If you’ve been fitted recently for a hearing aid or are in the process of getting one, congratulations! You’re on the road to better hearing, which can improve your daily life in many ways.
Your hearing professional has fitted you with a hearing aid that should suit your lifestyle and offer a comfortable, secure fit. There are accessories you can use with your hearing aid to enhance comfort and performance. Here are different types.
Cleaning, maintenance and protection
Cleaning your hearing aid daily will help your device last longer and perform better, and it’s just a common-sense healthy practice. Cleaning can protect your device from the accumulation of dust, wax, or other substances.
Most hearing aid cleaning kits include cleaning cloths, a cleansing spray or gel, a brush to clear off any extra debris, a vent cleaner, and a carrying case. More high-tech cleaning devices use UV-C lamps to sanitize and dry your device. Other cleaning accessories include:
- Dehumidifiers or drying boxes to protect your hearing aids from moisture, which decreases their lifespan.
- Replacement parts like wax guards, traps, and filters keep earwax and other debris from getting inside your hearing aid and damaging the receiver.
- Hearing aid covers can protect your behind-the-ear devices from sweat, dirt, debris, or wind noise.
Battery and Power
At some point you’ll need to completely replace the battery or recharge it. If you buy a rechargeable hearing aid, you should also get a charging case or cord with it. If you have a hearing aid with replaceable batteries, you’ll want to keep a backup set on hand.
Connectivity and Listening Enhancement
Listening enhancement accessories like TV streamers and remote microphones can improve your hearing without disrupting those around you. TV streamers plug into your television directly, then connect with your hearing aid via Bluetooth.
Remote microphones are for those who often need to hear one person in a noisy or busy environment. The microphone is worn by the person with whom you’re talking and connects directly to your device, offering improved clarity and reducing distracting background noise.
Smartphone apps can adjust listening volume, settings, and types of listening modes, and can often take the place of other accessories.
Comfort and Fit Accessories
It may take a while to get used to wearing your hearing aid. Comfort-related accessories can help during the initial adjustment period, especially if you’ve purchased over-the-counter hearing and have trouble finding the right fit. You may want to try different hearing aid domes or hearing aid tips for increased comfort.
If you feel your hearing aids slip out of place, there are hearing aid stabilizer bars locks, which are small, flexible plastic wires you place in the bowl of your ear canal to help keep your hearing aids firmly in place.
If you’ve purchased a hearing aid with an audiologist, you can view accessories right at their practice and work with your hearing professional to find the right ones.
At Hearing Unlimited, our team provides expert hearing aid services for the people of Monroeville and Pittsburgh.