As a new hearing aid owner, you’re likely to be interested in the different accessories and add-ons that you can get. In this article we offer an overview of common hearing aid accessories that you may be considering. No matter which type or model of hearing aid you wear, the following accessories and “add ons,” are quite standard.
The first thing you should think of is less an accessory than a necessity; stock up on batteries, because you are going to need them. If your hearing aid uses disposable batteries, they last an average of 5 to 14 days, depending on how many hours a day you wear the aids.
Next on your list of “must have” accessories should be a hearing aid dehumidifier to protect it from moisture and thus keep it working well. To use it, you remove your hearing aids at night before you go to sleep and leave them in the dehumidifier overnight, while you’re not wearing them. Cleaning kits are also a sensible investment, as are ear wax filters to keep ear wax away from the unit, because the cleaner you keep your aids, the longer they’ll provide you with trouble-free service.
There are various Bluetooth extensions for specific hearing aids that will extend their capabilities. Modern digital hearing aids can be configured to support the Bluetooth connection standard, and thus stream sound to your aids directly from compatible devices such as audio players, mobile phones, and televisions. The Bluetooth connection allows you to enjoy these devices without having to be very close to them or turn up the volume.
Another way of doing this if you have an analog hearing aid is to use an FM system, which is basically a remote microphone/transmitter that you can place near the TV or stereo and a remote receiver/amplifier that you place closer to your hearing aid. Such FM systems don’t cost very much, and may be useful if you share spaces with other people, because you don’t have to turn up the volume on stereos or TVs such that everyday conversations become difficult to hear.
There are constantly new hearing aid accessories being introduced. If you have questions about these or any others, just ask. We want you to have the right accessories to care for and fully enjoy your hearing aid.