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Hearing Loss
September 12, 2024
7 min

Benefits of Hearing Aid Accessories: Streamers, Remotes & More

Whether you’re a seasoned hearing aid user or new to assistive hearing technology, we have information on accessories to enhance your experience!

Author:
Molly Glass
Benefits of Hearing Aid Accessories: Streamers, Remotes & More
Example h2
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Overview of Accessories

Accessories can significantly enhance the functionality and convenience of hearing aids, catering to a wide range of user needs. From managing volume settings to ensuring device cleanliness and maintaining power, these accessories can improve the overall hearing aid experience. 

Types of Accessories

There are many aftermarket products out there, such as solar banks to charge aids while camping, remotes or apps to adjust hearing aid settings, streamers to sync TV audio to your device, and dryers and clearing products to remove moisture and harmful earwax from your hearing aid. In addition, with the innovation of AI, there are many new promising ideas on the horizon to watch for. 

Benefits of Accessories

While not required, accessories offer many advantages to those with hearing loss. Carefully picked items can help improve the quality of your hearing experience, make your technology last longer, need fewer repairs, and add convenience to your routine. 

Streamers

For those struggling with TV volume, streamers offer a convenient solution. If you have difficulty hearing the TV, even with hearing aids, connecting the audio directly via a steamer could be an effective fix. Additionally, other viewers in your household can watch TV at a lower volume while you control the audio sent directly to your hearing aids using the streamer. A popular streaming device is the Phonak TV Connector, which is compatible with any BlueTooth hearing aid. 

Phonak TV Connector streamer. Image credit: Phonak
Phonak TV Connector streamer. Image credit: Phonak

It has the following features: 

  • Easy setup: just “plug and play”
  • Transmission range of up to 50 feet
  • Independent volume control
  • Instant connection with compatible hearing aids
  • Supports multiple hearing aid users
  • Price range: $179-$300
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Remotes

A hearing aid remote is a small, portable device that allows the user to adjust hearing aid settings without touching the aid itself. As hearing aids are very small, remotes can be a great accessory, particularly for those who struggle with fine motor control or wish to avoid taking out their hearing aids in public to adjust them. 

Some remotes may only adjust volume settings, while others offer additional features such as switching between listening programs. Some remotes are small enough to carry on a key chain for convenience. The same manufacturer makes many remotes as hearing aid brands, so check with your audiologist if your hearing aid brand offers a remote option. 

Portable Chargers

Recharable hearing aids are envorinmentally friendly, but they can be frustrating if you’re far from a power source, such as when hiking, camping, or traveling internationally with incompatible outlets.Smart chargers are devices that can be pre-charged in advance and plugged into your aids when needed. 

Many smart chargers are brand-specific, but one example is the Phonak Charger Case Go which has a built-in and rechargeable battery for Phonak hearing aids. 

Phonak Charger Case Go
Phonak Charger Case Go

A few of the listed features: 

  • Stores up to three full charges
  • Includes charging cable and plug adapter
  • Compact, travel-friendly size
  • Can charge both left and right aids simulaneously

Contact your hearing aid professional to see if your brand offers a compatible charging case.

Dehumidifiers

If you live in an area with high humidity, such as the southern part of the United States, your hearing aids will likely benefit from a dehumidifier to pull harmful moisture out. Trapped moisture can cause the aid to lose function and lead to costly repairs. Ongoing maintenance will save you frustration and expenses as a hearing aid user. 

There two common hearing aid dehumidifiers: electric and disposable. .

Electric

plug-inin dehumidifier is time-saving solution forto removing moisture. A popular device is the PerfectDry Lux, which has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. 

