Travelling with a cochlear implant this summer

Summer’s on its way, and many of us are looking forward to a few days at the bach, a trip around New Zealand or a visit to family in Australia. Some will be heading further afield. Alongside the togs and sunscreen, there’s one more thing to give a bit of thought to: your hearing equipment.

We’ve put together this handy guide to help you get ready, find your way through airports and know what to do if you go “off air” while you’re away. The equipment advice follows Cochlear Ltd’s guidance for Nucleus and Kanso sound processors.

Give your equipment a check before you go

Try your charger, spare batteries and any backup processor before you pack. If something has been playing up, get in touch with your implant team while there’s still time to sort it out.

If you have a spare processor, check that it is working and correctly programmed for you. Ask your clinic whether to take a copy of your current MAP — the settings used by your processor — and how these could be accessed if you needed help away from home. [1]

If you don’t have a spare, ask your clinic or Cochlear what backup options might be available. Save your clinic’s contact details, including an email address, and find out how to get support during the summer holidays.

Pack a small hearing kit

Keep your processor, spare equipment and charging gear in your hand luggage when flying. A small pouch makes it easier to keep everything together and reach it when you need it. [2]

Depending on your processor and your plans, your kit might include:

Charged spare batteries, or enough compatible disposable batteries for the trip and delays.
Your charger, its cables and the right power adaptor for your destination.
A spare coil or cable, where your model uses them, and microphone covers.
The drying equipment recommended for your processor.
A protective case, a soft cleaning cloth and a safety line or retention accessory.
Your Aqua+ accessories if swimming is on the agenda.
Your implant identification card and a working backup processor, if you have one. [3]

If you also wear a hearing aid, remember its batteries, charger and other essentials too.

Spare batteries and power banks belong in your cabin bag, with battery terminals protected against short circuits. Check the limits with every airline on your itinerary. Start with a full charge and carry charged spare batteries if your model uses removable ones. Plan for connections and delays: you may not be able to use a power bank on board. Jetstar, for example, does not allow power banks to be used or charged during the flight. [4] [5]

If your cabin bag is taken at the gate to go in the hold, take out your hearing kit, spare batteries and power bank first.

Getting through airport security

You can go through airport metal detectors and body scanners wearing your Cochlear sound processor. It may set off an alarm, and you might hear some buzzing as you pass through. Tell the security officer that you have a cochlear implant and have your implant identification card handy. [6] [9]

If you’re asked to remove your processor, Cochlear advises switching it off and putting it in its case inside your hand luggage before it goes through the X-ray machine. Don’t put it loose on the conveyor belt, as static electricity could affect the device. Let the officer know if you won’t be able to hear instructions while it is off. [7]

Around the terminal, keep an eye on the departure screens and airline app. If announcements are difficult to follow, tell the staff at your gate and ask them to let you know directly about boarding or any changes. [8]

On the plane

You can keep your Cochlear sound processor on during the flight, including take-off and landing. [7]

Your processor may need to be in flight mode, so check the airline’s requirements and learn how to do this before you travel. Flight mode lets you continue hearing through the processor, but wireless streaming is unavailable while it is enabled. Follow your model’s instructions for remote controls and accessories too. [1] [6] [9]

Let the cabin crew know if you may miss announcements, particularly if you take your processor off to sleep. Ask them to make sure you receive any important instructions. [8]

For a longer flight, download a few programmes, films or podcasts before leaving home. If you want to use the aircraft’s entertainment system, check how your equipment connects. Where wireless use is permitted, a compatible Mini Microphone 2+ and the appropriate audio cable or adaptor may be useful; a Bluetooth connection to the seat screen may not be available. [2] [10]

Look after your processor in the summer heat

Beach days, warm cars and humid weather need a bit of care. Keep your processor out of direct sunlight and don’t leave it in a parked car. When you take it off, put it in its protective case somewhere cool and dry. [11]

Apply sunscreen and insect repellent before putting your processor on, and keep sprays and lotions away from it when topping up. At the end of the day, check for sand or dirt, wipe it with a soft cloth and follow your usual drying routine. Use the drying equipment recommended for your particular model. [11]

A safety line or suitable retention accessory is useful on a windy boat trip or an active day out. [11]

Before you get in the water

Check the swimming instructions for your exact processor. A water-resistance rating has limits, and the right Aqua+ setup matters. Make sure the sleeve, coil and battery arrangement are approved for your model, and practise fitting everything at home. [12] [13]

For example, the Nucleus 8 Aqua+ setup needs an approved rechargeable battery module and Aqua+ coil. Requirements differ for other models, so follow your own guide. Check the permitted depth and time in the water, inspect the accessories for damage and follow the rinsing and drying instructions afterwards. [12]

If you prefer to swim without your processor, put it somewhere secure and dry. Let your swimming companions know you won’t hear them as usual and agree on a simple visual signal to get your attention.

If your processor goes off air

Losing sound away from home can be unsettling. Get somewhere safe, let your travel companion know what has happened and work through the troubleshooting guide for your model.

Depending on your processor, the first checks may include:

Check that the processor is switched on and has power. Try a charged spare battery if your model has a removable battery.
Check that the processor or coil is correctly positioned over the implant.
If your processor has a separate coil cable, check that it is connected properly. Try your compatible spare cable if you have one.
Check the volume and programme settings using your usual controls.
If the problem continues, use your prepared backup processor if available and contact your implant clinic or Cochlear. [14]

If the processor has become wet, wipe it with a soft cloth and follow its specific wet-device instructions. Nucleus and Kanso models have different drying arrangements and times. Use the recommended equipment and avoid trying to dry it with a hairdryer or other household appliance. [15] [16]

Keep a note on your phone, or a small card, saying: “I have hearing loss and my sound processor isn’t working. Please face me and write down important information.” Text messages, a pen and paper or a transcription app you’ve tried beforehand can help while you arrange support.

Think about overnight stays

If you take your processor off at night, tell your accommodation provider that you may not hear an alarm. Ask before arrival about suitable alerting equipment, and agree how staff would reach you in an emergency. If you’re staying with friends or whānau, have the same conversation with them. [3]

Choose one place to charge and store your equipment each evening. Before checking out, have a quick look around the bedside table and power points. Chargers are easy to leave behind.

Check what your insurance covers

Ask your insurer specifically about your processor and accessories, including any loan equipment. Check cover for loss, theft and accidental damage, the replacement limit and any excess. Make sure the cover applies where you’re travelling, including within New Zealand if that’s your plan. Cochlear recommends insuring your processor; a manufacturer’s warranty is not a substitute for cover against loss or accidental damage. [7]

Keep help within reach

Save these details before you leave, along with your own implant clinic’s number and email:

Cochlear New Zealand: 0800 444 819.
Cochlear Australia: 1800 620 929.
Customer service email: customerservice@cochlear.com. [17] [18]

For other destinations, use Cochlear’s global contact page and Clinic Finder to identify local support. Check what help is available before travelling, especially if you’ll be a long way from a main centre. Ask how replacement equipment would reach you if needed. [2] [17]

For catch-ups and tours, take your Mini Microphone if you use one. Let people know what helps you hear them, and give yourself a quiet break when you need one. [7]

Wherever you’re off to this summer, enjoy the break.

Check the user guide for your exact processor and follow advice from your implant team. Airline requirements can change, so check these before each trip.

Sources

Information checked October 2026

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