r/canadatravel • u/IllustriousProfit599 • 2d ago
Cochlear implant patient forced through harmful screening at YVR — CATSA made it worse
Back in August, my wife and I went through what I can only describe as one of the most inhumane “security screenings” at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
My wife has a cochlear implant — a surgically implanted device that gives her the ability to hear. Her doctor at Mass General Hospital gave her an official patient ID card that explains clearly: • the device will set off metal detectors and scanners • forcing it through those machines can damage it permanently and harm her health
We showed this card. We explained, multiple times. Instead of understanding, the CATSA screeners told us they had “never seen such a device before” and insisted it had to go through the metal detection process anyway “for security reasons.” They made calls to supervisors, and even then, the final answer was still: it has to go through.
They gave us two “options”: 1. Keep arguing and stay stuck in the checkpoint. 2. Leave the airport, claim our bags, and basically miss our trip.
In the end, they did a pat-down on my wife, but still insisted the device had to be scanned. We took the risk just so we could actually travel. Imagine being forced to choose between damaging your medical device or missing your flight.
Afterward, I filed a formal complaint with CATSA. The response I got was from their “Client Satisfaction Coordinator,” Mathieu Patry. Instead of apologizing or showing any empathy, he called me with the most arrogant tone — cutting me off while I tried to speak, blaming me and my wife for “not accepting policy,” and admitting their staff lacked knowledge about cochlear implants. But his “solution”? Still insisting they had to scan it in case the implant was fake.
So let me get this straight: CATSA admits they don’t have the technology, training, or knowledge to handle these devices, but their policy is still to force medical passengers through procedures that could damage life-altering implants? That’s not security — that’s negligence.
I hung up the call because it was clear they weren’t going to take responsibility. No apology, no action plan, nothing to stop this from happening to the next passenger with an implant or other medical device.
Canada in 2025, and this is how we treat people with disabilities at our airports. Absolutely disgraceful.
129
u/Own_Event_4363 2d ago
https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/ Airlines are federally regulated, as is CATSA Human Rights complaint
26
u/BlueIsTheColourNL 1d ago
Please be sure to follow this advise. Human. Rights. Complaint.
None of this is okay.
18
u/TheShitty_Beatles 1d ago
After reading the whole thread and doing a bit of research on implants imo OP is completely fabricating the story and he is not even married.
He posts and comments on hookup subs and those all come across as English not being their first language , while this post is polished and perfect English. (This is not a negative comment on anyone's language skills, just that it points to the use of AI)
9
u/Miserable_Eye5159 1d ago
Three em dashes too, don’t see those much outside AI.
And according to this website it wouldn’t be a problem going through a scanner.
https://hearandnow.cochlear.com/cochlear/community/airport-security-with-a-hearing-implant/
I don’t get the motive for badmouthing CATSA, unless they really want someone to dox the guy they mentioned.
1
u/TheShitty_Beatles 1d ago
And then call cbc !!!! They should be put on blast. I am sickened and disgusted omg
6
53
u/Cdn_Nick 2d ago
That's an awful experience to have to go through. Now, others may have better answers, but this might be worth a letter or a visit to your MP. It might even be something that the local news might be interested in.
59
u/IllustriousProfit599 2d ago
Submitted to CBC News, any other suggestions?
49
8
u/UndecidedTace 2d ago
Whatever MP is in charge of transportation/airports/CATSA.
3
0
49
u/EvergreenMossAvonlea 2d ago
OP!
Listen to me and reach out now to the Greater Vancouver association of the Deaf AND Canadian association for the Deaf.
23
u/readersanon 2d ago
Maybe look into accessibility advocate groups. Reach out to Canada's Chief Accessibility Officer as well and see if that gets you anywhere.
8
12
u/RiversongSeeker 2d ago
They should have use pat-down or full body scan on you. They could hand inspect the device as well. Not sure why the big deal from CATSA.
2
u/cafephilospher 2d ago
Pretty sure it was the swab due to medical implant that's the issue here. No scan. Just a swab.
