There are many hearing aid accessories that users make use of while wearing their hearing aid. Adjusting to them may take time and practice with all the different apps, gadgets and technology used. However, once you become comfortable using them, they can offer improvement and ease in your everyday hearing aid use. Read on to learn more about them and what benefits they provide.
Whenever you have hearing loss, you will feel some background noise and distance between you and the person or thing you are trying to hear. Your hearing care professional or audiologist might recommend digital hearing aids in order to help improve your hearing and daily life routine.
Hearing aids amplify sounds and enable users to hear better with them. Depending on the device, your hearing aid comes with different additional features, such as noise reduction technology and directional listening capabilities. Modern hearing aids are equipped now with advanced technology and connectivity features that allow for seamless integration with different accessories. These features deliver high-quality sound performance and improved hearing.
What’s a hearing aid accessory?
A hearing aid accessory is a device that supports the functionality and personalization of hearing aids. They work in conjunction with the hearing aid, for the purpose of maximizing the use of the hearing aid and unlocking additional features included in the hearing aids that might be inaccessible.
What are the distinctive types of hearing aid accessories?
Smartphones and their accompanying apps
Most users rely on their smartphones to use their hearing aids. Smartphone apps enable remote control of hearing aids, which allow the users to customize their volume, settings and other preferences from their phone, without having to physically touch the hearing aids.
Remote microphones
These are small wireless microphones which pick up the sound and transmit it directly into the user’s hearing aids.
This accessory is best used in meetings and small groups, such as family gatherings or dinners.
TV streamers
TV streaming devices usually connect your hearing aids directly to the TV, allowing you to hear the TV directly through your hearing aids. When watching television, the volume might seem too loud or too low. The TV streamer in this case allows you to set the volume you want through your hearing aids and allow others watching with you to set the volume that is comfortable for them.
Speech-to-text Apps
People experiencing severe hearing loss can benefit from using speech-to-text apps. Using this app, you can listen to conversations and automatically transcribe the spoken words into texts for users to read.
Tinnitus management programs
Such programs provide relief for individuals who experience tinnitus. Tinnitus is a condition characterized by buzzing, clicking, roaring or ringing in the ears. It is a significant source of distress and can negatively affect your daily life.
Having this tinnitus management program can help manage tinnitus and reduce its impact.
Hearing aid dryer
A hearing aid dryer can enhance the performance and durability of the hearing aid by drying and cleaning the device that has been in contact with moisture. It can be used for those who sweat a lot, enjoy swimming or live in hot environments.
Some hearing aids come with a cleaning kit. This helps the hearing aid wearer to keep the device free of any harmful bacteria, earwax or other contaminants.
The cleaning kit usually includes tools like carrying case, cleaning cloth, brush, wax loop and vent cleaner.
Who benefits from hearing aid accessories?
Lot of people can benefit from hearing accessories. It varies based on their degree of hearing loss. People with severe hearing loss can benefit from accessories that can assist in the background listening environment. Even those with moderate hearing loss can use them if they have great difficulty in background noise.
Imaging you are having lunch with a group of your friends or family. Because of the background noise from the other tables or music, you struggle to hear what the people with you are saying to you. Here where wireless hearing aid accessories help.
With the use of the hearing aid accessory, you can easily pick up the sound and eliminate all the background noise in between.
These accessories can be considered effective tools that support social engagement, communication, and cognitive stimulation.
When distance and background noise create a challenging listening situation, wireless hearing aid accessories can make all the difference. Don’t wait! Take action and prioritize your cognitive health!