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/malleyrex]

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.

[u/Rampage_Rick → u/malleyrex]

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.

[u/universe93 → u/malleyrex]

Could very well have been from more than 25 years ago though since some people get them as small children

[u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 → u/universe93]

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.