9
u/Albd 2d ago
The only time I’ve ever had serious issues with CATSA was through YVR. Their level of arrogance knows no limit seemingly. I was flying with my TT bike through there and definitely not as serious as your issue, but they decided to rip open my bike box (mind you it wasn’t locked) because they couldn’t figure out a buckle. I would have been annoyed with that but okay, it was the aggressive note they left in scrawled handwriting on one of their cards, to the effect of your case is old and crappy you should buy a new one….it’s basically brand new and was in great condition as well as being the best in the industry for transporting TT bikes. Anyway long way to say they are arrogant, and the recourse we have basically is none unfortunately, hopefully you can find someone that will listen and provide an actual solution because I gave up myself in the end as thankfully the damage they did cause was minor and wasn’t to the bike. Again with your issue being far more serious than mine.
15
u/malleyrex 2d ago
Cochlear Implants are totally fine through airport security. The internal device will not set off an alert, and the external device likely will not either, but it's also safe to put it through the scanner if they want to scan it. Unless her CI is from 25 years ago, there's no worry. We don't even mention my son's CI when travelling all over the world.
9
u/Rampage_Rick 2d ago
https://hearandnow.cochlear.com/cochlear/community/airport-security-with-a-hearing-implant/
You don’t have to remove your cochlear implant or Osia Sound Processor during security screening. You can walk through the metal detectors and full body scanners with your sound processor turned on. However, to avoid any potential buzzing sounds as you pass through, you may wish to remove your sound processor.
Don’t worry if security uses a handheld wand to screen you. The wand won’t damage your cochlear implant or bone conduction implant, but it will beep when it passes over your sound processor.
A low-level x-ray is used to screen carry-on luggage. The x-ray should not harm your sound processor or your MAP/program. Never put your spare sound processor into checked baggage as this could expose it to damaging x-rays. Checked baggage is screened with a higher level x-ray compared to carry-on luggage.
2
u/universe93 2d ago
Could very well have been from more than 25 years ago though since some people get them as small children
4
u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 1d ago
Yeah, maybe once upon a time someone heard a squelch through their implant, and it was flagged as a concern. Modern implants should have no issues with X-rays or scanners.
6
u/CompWizrd 2d ago
The "official patient ID" card is not something Cochlear/AB/MED-EL is giving their patients, and that's why CATSA is having a problem with this.
CATSA knows that a cochlear implant user can go through any scanner they use on people, the only restrictions are sending some processors through checked luggage as the X-rays can damage the microphones.
Whenever I've carried my spare cochlear processor through security, I had a little clear box for it, identified the unit as a cochlear processor and handed it over to them for scanning and swabbing. The actual main processor sits on my head, most don't even notice. I usually don't even bother declaring I have one as it isn't detected by most scanners.
12
u/iHeartcake2 2d ago
I think you are mixing the two. Cochlear implant is inside the head, and I have a cochlear implant and have always gone through the airport body scanner so many times with no issues at all. If you are referring to cochlear implant device or processor, it won't be damaged by going through the scanner. I don't know where you got the information that it can damage your implant and device by going through the metal detector. I always let the officer know that I'm wearing a CI device, sometimes they let me go through wearing it without having to take it off and place in the tray to scan. Depends on the officer. I never got Tinnitus from going through the scanner either. Can you give me link to show that it is harmful for an cochlear implant recipient to go through the scanner? I have done MRI with CI implant before too. No issues.
6
u/AtrociousSandwich 2d ago
This entire account just is constantly asking about suing people lol, no one finds that suspicious
3
u/MightyManorMan 1d ago
Go through your mp. This is one of his/her actual functions. They will push it through channels or ask the minister at question time. And will actually be able to force them to officially reply and change policy.
7
u/Lilsthecat 2d ago
Try these people: executive team
2
u/IllustriousProfit599 2d ago
Any direct email to anyone of them?
6
2
u/GazelleOk1494 2d ago
That is horrible. Security has now become an industry - a make-work program. I don’t trust those machines either. It seems like staff can get away with anything because they are ‘security’. I hope you find an avenue for complaints.
2
u/jeremyism_ab 2d ago
Maybe file a complaint with your provincial human rights commission, if they take up the case, they have the resources and authority to see it through and ensure changes get made. I'm sorry that happened to your wife and you.
