Many hearing aid buyers are interested in accessories and options, so in this post we provide some of our recommendations. Some accessories work only with a particular hearing aid model, but these broad recommendations are applicable to nearly every hearing aid user.
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.
A dehumidifier is optional, but a very good idea. The electronics in hearing aids are very susceptible to damage from moisture. 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.
Your hearing aid’s Bluetooth compatibility options may help you to increase your enjoyment of them. Many digital hearing aids support the Bluetooth wireless connection standard, which means that they can be configured to stream sound directly from many mobile phones, audio players such as iPods, 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. An FM system is inexpensive and can be a great help in spaces shared with other people. You’ll be able to hear the stereo or TV from across the room without turning it up even with other conversations happening in the room.
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.