Giving Your Hearing Aids a Helping Hand

Enhance your hearing aids with the right accessories

If you’re one of the 48 million Americans diagnosed with hearing loss and are treating your condition with hearing aids, you’re probably well aware of the positive difference they have made in your daily life. As great as hearing aids are, accessories can help further boost their performance and make your life even easier. And in situations where background noise, distance, and poor acoustics can interfere with their effectiveness, some accessories can help you overcome these obstacles and enjoy a better communication experience.

Some of the more popular accessories for hearing aids in Exton include:

• Wireless Accessories. Wireless accessories use Bluetooth® technology to allow users to stream signals from a variety of electronic devices directly to their hearing aids. Radio waves are used to transmit data over high frequencies securely and without interference. Audio streamers work as a communication link between the wireless device and hearing aid, delivering the power needed to complete the connection. Wireless connectivity improves the listening experience and can be used with mobile phones, audio devices, computers, tablets and television headsets.
• FM Systems. FM (Frequency Modulation) systems consist of a transmitter, microphone, and receiver. The microphone and transmitter are placed in close proximity to the sound source and the listener wears the receiver. The transmitter sends a radio signal to the receiver, which forwards it to the hearing aid. FM systems are used in environments where background noise, distance, or reverberation can limit the effectiveness of hearing aids, such as in classrooms.
• Assistive Listening Devices. ALDs are personal amplifiers that separate speech from background noise and boost the volume of sound entering your ears, increasing the effectiveness of hearing aids by overcoming distracting background noise and minimizing the effects of distance and poor acoustics. They are similar to FM systems but instead of radio waves may utilize infrared light signals or inductive loop (T-coil) technology.
• Adaptors and Cords. Audio adaptors allow hearing aids to receive direct input from electronic devices such as FM systems, MP3 players, smartphones, computers, and TVs. Audio cords connect the devices and can be used to send data to either one hearing aid (monaural) or two hearing aids (binaural) depending on your needs.
• Wax Guards and Filters. Earwax is a leading cause of damage to hearing aids. When this naturally-occurring substance accumulates, it can cause problems with sound reception and may even damage the electronic components. Wax guards and filters help trap earwax before it even reaches the hearing aids.
• Cleaning Kits. Cleaning your hearing aids on a daily basis is the best way to ensure they work optimally and can help extend their life. Cleaning kits, which come with a number of useful tools including a wax removal brush and pick, tube and vent cleaner, battery door opener, and magnet for replacing batteries, help simplify the chore.
• An extra supply of batteries is essential in ensuring you’ll be able to communicate should your current batteries die unexpectedly. They are especially useful when traveling.

Stop by your Exton audiologist for information on these and other hearing aid accessories!