Flying With Cochlear Implants: Airport Security & More

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?

Planning ahead can help take the stress out of flying with a cochlear implant—especially if it’s your first time. It’s worth visiting your audiologist to check that your hearing implant is functioning as it should. Some audiologists might also be able to lend you a backup kit with spare batteries and parts.

Talking to other cochlear implant users, for example on the Hearpeers forum, is a great way to get tips and reassurance before travelling.

What should I pack when flying with a cochlear implant?

When flying with a cochlear implant, it’s a good idea to pack your processor, accessories, batteries and spare parts in your carry-on so they stay safe and are easy to reach. Remember to bring your Telecoil adapter or AudioLink XT to use at the airport.

Talking of batteries, make sure you have enough batteries or your charger with you to last the whole trip, just in case of delays. And if you use rechargeables, remember the charger as well as a power adapter.

Pack your drying kit and a few spare microphone covers to help keep everything working well, along with a small cleaning kit. If you’re planning on swimming or doing watersports, don’t forget to bring a few WaterWear covers.

Lastly, remember to carry your Patient ID Card along with contact information for your local MED-EL team both at home and at your destination.

What should I keep in mind when I arrive at the airport?

It’s a good idea to leave extra time at the airport, so that you can be more relaxed.

Most aiports are fitted with hearing loops, so turn on telecoil. This makes it easier to hear travel announcements.

When you check 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.

How do I get through airport security with a cochlear implant?

Cochlear implants sometimes trigger metal detectors at airport security. Let the airport security staff or TSA agents know about your cochlear implant and audio processor and follow their instructions. It’s a good idea to have your MED-EL patient ID card ready to show them.

Metal detectors and other RF transmitters may produce sounds only heard by the implant user if they are near these devices. To avoid this, take off your audio processors or switch them off before you pass through the security check.

In the very unlikely case that your audio processor map becomes corrupted by a scanner, it can easily be reprogrammed at the CI center or by a clinical engineer.

Do I need to do anything when I get on the plane with my cochlear implant?

Once you’re on the plane, let the flight attendant know that you have hearing loss. This way they can check to make sure you’ve heard any important announcements.

Depending on which cochlear implant audio processor you have, you’ll also need to turn on flight mode.

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, SONNET 2, or SONNET 3 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, SONNET 2, or SONNET 3 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.

SONNET 3 Flight Mode

1. Switch off the audio processor and wait 2 seconds.
2. Switch on the audio processor and wait 2 seconds or until the indicator light blinks green.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 three more times. 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 onboard entertainment systems?

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.