Since hearing aid are designed to be worn every day, they need to be maintained and cared for regularly to keep them in good condition. Thankfully, there are several key accessories that can help ensure your hearing aids last a long time. In general, most of the tools required for the care and maintenance of your hearing aids are typically prescribed by your audiologist. However, there are a few great hearing aid accessories that you can purchase yourself to keep your hearing aid in great shape while also enhancing your experience.
Here is our comprehensive list of essential hearing accessories every user should know about.
Batteries
Hearing aids need power to work properly. If your hearing aids don’t use a rechargeable battery you will need to keep a stock of batteries in order to replace the old ones with newer models as needed. For example, button batteries are the most common type of batteries used for hearing aid devices. They’re small, portable, and inexpensive to purchase.
They come in four sizes, 10, 312, 13, and 675, so it is important that you speak with your audiologist to help you determine which type of battery your hearing aid uses. Also, make sure you always carry spare batteries with you when you’re out and about, so if your batteries run out unexpectedly, you’re covered and can still hear properly.
Cleaning tools
One of the most important parts of taking proper care and maintaining your hearing aids is to get them cleaned professionally on a regular basis. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try and clean your device at home, too. Keep in mind that it is very important to regularly clean them if you want your hearing aids to work well.
In general, there are several types of cleaning tools you can use when cleaning your hearing aid at home. Some of these include a wax removal brush, a tube, a vent cleaner, and earwax filters, just to name a few.
Hearing aid dryer
A hearing aid dryer, also known as a dehumidifier or hearing aid dryer, is another important accessory for hearing aids. This can be very useful for people who sweat heavily or who live in hot environments. It can also be of great use for those people who engage in lots of physical exercises or sports.
For instance, basic dehumidifiers use desiccant to draw moisture out overnight. Regular activation will ensure that the desiccant lasts for a long time. Some desiccants come in soft pouches that can be heated in the microwave for approximately 1 minute, while others can be stored in a metal tin and placed in the oven for approximately 30 minutes at a temperature of 325 degrees.
Bluetooth streaming devices
Thanks to the advancements in technology, many hearing aid devices can now be connected to Bluetooth. This certainly makes it easier for you to connect your device wirelessly to a range of other devices such as your smartphone.
In general, there are many Bluetooth streaming devices for hearing aids. However, it is important to note that not all devices will be compatible with all hearing aids. That’s why you should do your research and find out which Bluetooth device is best compatible with your hearing aid. To be on the safe side, you should ask your audiologist for clarification.
Assistive listening devices
Assistive listening devices are a good investment to ensure hearing aids provide the best sound quality in all environments. This typically includes classrooms, lecture halls, cinemas, and music venues. Some assistive listening devices can be used with home phones, while others are made to work in loud environments, such as music concerts.
Carrying case
A carrying case is essential for anyone who wants to remove a hearing aid from their ears while swimming or participating in outdoor activities. Your hearing aids may end up being damaged or broken and will need to be replaced.
Final thoughts
If you want to enhance your experience with your hearing aid device, you should definitely consider upgrading it with a few accessories. These accessories offer plenty of benefits including keeping your device in top condition and prolonging its life and durability.
For more information, refer to our post and learn about the most essential hearing aid accessories you should know about.