Can I Use a Hearing Aid on a Plane? What to Know Before You Fly

If you wear a hearing aid and have a flight coming up, you've probably wondered: do I need to take it out during the flight? Will the pressure affect it? Can I bring it through security?

Good news: flying with a hearing aid is straightforward. Here's everything you need to know before you board.

Can You Wear a Hearing Aid on a Plane?

Yes, absolutely. Hearing aids are not electronic devices that need to be turned off during takeoff or landing. The FAA does not classify hearing aids as portable electronic devices (PEDs) that interfere with aircraft systems. You can wear them throughout the entire flight — gate to gate.

TSA and Airport Security

Hearing aids do not need to be removed for airport security screening. According to TSA guidelines, you may keep your hearing aid in during the walk-through metal detector or body scanner.

A few practical tips:

• If the metal detector alarms, simply inform the TSA officer that you're wearing a hearing aid — they will conduct a manual pat-down instead
• You do not need to place your hearing aid in the bin with your shoes and laptop
• Carry a spare set of batteries or your charging case in your carry-on, not checked luggage

Will Cabin Pressure Affect My Hearing Aid?

Cabin pressure changes will not damage your hearing aid. The device itself is unaffected by altitude or pressure fluctuations.

However, pressure changes can temporarily affect your hearing — the same way your ears "pop" on a plane. This is your Eustachian tube equalizing pressure, not a problem with your device. If you experience muffled sound during descent, try yawning, swallowing, or the Valsalva maneuver (gently pinching your nose and blowing).

Hearing Better on the Plane

Airplane cabins are notoriously noisy — engine hum, air circulation, and crowd noise make conversation difficult even for people with normal hearing. With a hearing aid, you have an advantage:

• ✅ Keep your hearing aid in during announcements — gate changes and boarding calls are much easier to catch
• ✅ Sit closer to the front of the plane where engine noise is lower
• ✅ Ask flight attendants to face you when speaking if you rely on lip reading
• ✅ Use the volume control on your device to adjust for the cabin environment

Battery and Charging Tips for Travel

For rechargeable hearing aids like the RKEPIE M602 and M802:

• Charge fully the night before your flight
• Bring your charging case in your carry-on — USB-C chargers are allowed on planes
• Both devices offer up to 20 hours per charge — enough for most long-haul flights
• If you have a long layover, charge during the wait at the gate

For disposable battery devices, pack at least one full set of spare batteries in your carry-on. Batteries are allowed through TSA without restriction.

International Travel: Any Special Rules?

Hearing aids are medical devices and are generally exempt from import restrictions in most countries. You do not need a prescription or special documentation to travel internationally with your hearing aid. However, if you're traveling with multiple devices or large quantities of batteries, it's worth checking the customs rules of your destination country.

The Bottom Line

Flying with a hearing aid is easy — wear it through security, keep it in during the flight, and charge it the night before. The only real preparation is making sure your battery is full and your charging case is in your carry-on.

If you're looking for a travel-friendly hearing aid that's lightweight, rechargeable, and virtually invisible, the RKEPIE M602 CIC is our most popular choice for active, on-the-go users. Try it risk-free for 45 days →