‘Tis the season for traveling to spend time with loved ones. If you’re boarding a plane this holiday and you’re worried about flying with hearing aids, fear not. We’ve put together some recommendations to help make your trip smooth sailing.
You can use Bluetooth hearing aids during your flight, but you might notice the sound of the engine more than other passengers. Adjust your noise filter settings to minimize engine noise, or take your hearing aids out. Just be warned: if you take your hearing aids out during the flight, make sure you put them somewhere safe. The last thing you want is to get off the plane and realize they’re in your seat pocket!
You can communicate your hearing loss and the fact that you’re flying with hearing aids to your flight attendant. They can help make sure you don’t miss any major announcements.
Pack your hearing aid batteries or charging station and cord (and TSA medical card) into your carry-on luggage instead of in checked bags. If you experience a delay or lost luggage, you don’t have to worry about your hearing aids not working.
The good news is x-rays don’t affect hearing aids. But instead of taking your hearing aids out, the TSA actually encourages hearing aid wearers to keep them on through security checkpoints.
“You are not required to remove any hearing aids or cochlear implants. Additional screening, including a pat-down or inspection of a device, may be required if it alarms the walk-through metal detector or advanced imaging technology.”TSA, according to their information regarding deaf and hard of hearing passengers
Related Reading: Protect Hearing Aids from Colder Weather
With that, you’re ready for your next trip! Once you arrive at your destination, we hope you enjoy the sounds of the season, from cherished holiday songs to bells ringing and long-awaited conversations with relatives.
At SoundGate Hearing, we want the best for you and your loved ones. If you’re struggling with hearing loss, why not come in and visit our audiologists? After a thorough examination, our team can make specific recommendations and a plan forward. That way, you can get back to spending quality time with friends and family.
Make an appointment online or over the phone.
On behalf of the SoundGate Hearing team, Happy Holidays!
Dr. Sarah Binfet
Hello, I am Sarah! I have been an Audiologist since 2019 when I received my doctorate degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona and undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a passion to help people with their hearing healthcare. Coming from a family with hearing impaired individuals, I know the importance for personalized hearing care and best Audiology practices. Raised in small town Minnesota, I enjoy my time being outside, on the golf course or on the lake up north. I have 2 young children who keep me on my toes and always laughing.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.