Most hearing aid buyers are curious about add-ons and options, so in this post we offer some of our recommendations. Regardless of which style or brand of hearing aid you have, these particular accessories and “add ons,” are nearly universal.
Stocking up on batteries is never a bad idea, because you’ll need a lot of them. Expect that disposable batteries will need to be replaced every 5 to 14 days.
A dehumidifier is optional, but a very good idea. The electronics in hearing aids are very susceptible to damage from moisture. Placing your hearing aid in the dehumidifier nightly when you are not wearing it will help keep it in good working condition. 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.
When it comes to options that can increase your use of and enjoyment of your aids, you should look into the Bluetooth compatibility options provided by the manufacturer of your hearing aid. 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.
An alternative for people with analog hearing aids is using an FM system to relay TV and stereo sounds at a distance. You place the microphone and transmitter near the sound source and the receiver amplifier close 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.
Please ask us if you have questions about the hearing aid accessories available for your model of aid. We want you to have the right accessories to care for and fully enjoy your hearing aid.