Many accessories are purely practical, while others add comfort, convenience, and durability to your setup. Some items (like power and cleaning tools) are close to essential. Others can transform how you listen in specific situations, from windy walks to echoey meeting rooms. Below is a simple, real‑world guide to 10 accessory types that can make day‑to‑day life far easier.
1. Hearing aid cases
A sturdy case protects your hearing aids from dust, drops, and moisture when they’re not in your ears. It also gives you a clean spot to place your devices during showers, workouts, or naps, reducing the chance of misplacing them. While a case alone isn’t a hygiene solution, it helps keep everything organized so you can stick to a simple clean‑and‑store routine.
Cases matter at home and on the go, especially if you have small children or curious pets who might tamper with delicate parts. A well‑designed case often includes compartments for spare domes, wax guards, and a small brush. If you’re frequently outdoors, consider a hard‑shell option with a secure latch; if you travel, look for a case that also fits your charger or drying capsule.
2. Hearing aid retention wires
Because hearing aids are small, the worry of losing them is real - particularly for active users and new wearers. Retention cords (sometimes called safety lines) add a lightweight tether between your hearing aids and your clothing to reduce the chance of a drop turning into a loss.
Typical sets include flexible loops that attach to the aids and a small clip for your collar, shirt, or hat. They’re especially useful during gardening, sports, hiking, or any activity where quick movements, helmets, or hats might nudge a device out of place. Many versions are barely noticeable once clipped and can be removed in seconds when you’re back indoors.
3. Hearing aid earbuds (OTC options)
Earbud‑style over‑the‑counter (OTC) hearing aids are designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing difficulties and can be purchased without a prescription. Their draw is straightforward: easy access, familiar earbud styling, and simple setup. Some models include basic app controls so you can fine‑tune sound in common environments like restaurants or at home.
Because everyone’s hearing profile is different, OTC options aren’t a substitute for a professional evaluation—especially if you have sudden changes, pain, or tinnitus. Still, for many adults who want a simple starting point, earbud‑style OTC devices can be a practical way to improve clarity for conversation, TV, and calls. If you try one and still struggle, book a hearing check to explore fitted, prescription devices.
4. Hearing aid chargers
If you’ve ever had your device fade during a meeting or school pickup, you know how valuable a reliable charger is. Most modern rechargeable hearing aids sit in a compact dock that tops up the built‑in battery - many reach a full charge in about three hours, and some offer quick‑charge options that give you several hours of use in a shorter window.
Disposable zinc‑air batteries remain common, and performance varies by size and usage. Many users get several days from smaller sizes and up to a couple of weeks from larger ones, depending on streaming and volume. Whatever you use, keep power supplies handy: a bedside charger for routine, a travel case for trips, and a couple of spare disposables in your bag just in case. Store batteries dry and at room temperature - no refrigeration needed.
5. Hearing aid cleaning kits
Clean devices sound better and are more comfortable. Most kits include a soft brush, dry cloth, wax loop or pick, and sometimes a small vent/tube cleaner. A few minutes of routine care helps prevent wax from blocking ports and keeps microphones and receivers working as intended.
A good habit is to wipe the aids each night, clear visible debris around the domes or earmolds, and swap wax guards as instructed by your manufacturer or provider. If your original kit goes missing, replacements are affordable and widely available. For in‑ear styles, keep a few extra domes and wax filters on hand so you’re never stuck waiting for a replacement part to arrive.
6. Hearing aid carrying bags
When you need to remove your devices - for swimming, gym sessions, or a windy beach walk - how you carry them matters. A small, padded bag or hard‑shell case reduces the risk of knocks and moisture, while a zip pocket keeps tools and spare parts together. Consider a bag with separate compartments for microphones, streamers, chargers, and cables to prevent scratching and tangles.
If you travel frequently, choose a case with space for universal plugs or a power bank. For day trips, a compact pouch that slides into a jacket or handbag is enough. The goal is simple: keep your gear protected and easy to find so you can put the aids back in quickly and confidently when you’re ready.
7. Bluetooth streamers for hearing aids
Bluetooth connectivity lets many hearing aids pair with phones, tablets, and TVs for calls, music, and video. Newer aids often connect directly to recent smartphones, while others use a streamer - a small intermediary device that helps the audio handshake between your hearing aids and the source.
Streamers can also improve reliability in tricky environments (think long distances, older TVs, or laptops that don’t support the right protocol). If you enjoy convenient, app‑based control, brands such as Jabra offer TV streamers and smartphone apps that make it easy to adjust volume, switch programs, and manage settings without touching the devices themselves. Check your model’s compatibility before purchasing to make sure you’ll get the features you want.
8. Remote microphones for hearing aids
Conversation in noise is a common challenge - even with great hearing aids. A remote microphone clips to a talker’s clothing or sits near a sound source and wirelessly sends clearer speech to your aids. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in busy restaurants, lecture halls, or open‑plan offices.
You can also place a remote mic by the TV or conference speaker to reduce echo and distance effects. Some models integrate into brand ecosystems alongside streamers and apps, letting you control mic directionality or sensitivity. If you regularly attend meetings, classes, or social events, a remote mic is one of the highest‑impact add‑ons you can buy.
9. Hearing aid remote controls
Touching small buttons on your ears isn’t always convenient. Remote controls and mobile apps let you change volume, switch programs, or mute sound discreetly. Handheld remotes slip into a pocket or bag and are simple to operate without looking. App controls add extras like battery status, find‑my‑hearing‑aid tools, and location‑based memories.
If you prefer smartphone control, look for brands that support robust apps and accessories. For example, Jabra offers app‑based adjustments for compatible models, so you can fine‑tune sound before a presentation or dial down background noise at a party without pausing the conversation.
10. Hearing aid dryer
Moisture is one of the most common threats to hearing aid performance. Electronic dryers use gentle heat and airflow to remove moisture from ports and tubing, helping prevent intermittent sound or corrosion over time. Place your aids in the dryer at night, and they’ll be ready to go in the morning.
If you want something even simpler, desiccant dehumidifiers use moisture‑absorbing pellets or gel. They’re inexpensive, portable, and don’t require power - handy for travel or as a backup. Some electronic units add UV light to reduce surface bacteria inside the chamber, but you should still wipe visible debris before drying for the best result.
Summary
Discovering a hearing problem can feel daunting, but smart accessories make the journey easier. A protective case and cleaning kit keep your devices in shape. Chargers and spare batteries ensure you’re powered up when it counts. Streamers, remote microphones, and remotes help you hear confidently in the places that matter - restaurants, classrooms, offices, and living rooms.
If you damage or misplace parts, most items - domes, wax guards, cords, and cases - are easy to replace. And if you’re unsure which accessories fit your exact model, a quick check with your hearing‑care provider or the manufacturer’s site will point you in the right direction. Whatever you choose, start simple, build from your needs, and enjoy clearer, more comfortable listening every day.
