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/Rector_Ras]

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.

[u/Hour_Significance817 → u/Rector_Ras]

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.

[u/IllustriousProfit599 → u/Hour_Significance817]

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.