Flying With Cochlear Implants

To prepare you best for your vacation with a cochlear implant, we have answered the most common flight-related questions so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest:

How Can I Prepare for Traveling With My Cochlear Implant?

Especially as a new CI user, it’s important to get information from your audiologist, other CI users, or your local MED-EL team before traveling with a cochlear implant. They can provide you with valuable tips and advice on how to prepare for your trip.

What Should I Keep in Mind at the Airport?

• When you’re checking in at the airport, let the ticketing agent know that you have hearing implants so they can include this information in your traveler’s profile.
• As the cochlear implant may trigger a metal detector, make sure to additionally inform airport security staff about your implant and audio processor and show your MED-EL ID card, if necessary.
• To avoid unpleasant noises or deletion of programs, take off your audio processor or switch it off when passing through the security gates or when you are near an RF transmitter. If an audio processor map becomes corrupted, it can easily be reprogrammed at the CI center or by a clinical engineer.

What Is Flight Mode and How Does It Work With My Cochlear Implant?

Just as flight mode for your phone—also known as airplane mode—prevents your phone from communicating with cellular towers and disables wireless signal transmissions, flight mode for your RONDO 3 or SONNET 2 stops your audio processor from connecting to external devices.

Why Do I Need to Put My Audio Processor in Flight Mode?

• Before jetting off, ensure you’re informed about the necessity of activating flight mode while on a plane. To determine if your audio processor needs to be put in flight mode, check the policy of the airline you’re flying with.
• Activating flight mode on your audio processor is a crucial measure when traveling by plane. Activate flight mode whenever you board a flight or enter an environment where RF transmissions are prohibited.
• This feature guarantees seamless use of your cochlear implant without interfering with the airplane’s communication systems.

How Do I Put My MED-EL Audio Processor in Flight Mode?

By following these simple steps, you can easily activate and deactivate flight mode on your RONDO 3 or SONNET 2 audio processor.

RONDO 3 Flight Mode

1. Switch off the audio processor and wait at least 2 seconds.
2. Switch on the audio processor and wait until the main indicator light blinks blue for the first time.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 again.
5. Repeat steps 1 and 2 one more time.
6. The main indicator will briefly blink red to confirm that flight mode has been successfully activated. If you do not see the red light, repeat steps 1 to 5.

Deactivating Flight Mode

1. Switch off the audio processor and wait 2 seconds.
2. Switch on the audio processor.

SONNET 2 Flight Mode

1. Switch off the audio processor and wait 2 seconds.
2. Switch on the audio processor and wait 2 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 again.
5. Repeat steps 1 and 2 one more time.
6. A brief red blinking of the indicator light confirms successful activation.

Deactivating Flight Mode

1. Switch off the audio processor and wait 2 seconds.
2. Switch on the audio processor.

Can I Still Hear With My Audio Processor in Flight Mode?

Don’t worry, flight mode doesn’t mean your audio processors are turned off completely. Flight mode will still enable you to hear the sounds around you, but your audio processors will not be able to connect to external devices.

Can I Pair My Audio Processor With Smartphone Apps When It’s in Flight Mode?

Flight mode disables wireless signal transmissions, so it’s not possible to pair your audio processor with smartphone apps, such as AudioKey 2, when it’s in flight mode.

Can I Connect to Entertainment Systems Onboard?

Usually, the systems on board have 3.5 mm jacks, so it’s possible to use the FM battery cover for the SONNET series processors and a cable available with the battery cover. This way, you can be connected to the 3.5 mm jack. If you’re using a different audio processor, over-ear headphones that work via cable (not Bluetooth) are also an option.

Where Can I Find More Tips for Traveling With My Cochlear Implant?

For further insights on traveling with a cochlear implant, don’t hesitate to consult your trusted audiologist or reach out to your dedicated MED-EL team. And check out this article about hassle-free travel with cochlear implants.