Yes, you can absolutely fly with hearing problems in 2026, and modern aviation regulations like the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) ensure that airlines provide necessary accommodations. If you have permanent hearing loss, you should notify the airline during the booking process or at the "Special Assistance" desk; this ensures that flight attendants are aware they may need to provide you with individual safety briefings or written versions of in-flight announcements. If your "hearing problem" is temporary, such as "airplane ear" caused by a cold or sinus infection, you should be cautious. The pressure changes during takeoff and landing can cause significant pain or even a ruptured eardrum if your Eustachian tubes are blocked. For those wearing hearing aids, you do not need to remove them for airport security, as the X-ray and metal detectors will not damage them. In 2026, many major hubs also feature "Hearing Loops" (induction loops) that transmit clear audio directly to compatible hearing aids, making it easier than ever to hear gate changes and emergency alerts in the busy terminal environment.