Hearing Aid Accessories
Hearing aids will improve your life straight out of the box, but after you’ve adapted to using them on a daily basis you’ll probably want to consider purchasing accessories to further enhance your communication effectiveness and overall listening experience.
Hearing aid accessories can help overcome the challenges in certain difficult environments, such as those in which background noise, distance and poor acoustics make hearing difficult. Other accessories expand the versatility of your devices, keep them clean and make them easier to use. Some of the more popular hearing aid accessories include:
Wireless accessories. Bluetooth technology enables your hearing aids to communicate directly with a variety of electronic devices so you can stream music, television signals, phone calls and more right to your aids. Look for wireless microphones, streamers, remote controls and TV headsets.
Transmitters and receivers. These items work in tandem to beam sounds directly from the source to your hearing aids, helping you to hear more clearly in situations where background noise, distance and poor acoustics can hamper your ability to follow along with conversations.
Assistive listening devices. ALDs are like personal amplifiers, and can be used with your hearing aids or as standalone components. A microphone placed near the speaker acts to amplify the sound, improving overall comprehension.
Adaptors and cords. Sometimes wireless signals are unreliable. Audio adaptors connect your hearing aids to other electronic devices, allowing direct input from music players, mobile phones, televisions, computers and more.
Cleaning kits. Versatile multi-tools or cleaning kits make cleaning your hearing aids easier and more effective. They typically include a number of useful tools such as a wax removal pick and brush, tube and vent cleaner, battery door opener and magnet for replacing your batteries.
Wax guards and filters. Earwax is inescapable. Unfortunately, it can clog up the ports on your hearing aids, leading to feedback and distortion. Wax guards and filters help trap earwax before it enters the hearing aids, preventing damage and extending their life.
Batteries. It’s always helpful to have plenty of spare batteries on hand so you don’t end up somewhere unable to use your hearing aids.