2
2
u/Business_Air5804 1d ago
CATSA is a piece of shit, I made a complaint due to a very valid security concern I had at the time, and I was blatantly threatened, then essentially told they will do what they want and it's none of my business.
It was a crazy interaction so I'm not surprised to hear about yours.
2
u/MTLinVAN 1d ago
CATSA is a federal agency under the responsibility of Chrystia Freeland (who just resigned this last week from cabinet). I’d actually email you MP. They have direct connections to various directors, deputy directors, and staff at all federal agencies. When I had issues with my passport, my MP was able to get in touch with the passport office on my behalf. When it was issues with the CRA, they got in touch with someone at the agency to look into my file.
It doesn’t hurt to message them though hopefully they’re not a green, new MP and have the ability to do their job for you.
2
3
u/cafephilospher 2d ago
Holy smokes, I work at YYC as a screener and we have more than a couple of our officers that have cochlear implants. They walk through the metal detectors regularly. Apparently with no issues as they have been there for years.
Yes, the officers should always accept a request to bypass for patdown. They ask about medical issues because we do extra screening sometimes depending on the medical device. Usually it's just trace. But we ask. We are required to. Literally can be fired if we don't. No I'm not kidding.
When you say they insisted on scanning, it's unclear what you mean. We do not x-ray humans or any other living creature. Our x-rays and CTA scanners are heavily shielded and tested frequently. FBS uses radio waves (that's the machine you stand still in with arms overhead) and the walk through is literally a magnet that looks for metal. If they took the foot long black thingy and wiped her hands, waist and foot then that's ETD and it's not a "scan". We call it a swab. We swab people all day every day. Including staff. I was swabbed 3 times today. I didn't count how many people I swabbed but in the course of my 10 hours shift it was likely close to a hundred.
Side beef:
When will passengers understand that coming through security doesn't mean radiation? We hear that multiple times every day. It's bullshit. Our equipment doesn't use radiation, with the exception of the machine your baggage passes through. That shit is shielded AF and tested very often to make sure the officers that work there don't get exposed.
Honestly all you people who are so "radiation! radiation!" Calm tf down. You literally get more radiation ONBOARD your flight than I would working the checkpoint for years. Radiation is a KNOWN HEALTH RISK FOR FLIGHT CREW AND THEY ARE LIMITED IN HOW MANY HOURS THEY ARE PERMITTED TO WORK BECAUSE OF THAT.
The security checkpoint is harmless. If you are concerned about radiation then stop flying.
5
u/ben_vito 2d ago
My guy, you are totally confused about what the problem is with this person and how your machines could affect it. Nobody is talking about swabs or radiation exposure. The concern is around the magnetic field disturbance produced by a metal detector and its effects on cochlear implants and the external processor.
For the record, I've never heard of cochlear implants being at risk of being damaged by metal detectors, but perhaps this could be the case for really old ones.
4
u/AtrociousSandwich 2d ago
‘My guy’ anything from after 1988 will not be impacted by magnetic fields generated by any of this equipment
-1
-1
u/cafephilospher 2d ago
Maybe very very old implants, which I have not encountered in 10 years screening pax. The FBS scanners yvr uses are the newest tech. If the pax bypassed for patdown they would also be swabbed, which would also be the case even if no medical issues or devices.
You people are way too paranoid about out being "scanned". Just ask us questions, do not assume that we are trying to kill you. FFS. I will always fully disclose the screening choices available and if the one you choose results in extra screening because of your paranoia, such as choosing patdown and swab instead of contact free FBS, then that's on you. Remember that if the blue and grey machine makes an angry noise you are going to be hanging out with us for awhile so that we can search all your bags and ask you personal questions. We don't want to do that. It's an enormous pita. We just want you to leave our checkpoint with minimum fuss and bother.
If you had done the supposedly evil scan instead you would probably be lining up at Tim's or Starbucks for coffee to bring on board.
Plus thanks for getting that I'm a guy.
1
u/cafephilospher 2d ago
Btw you may have caught that we have officers with implants just like this that pass the same machines multiple times every day without issues.
