Flying

[Lauren]

With summer in full swing (even though we got snow two days in a row suddenly 👎) figured it might be good to revamp the old “flying with CIs” topic. 

This was my first time flying domestically to another state in the US. Other flights were all in-state and just short little puddle jumps. 

Had no issue at security and never even mentioned my implants (CIs or otherwise). 

Im still not doing well hearing in noisy environments (can’t filter anything out yet) so struggled up until seated on the plane. For the first time ever I was able to clearly hear the attendant and became the translator for my mother for a change. I relayed the meal and drink options to her and we picked what we wanted. 

For streaming, I had selected to bring the DAI covers and cables and used the 90/10 with the Sonnet 2. I had the 50/50 mix just in case I wanted to switch. As Apple did away with the audio jack I had to get two 3.5mm dongles (one lightning and one USB-C) as my phone and tablet have different plug ins. It worked perfectly and I was able to watch stuff on my iPad and being able to cut out 90% of the distractions and never once was worried about audio connection dropping.

I’d went with the DAI cables to

1) conserve battery (a little)

2) not worry about AudioStream connection options, and 

3) to avoid the phone vs tablet connection fight

[Mary Beth]

Sounds good @Lauren

I use BOSE QC35 around the ear headphones when flying which work great with Sonnet/Sonnet2.  

[Lauren]

My last big trip in May, I utilized multiple Med-El branded cases. While they worked well, I saw a multi-compartment case shared to Med-El’s social media shortly after. I purchased it with the intention of traveling more, and it fits my CI supplies plus non-CI electronics with room to spare for longer trips. It’s keeping everything well organized for a short trip I have soon. 

There’s so much room, I’m almost wondering if I'm not packing enough. Jack Jack agrees (I don’t even know how he got in there). 

[Mary Beth]

That electronics organizer case is cool but much too large for my travel needs.  Everything I need, including back up processors and extra accessories, fit in the small Med-El travel case.  That is easy to pack in my backpack along with the dryer.  I travel with disposable batteries so they are very easy to pack even for a very long trip.

At the moment my preferred travel listening tech remains the BOSE QC35 BT around the ear BT headphones.

But maybe that case is helpful for bilateral R2 and R3 users since they may be bringing along two chargers & cables.  Or for users of AudioLink which would need its cable to charge as well.