Travel Checklist For Kids With Hearing Technology
I am checklist-dependent. I have learned that if I don’t make a checklist for my trip, I will inevitably forget something, usually something important. When my son was a baby, I forgothis baby blanket that he could not sleep without on a weekend trip. It was a very sad and sleepless trip for all of us. There was also a ski trip when I forgot my ski jacket and my daughter’s snow pants. Now I make checklists and I don’t forget things. The problem is, I became so dependent on them that I even go through a checklist when I step out the door every morning. I think: 1. Wallet, 2. Phone and 3. Keys. It’s a small list, but nonetheless I go through it every morning to make sure that I am ready to take on the world – or at least get to my office. Checklists are very important to me.
My love for checklists got me thinking that I would like to make some summer travel checklists for the families that I work with, particularly for the Listen and Talk Pre-K families. This is the season that I have to say goodbye to many families that I have worked with and grown to care very deeply about. I truly wish that I could just keep those Pre-K kids in our little preschool forever and ever, but alas they grow up and they are all so ready to fly away to the next and bigger stage in life – kindergarten! For those who are moving up and moving on, I will miss your bright smiles, your eagerness to share your funny stories, and your wonderful families who touch our hearts with their love for you in so many ways. And I dedicate the following summer travel checklists to you, with lots of love. Wishing you all fun adventures this summer!
IF YOUR CHILD USES COCHLEAR IMPLANT(S)
For Care And Maintenance
- Rechargeable batteries and battery charger and/or disposable batteries and battery covers
- Cleaning supplies – such as a small towel to wipe down the processor and a small brush to clean the microphone and/or replacement microphone protectors
- A drying kit – like Dry and Store
- A hard carrying case
- A pair of monitor earphones
For Summer Fun
- Retention devices – such as Snugfit
- Swimming and sport accessories – such as Aqua+
- Remote Mic or DM system – helpful in crowds and for the in-flight entertainment
- A hat and/or a hoodie in case of rain
Just In Case
- Spare parts – such as coils and cables
- Backup sound processors
- Patient ID card
- The contact phone number for the CI manufacturer for equipment issues
Other Helpful Tips
- A power strip is always helpful for plugging in your battery charger, remote mic andphones
- Depending on where you go, international plug adapters are a must
IF YOUR CHILD USES HEARING AID(S):
For Care And Maintenance
- Disposable batteries
- Cleaning supplies – such as a small towel to wipe down the hearing aids, a small brush to clean the microphones and a wax loop for the earmolds
- An air blower to dry moisture in the tube
- A listening tube
- A dry aid jar
- A hard carrying case
For Summer Fun
- Remote Mic or DM system – helpful in crowds and for the in-flight entertainment
- A hat and/or a hoodie in case of rain
Just In Case
- Spare parts – such as tubes and earhooks, which might require a pin removal tool, depending on the type
- Backup hearing aids, if available
- Backup earmolds, if available, or comply tips
- The contact information of the clinical audiologist
Other Helpful Tips
- A power strip is always helpful for plugging your battery charger, remote mic andphones
- Depending on where you go, international plug adapters are must
My sincere gratitude to the two wonderful audiologists, Kerri Corkrum, AuD, CCC-A, at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Marissa Valdez, AuD, CCC-A, at Seattle School District, for checking my checklists for me.