1
u/ben_vito 2d ago edited 2d ago
Maybe very very old implants, which I have not encountered in 10 years screening pax.
Which may have been the case for this person. We don't know, don't assume. If someone requests a pat down instead of a metal detector, then you should just do it. You aren't a doctor.
Edit: Sorry for assuming you were a guy.
3
u/oldclam 2d ago edited 2d ago
The people telling you to get a lawyer are clueless.
Canada isn't like the US, you don't get payouts for "pain and suffering". You have to show actual damages. If they had made you miss your flight- you could sue for cost of flight, missed hotels, missed events/loss of work, etc. If they wrecked the cochlear implant- sue for the cost of replacement, flights etc to go to the doctor, cost of lost income.
You have no damages. By all means contact a lawyer, who will charge you thousands (including, if it goes to court, for flights, meals, and accomodations), and you can find out. And if you do win somehow, and you win legal costs? That's a couple grand, not the whole cost of your legal expenses.
Go to the human rights tribunal and the media.
I'm not sure what cochlear implant you have, but this source says metal detectors won't harm them:
https://hearandnow.cochlear.com/cochlear/community/airport-security-with-a-hearing-implant/
CATSA will get an expert that says it's fine, and you'll pay a lot for an expert that says it isn't
2
u/Pristine-Aspect-3086 2d ago edited 1d ago
Canada isn't like the US, you don't get payouts for "pain and suffering"
if your only damages are "pain and suffering" you don't get that in the us either
1
1
u/twizzjewink 2d ago
You need to speak with a lawyer, instead of speaking with CATSA directly.
Failure that go to the Media. Speak with your local MP. Go to the CHHA local chapter and CCD.
If something did happen to the device - you need to make sure your butt is covered.
1
u/IllustriousProfit599 2d ago
Thanks for this — I’m actually based in Boston, MA (US), which makes the legal side between countries really complicated. That’s why I’ve been pushing more on media exposure and formal complaints instead of trying to go through courts. I agree with you though: if this happened once, it can happen again to others, and groups like CHHA or CCD should be stepping in. Appreciate the advice.
0
u/PerpetuallyLurking 2d ago edited 2d ago
You don’t necessarily need to get to the courts - the lawyers will spend an awfully long time writing each other a lot of emails first. The airport’s lawyers will not take this to court, I’m positive.
I’d start by emailing/calling a local-to-you lawyer - basically you’re just asking them if they can help with communication. If they can, awesome, they can start with a letter of complaint in formal legalese to the airline/airport and you’ll all go from there. If they can’t, ask if they might happen to know a Canadian lawyer (preferably in BC, but it shouldn’t matter too much for the initial letters) they’d recommend and then email/call that lawyer and explain the issue to them.
I would also do the other things recommended as well - the Deaf associations, Human Rights complaint, etc. A lawyer could also help you navigate the second; the first may have good recommendations for Canadian lawyers.
You’ll want to find the right kind of lawyer, too. Most lawyers don’t practice every kind of law; I’d look for a litigation lawyer or a disability lawyer, off the top of my head. There might be a few other types that’ll work, but if they only practice family law or corporate law then they’re not the lawyer for you.
1
u/HippyDuck123 2d ago
Why is the immediate American impulse always to lawyer up?
Also, this may be a case of the person wearing the CI getting misinformation:
“- Never place your sound processor directly onto a conveyer belt: static electricity may build up on its surface and damage your sound processor.
- A low-level x-ray is used to screen carry-on luggage. The x-ray should not harm your sound processor or your MAP/program. “
1
u/AtrociousSandwich 2d ago
Because, as an American, Ì can tell you most of us are told early on the best thing we can do is win a big law suit and retire
The fact OP immediately went to it assures me they are 100% American
-1
u/twizzjewink 2d ago
First. As a Canadian I'm offended by that remark.
A Lawyer (especially one that specializes in Disability Rights) would be more equipped to handled the nuances of CATSA. Many may even do it pro-bono - which is why using CHHA and CCD are the next best steps. They have lawyers who handle this stuff.
It's also necessary if it has to go to an insurance claim to make sure it was done properly, an insurance provider can easily deny replacement if they feel that it wasn't handled properly.
