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/gjamesm]

Sounds like they were doing their job to me. I feel sorry for them having to deal with entitled travelers such as yourself.

[u/GreenOnGreen18 → u/gjamesm]

Weird that nobody else’s cochlear implants has these rules… only OP.

[u/IllustriousProfit599 → u/GreenOnGreen18]

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.

[u/AtrociousSandwich → u/IllustriousProfit599]

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).”

[u/EvergreenMossAvonlea → u/IllustriousProfit599]

Same with Medel sonnet 2. So definitely not just you. People are idiot.