Easter travel tips

Hasn’t this winter been long? Week after week, the germs never stop. To justify the heating, you take out a second loan. I wear all my clothing at once to keep warm. Remember the week when it was -7degC? The sun is what I’m waiting for!

We’re going abroad for Easter in an attempt to enjoy warmer weather. We will have to pack for two children (we’ll need a large lorry) and also plan for our two deaf kids with their different hearing aids. We have gathered some travel tips that may be useful.

1. Spare Kit! Organize your equipment first. Batteries, extra tubing, and light dry bricks are all necessary for hearing aids. Assume that something will get dropped in the swimming pool or that your toddler may try to destroy them. Holidays can be fun! We have spare parts for cochlear implant devices. I keep everything in a travel bag so that I can easily access it.
2. Retention. (Locks, cords, and clips to keep hearing aids in place). Think about the activities you will be doing: surfing, rollercoasters, or cycling. It doesn’t matter if they don’t like retention devices or think they’re uncool. They’ll be happier than if a shark took their device!
3. Swim. Keep the Aqua Kit handy if you do. It can be not easy to put together the first time if you’ve never used it. It would be best if you also had retentions for the aqua kit. We use both a clothing clip as well as a swim cap. You can help your child familiarize themselves with the pool and its layout, as well as where you are based if they don’t have any hearing aids. You might even want to let the lifeguard know that there is a deaf swimmer.
4. Airports. We recommend that you keep all your equipment in hand luggage. Our two have never lost luggage, but it is important to keep your hearing equipment safe. Keep your ID card as proof of cochlear implants handy, especially if you have difficulty communicating. Some people will opt to have their processors patted instead of going through security scanners. Consider priority boarding. It will allow them to board earlier when it is quieter. This allows them to take in the surroundings. Once the plane is packed and the engines are running, it can be overwhelming.
5. SOS. Do your research and locate the closest audiology or implant center before you travel. When I was 21, working in Vermont as a camp counselor, my mum called me to help when my hearing aid required a new component. She called ahead, found the hospital, and was ready to help me on my arrival. (Thanks, Mum!)

After you’ve finished this list, you may want to open a Lindor and find your passports. You’re leaving in just three hours. Enjoy your travels!