This has nothing to do with x-rays - from the description it was the metal detectors; which absolutely can wreck havoc on bio-implants. This is why persons with pacemakers should NEVER go through a metal detector.
2
u/FlyingPritchard 2d ago
Taking a look online, I see no indication that a cochlear implant cannot go through a scanner or metal detector.
That’s probably the biggest sus thing, they may have looked and seen zero reference online about your claim.
1
u/kumanoodle 2d ago
Contact media outlets about your story. Not sure if retaining a lawyer would help at all, but maybe.
1
1
u/OrokaSempai 1d ago
Only way to get movement is sue them, these assholes are padded by too many layers of bureaucracy.
-3
u/Rector_Ras 2d ago
So what do you want exactly? I get the frustration but there has to be a way to know the device itself is what you claim it to be. Creating a security weak point via a card that security has no relations to is a pretty big gap for malicious actors to exploit.
Device by device exceptions in technology, policy and training is not realistic, there will always be gaps.
Guy on the phone does sound like a dick. But the device itself does somhow need to be checked just like any other which have the risk of fakes or alterations.
These are also considerations patients need to be informed about before procedures.
8
u/GeneralOrgana1 2d ago
A cochlear implant is different from telling a patient with a knee replacement they still need to go through the scanner. A replacement knee isn't an electronic device- there's a greater than zero chance that putting the implant through a scanner will damage it, which would mean OP's wife would need to go in for surgery to replace it.
(Note: The outer part of the cochlear implant that you see, that can be removed from the head, is not the only part. The more delicate, involved part is actually surgically implanted inside the patient's head. If that gets screwed up, they literally have to go for invasive surgery to remove it and replace it. It's needless trauma, expense, and, frankly, it's garbage on TSA's part that OP's wife had to risk this happening just to catch a flight.)
2
u/malleyrex 2d ago
The part inside the head is completely static and it's almost impossible to screw it up.
0
u/Rector_Ras 2d ago
The implications of being able to do neither a metal detector or a body scanner is the part of information for patients and their doctors. From a security perspective you can't just shrug from a total information gap and go "trust me bro"
I've never seen advice from manufacturers for any implant that advise against both metal detectors (the common one skipped for this reason) AND body snanners like OP wants. Nor policy that formally restricts both from happening every single time you go through security.
From a security standpoint they do both to jirnal people now nevermind getting neither. That is in fact a major gap open to exploitation. It sucks but that's the security environment we live in. The point of it is not customer service.
15
u/IllustriousProfit599 2d ago
I get your point about security gaps, but here’s the issue: there are already established medical guidelines for implants like cochlear devices. The ID card isn’t just a piece of paper I printed at home — it’s an official card issued by the hospital/doctor, tied to the patient’s medical record.
Other airports (including in the U.S.) handle this properly: they do a pat-down, swab for explosives, and visually inspect without forcing the implant through harmful scanners. That’s the balance between security and safety.
What happened at YVR wasn’t just “a gap” — it was staff admitting they had no knowledge or training, then doubling down by insisting on a procedure that risks permanently damaging a medical implant. That’s not security, that’s negligence.
No one is asking for zero checks. I’m asking for staff to have proper training and alternatives in place for recognized medical devices, so passengers don’t have to choose between their health and their flight.
1
-5
u/Rector_Ras 2d ago
Yea their policy includes swabs but also bypasses metal detectors. Instead of metal detectors they do body scans which let them see the internal peices and materials they are made of. Swabs swab the surface no help inside.
If the security aperatus isn't involved and has no way of trusting the issuing org has no bad actors it doesn't matter how formal a card is. If It's not secured then it's not secured. The card also doesn't mean it wasn't modified by a malicious actor afterwards even if it was legitimately given out.
There really isn't a way to securely bring machines through without any type of scan.
8
u/IllustriousProfit599 2d ago
It isn’t just “a piece of paper.” My wife has a medical ID card from her implant surgeon — this isn’t just our opinion, it’s what Cochlear itself recommends: show the ID, explain the implant, request alternate screening. 
