considerations

Customs and Security

Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants:

Not considered "restricted medical devices" internationally
No import/export issues
May set off metal detectors at some countries
Bring implant ID card for international security

Country-Specific:

European Union:

Similar TSA-style screening
Generally hearing aid-friendly
English commonly spoken at major airports

Asia:

Some countries more accommodating than others
Bring translated hearing loss notification card
Language barriers may be challenging

Middle East:

Strict security procedures
Medical device documentation helpful
Request English-speaking officer

Replacement Batteries Abroad

Challenge: Hearing aid batteries may be hard to find in some countries.

Solutions:

Bring 2-3x supply - Enough for entire trip + buffer
Research pharmacies at destination before travel
Order batteries online - Amazon, local pharmacies deliver
Contact hotel concierge - Can help locate medical supplies

International Battery Brands:

Duracell, Energizer, Rayovac available worldwide
Local brands may work (verify size compatibility)

Assistive Listening Devices at Airports

Available Technology

Many Airports Offer:

Hearing loops (t-coil compatible)
Visual paging systems
Text-based announcements
Captioned phones
TTY/TDD telephones

How to Find:

Check airport website accessibility page
Ask at information desk
Look for accessibility symbol signage

Best U.S. Airports for Hearing Accessibility:

Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) - Extensive hearing loops
Denver (DEN) - Visual paging, hearing assistance
Phoenix (PHX) - Good visual announcements
Portland (PDX) - Strong accessibility services

Tips from Frequent Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Travelers

Sarah L., cochlear implant user, 70+ flights: "I always notify TSA immediately and request pat-down. Takes 5 extra minutes but eliminates any device concerns. Never had issues."

Michael D., bilateral hearing aids: "I keep spare batteries in three places: carry-on, personal item, and pocket. Lost hearing in one ear mid-flight once—now I'm paranoid about backups."

Jennifer K., profound deafness: "I use Live Transcribe app constantly at airports. Flight attendants speak into my phone, I read instructions. Game-changer for communication."

Top 10 Travel Tips for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing

Print TSA Notification Card - Keep accessible
Notify all staff - TSA, gate agents, flight attendants
Bring 3x battery supply - Murphy's law applies
Use assistive apps - Live Transcribe, airline apps
Request visual information - Don't rely on announcements
Keep devices on person - Never in checked bags
Charge fully before travel - Airport charging available
Bring chargers and adapters - For rechargeable devices
Sit near flight attendants - Easier communication
Arrive extra early - 3 hours for international, 2.5 domestic

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my hearing aids set off metal detectors? A: No, hearing aids are too small to trigger metal detectors.

Q: Can I wear my cochlear implant processor through body scanners? A: Generally yes—millimeter wave scanners are safe for most models. Check manufacturer guidelines or request pat-down.

Q: Do I need to turn off hearing aids during takeoff? A: No, hearing aids can be worn throughout flight, including takeoff and landing.

Q: Can TSA officers make me remove my hearing aids? A: No, TSA should not require hearing aid removal. They can be screened while worn.

Q: How do I hear announcements if I'm deaf? A: Request visual information, use airline app for updates, watch other passengers, inform flight attendants.

Q: Can I charge my rechargeable hearing aids on the plane? A: Some aircraft have power outlets (primarily business/premium economy). Bring portable power bank as backup.

Q: What if I lose my hearing aid during flight? A: Notify flight attendants immediately. Check seat, floor, blankets. File lost item report with airline.

Q: Can I bring hearing aid cleaning supplies? A: Yes, small quantities of cleaning solutions allowed (under 3.4 oz, in quart-size bag).

Emergency Situations

If Device Malfunctions

During Flight:

Replace battery - Most common fix
Check for moisture - Dry cabin can affect devices
Clean contacts - Corrosion can cause issues
Use backup device - If traveling with spare
Notify flight attendant - They can assist with written communication

After Landing:

Visit airport pharmacy for batteries
Contact audiologist/implant center
Most major cities have hearing aid repair services

Lost or Stolen Devices

Immediate Actions:

File report - Airport lost and found, airline claim
Contact manufacturer - Report serial number
Contact audiologist - Arrange replacement/loaner
Check travel insurance - May cover replacement
Police report - For theft (insurance may require)

Conclusion

Flying with hearing aids or cochlear implants is safe and straightforward with proper preparation. Key strategies include notifying TSA and airline staff of your hearing loss, bringing extra batteries, using assistive technology for communication, and knowing your accessibility rights.

Essential Takeaways:

✅ Keep hearing devices on during screening and flight ✅ Notify TSA officer before screening ✅ Bring 2-3x battery supply ✅ Use assistive apps for communication ✅ Request visual information from airlines ✅ Keep devices in carry-on, never checked ✅ Know your rights under ACAA

With these strategies, deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers can navigate airports and flights confidently, ensuring accessible, comfortable journeys.

Safe and accessible travels!

Explore our complete accessibility guides, TSA screening tips, and airline communication resources. Join the MedFly Safe community for support from fellow hearing-impaired travelers.