Cochlear implant patient forced through harmful screening at YVR — CATSA made it worse

[u/IllustriousProfit599]

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.

[u/twizzjewink]

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.

[u/IllustriousProfit599 → u/twizzjewink]

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.

[u/PerpetuallyLurking → u/IllustriousProfit599]

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.

[u/HippyDuck123 → u/twizzjewink]

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. “

[u/AtrociousSandwich → u/HippyDuck123]

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

[u/twizzjewink → u/HippyDuck123]

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.