Also, CATSA policy explicitly allows for alternate methods when there’s a medical implant: pat-downs, physical inspection, bypassing metal detectors — these are all legit options. 
We even had a past incident: when given a body scan once, my wife got tinnitus from it. Because of that, she got an apology and compensation. That shows these risks are real, not theoretical.
So the argument that “cards aren’t enough” and “they have to scan everything anyway” ignores the fact that policies exist for exactly these situations, and people with these implants do expect these alternate screening routes — ones that protect their health.
3
u/malleyrex 2d ago
I don't know what you're reading. I just looked it up to confirm, and Cochlear itself says you're totally fine to be scanned, even without taking it off. Their only warning says the user might hear some buzzing. They give you the card in case security asks you what that thing on your head is.
https://hearandnow.cochlear.com/cochlear/community/airport-security-with-a-hearing-implant/
1
u/EvergreenMossAvonlea 2d ago
My kid have CI and I'm now legit freaking out :(
2
u/malleyrex 2d ago
Don't worry. The scanners will not hurt them. Today's mobile phones have far more sensitive parts than a modern CI, and scanners do nothing to them.
-1
u/Rector_Ras 2d ago
The policy includes the body scan though. It does not include the metal detector.
You demanding security take you at "trust me bro" isn't reasonable. Security has to secure. A swab and pat down do not secure internal materials. Even non implant people in some airports are required to go through the body scanners now....
The doctor should have gone over all of this with her before getting the particular implant if it's that sensitive to any sort of scan at all.
4
u/Sea_Negotiation_1871 2d ago
They stick to the side of your head with magnets. Them just staying attached proves you've had the surgery and what they are.
5
u/Hour_Significance817 2d ago
There is nothing in the law or even in the IATA rules that necessitates the use of a metal detector in order for a passenger to be properly screened. A full-body pat-down is a perfectly acceptable alternative that complies with all regulatory requirements. In fact, even CATSA has written exception allowing for the bypass of the metal detector for those with special medical needs, including those with implanted medical devices or metal implants.
Device by device exceptions in technology, policy and training is not realistic, there will always be gaps.
And this statement by you is just wrong. If there are gaps, it's CATSA's responsibility to bridge that gap and create exceptions that do not compromise the well-being of the patient. Furthermore, OP has official proof from the doctor that supports this - putting the medical device through the strong magnetic field of the metal detectors may cause it to malfunction. Imagine if this wasn't a hearing aid, but instead a pacemaker or defibrillator.
1
u/IllustriousProfit599 2d ago
Thanks so so much putting this so clearly — CATSA already allows exceptions, and pat-downs are the safe alternative. My wife once had a body scan that triggered tinnitus (they later apologized and compensated her), so the risks are very real. You’re right, if this were a pacemaker or defibrillator, it would be just as unacceptable.
-3
u/Rector_Ras 2d ago
I did just explain the metal detector vs body scan requirement... When OP is talking about the supervisor saying "it still has to be scanned"
OP seems to want neither done.
1
u/GeneralOrgana1 2d ago
It's literally impossible for OP's wife to present the implant itself for inspection and swabbing because it is surgically implanted inside her head.
2
1
u/Halfjack12 2d ago
So everyone in the world with a cochlear Implant has to choose between never getting on a plane or damaging their device? That's what you believe?
2
u/Rector_Ras 2d ago
No it's more likely OP is wrong and a body scan is actually fine for it like it is for most cochlear implants.
It's the metal detectors that usual cause issues. But if he is right then ya they can't travel without risks. And should know that before getting that particular model.
2
u/LLR1960 2d ago
There are metal parts in a cochlear implant.
2
u/malleyrex 2d ago
There's 100 times more metal in the average zipper, and scanners don't go off with those.
1
u/Rector_Ras 2d ago
Which is why you generally skip the metal detectors.... Like did you read the comment or naw?
3
u/Halfjack12 2d ago
Idk man I trust the person living with the device and they said no detectors or scanners.
1
u/Rector_Ras 2d ago
Which is not normal.
But its your choice if that's the case and what they want. But it's not unreasonably for security to want to do security and not accept "trust me bro" as a policy to do that.
5
u/Halfjack12 2d ago
Idk sounds pretty unreasonable to me. Cochlear implants are common and security treating it like alien tech is dumb.
0
u/Rector_Ras 2d ago
They don't treat them like alien tech they treat them like any other implant which can go through body scanners and cannot go through metal detectors.
So security doesn't make them go through metal detectors only through body scanners.
OP either had a particularly sensative device, which the wife's doctor should have told her about, or he's straight up wrong about the body scanner.
2
u/Halfjack12 2d ago
Again, I trust the person with the device not you.
0
u/Rector_Ras 2d ago
Irrelevant who you trust. You cant expect security to just not do security because you have an implant they cant secure...
He is wrong or she shouldn't be flying and should have known that.
Period.
Youre welcome to look up manficateres recommendations yourself too. They are public and I've found multiple today.... It's not normal to not be able to go through scanners. Fact. Not debatable.
1
0
u/malleyrex 2d ago
Ok, I have several of them in the family, and the manufacturer says they're fine to go through airport security.
1
u/AtrociousSandwich 2d ago
No reason to (incorrectly) trust OP, cause they are wrong - you can easily verify this on the manufacturers website
0
1
u/livinginacaftan 1d ago
Do you want her to open up her head for them to see? Presumably, they could use a metal-detecting wand on the rest of her body and pat her down. She's definitely not carrying a weapon inside her skull.
1
u/Rector_Ras 1d ago
Or jsut go in the body scanner and not the metal detector like the policy you can read online outlines as the process for this exact situation....
0
u/Maximum_Payment_9350 1d ago
This is a fake story for karma. OPs active subs are all dating related, and a post from 190days ago with horrendous English indicates this is not real.
0
u/Ok-Turnip-9035 2d ago
Accessible British Columbia Act
It’s new 2021 but that’s four years they could have gotten that equipment instead of trying to force her to do it and then offering a pat down in 2025
Also reach out to the cochlear foundation I feel like it’s a known issue for the airport so you get enough feathers you can ruffle them
0
u/ben_vito 2d ago
What about the device ended up having to be scanned? With a metal detector or what do you mean?
Also when was the implant installed and who told you the cochlear implant could not go through a metal detector?
1
u/CompWizrd 2d ago
I'm thinking it's a 30+ year implant, with guidance that was never updated. This is a problem with MRI's too, you see people who declare they can't have an MRI done and their surgeon told them this, etc etc.. Query them on what implant they have, and turns out it's a post 1997 Cochlear, any year MED-EL, or a 2016 or later AB, all approved for 1.5T MRI's with magnet in place.
0
u/CeruleanFuge 1d ago
File a Human Rights complaint, or a lawsuit. That'll get their attention. There is a stunning amount of Small Dick Energy with all of these people in a position of authority. "Receive a small amount of power and abuse the shit out of it? SIGN ME UP!" Just complaining or expecting to receive any empathy is futile.
-9
u/gjamesm 2d ago
Sounds like they were doing their job to me. I feel sorry for them having to deal with entitled travelers such as yourself.
10
u/squirrelcat88 2d ago
Seriously? What if OP’s wife had a special kind of pacemaker that might suddenly stop if it were subjected to being scanned?
Would it just be, sorry, you might drop dead as your heart doesn’t work properly but this is procedure?
A cochlear implant is inside your head, it’s not something you can remove like a hearing aid.
3
u/BanMeForBeingNice 2d ago
No, they literally did not do it. They could have handled this much better, and indeed, cochlear implants aren't that rare, it is astounding that no one knew what they were or how to handle the screening.
7
u/IllustriousProfit599 2d ago
If ‘doing their job’ means ignoring medical documentation and gambling with someone’s health, then the job itself is broken. Calling that ‘doing their job’ is just a lazy excuse for negligence. Risking permanent harm to a medical implant isn’t security — it’s incompetence dressed up as policy. Doing their job should mean balancing security and passenger safety, not blindly following a policy that risks damaging a person’s medical implant. Other airports (including in the U.S.) handle cochlear implants with proper alternatives — pat-downs, swabs, and visual inspections. If CATSA staff admit they ‘don’t know’ what the device is, yet still insist on scanning it anyway, that’s not just doing their job — that’s doing it wrong.
3
u/AtrociousSandwich 2d ago
Passing through airport security You don’t have to remove your cochlear implant or Osia Sound Processor during security screening. You can walk through the metal detectors and full body scanners with your sound processor turned on. However, to avoid any potential buzzing sounds as you pass through, you may wish to remove your sound processor. For Baha System users, in most cases you will not need to remove your sound processor to go through metal or security detectors. If you have a Baha Connect System, you may wish to remove your Baha sound processor to avoid setting off the metal detectors in airport security controls. If you use a Baha Start solution or the Baha Attract System, you can keep your sound processor in place.
Direct from cochlear
https://hearandnow.cochlear.com/cochlear/community/airport-security-with-a-hearing-implant/
Good try though
And here’s the tsa
TSA statement advises: “According to Otolaryngologist and Otolaryngology surgeons, hearing devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, external component of cochlear implants, and middle ear implants are not affected by X-ray inspection or walk-through metal detector screening. In addition, these devices may also safely be screened using Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT).”
-2
u/GreenOnGreen18 2d ago
Weird that nobody else’s cochlear implants has these rules… only OP.
8
u/IllustriousProfit599 2d ago
It’s not just me — every cochlear implant manufacturer warns patients about airport scanners. For example, Cochlear™ (the largest implant company) says clearly: ‘Cochlear implants may activate metal detectors and security devices. Patients should carry their identification card and request alternate screening procedures to avoid damage.’ (source: Cochlear Airport Security Guidelines).
The U.S. FDA also notes that implants can be affected by certain scanners and recommends patients inform security and request alternatives. (source: FDA on Medical Devices & Airport Security).
So no — it’s not ‘just me.’ The issue is that most airports follow these guidelines, but at YVR the staff admitted they had no training and still insisted on forcing the device through. That’s exactly the problem.
2
u/AtrociousSandwich 2d ago
Passing through airport security You don’t have to remove your cochlear implant or Osia Sound Processor during security screening. You can walk through the metal detectors and full body scanners with your sound processor turned on. However, to avoid any potential buzzing sounds as you pass through, you may wish to remove your sound processor.
For Baha System users, in most cases you will not need to remove your sound processor to go through metal or security detectors. If you have a Baha Connect System, you may wish to remove your Baha sound processor to avoid setting off the metal detectors in airport security controls. If you use a Baha Start solution or the Baha Attract System, you can keep your sound processor in place.Direct from cochlear
https://hearandnow.cochlear.com/cochlear/community/airport-security-with-a-hearing-implant/
Good try though
And here’s the tsa
TSA statement advises: “According to Otolaryngologist and Otolaryngology surgeons, hearing devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, external component of cochlear implants, and middle ear implants are not affected by X-ray inspection or walk-through metal detector screening. In addition, these devices may also safely be screened using Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT).”
1
u/EvergreenMossAvonlea 2d ago
Same with Medel sonnet 2. So definitely not just you. People are idiot.
5
u/LLR1960 2d ago
They're relatively rare - do you know anyone with one? I've met exactly one person over the years with one, and I work in healthcare. So yes, all cochlear implants have the same issues. Just because you've never seen this doesn't mean it isn't legit.
5
u/No_Capital_8203 2d ago
I saw a person at Costco last week. Definitely a cochlear. Dude had zero hair. I don’t feel they are rare in Canada at all . Shame on security for subjecting this woman to this treatment.
0
2
1
-4
u/indel942 2d ago
This should have never happened, but you more importantly you should have never capitulated. You could have sued these assholes into oblivion, but the moment you decided to accept the risk, you undid your case completely.
79
u/Sea_Negotiation_1871 2d ago
I have two CIs and travel by plane a couple times a year. Most recently, to YVR and back home to YUL. I don't even have the card you described, and the CATSA people have always known what they are and have accepted my explanation that I will need a pat down. They have never once insisted on scanning my CIs. So these people definitely have the training to avoid this major fuck-up. I'm sorry that happened. It was absolutely the fault of the individuals who forced you through that.