PerfectDry Lux device. Image credit: Amazon
PerfectDry Lux device. Image credit: Amazon

Some of its many features include:

  • Dries hearing aids within 45 minutes 
  • USB plug option
  • Removes moisture with controled heat
  • FDA registered device 
  • Offers a 3 year warranty
  • Compatible with almost all hearing aids
  • Affordable at $59 

Disposable Dryers

If a morcost-effectiveve solution is needed, a disposable dryeis aroundhe $10-ge. Some are rechargeable for a slight price increase. One popular dyer is the EZY DOSE Dehumidifier for hearing aids. 

ESY Dose Dri-Eze Hearing Aid Dehumidifier. Image credit: Amazon 
ESY Dose Dri-Eze Hearing Aid Dehumidifier. Image credit: Amazon 

Some of its features include:

  • No electric needed, great for traveling or the outdoors
  • Lasts 6 months of use
  • Secure lid for overnight use
  • Priced at $12 on Amazon 

Cleaning Kits

A hearing aid cleaning kit with brushes and cloths near some AirPods 
A hearing aid cleaning kit with brushes and cloths near some AirPods 

Another potential detriment to hearing aids is wax buildup. Some cleaning kits make it easy for users to keep their hearing aids clean, prolong their life span and improve quality. Most kits include items like a spray, cloth, wax picks and brushes. While annual professional cleanings are recommended, home maintenance can help between visits. 

A thorough weekly cleaning will benefit your hearing technology. A popular cleaning kit is a case like the one above, which has brushes, cloths, and is low-cost on Amazon, at $7- $15. 

Summary

Depending on your needs, a wide variety of tools are on the market to make hearing aid ownership more convenient. Devices like streamers, remotes, chargers, dehumidifiers, and cleaning kits will help make your hearing experience enjoyable and long-lasting. Consider trying a few of these accessories to enhance your hearing aid use today!

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Molly Glass

Molly, a Deaf mom of two CODAs, lives with her hearing partner of almost 14 years in the scenic Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Profoundly Deaf since 18 months old, she enjoys writing about the lived Deaf experiences and advocacy. In her free time she reads, and is very slowly working on authoring her first book.

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Big News: Nagish is now FCC-certified for IP Relay Services! 🎉  Read the announcement.

Benefits of Hearing Aid Accessories: Streamers, Remotes & More

Key Findings

  • Workplace Impact: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals report that communication barriers hinder career mobility.
  • Healthcare Challenges: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals experience communication barriers in healthcare settings, contributing to delays in treatment.
  • Concerns About Emergency Communications: 20% of Deaf and 24.3% Hard-of-Hearing users also expressed serious concerns that communication barriers would prohibit them from contacting healthcare personnel in an emergency situation.
  • Independence Boost: Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence, with 60% of Deaf users and 63% of Hard-of-Hearing users reporting increased autonomy.
  • Emotional Strain: 55% of Deaf users and 83% of Hard-of-Hearing users reported emotional distress due to communication frustrations.
  • Social and Professional Opportunities: 46% of Deaf and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing users saw improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies.

Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence

At Nagish, we’ve seen firsthand just how much communication shapes daily life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Our recent survey highlights the significant barriers they face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives. But it also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology. The results of this survey reinforce our commitment to empowering these communities and remind us why our mission matters: with access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.

We collected data through a comprehensive survey involving over 300 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and currently use hearing assistive technology. The survey included 179 Deaf and 140 Hard-of-Hearing participants, with data collected in an inclusive and accessible manner to ensure that everyone could participate and share their experiences without barriers.Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility

Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential. Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.

Download the PDF Report

A majority of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants reported that communication barriers affected their career decisions, making it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers.

Deaf Participants

Hard-of-Hearing participants

65% of Deaf users rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively, which can limit their ability to fully engage in dynamic work environments.

Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges are not just a workplace issue — they extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact individuals’ health outcomes. Accessible communication tools are essential for ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can receive timely and accurate medical care, especially in emergency situations

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users face communication barriers in healthcare settings, which can lead to missed appointments, misunderstandings about medical treatments, and delayed care.

Deaf users:

62%

Hard of Hearing users:

66%

Some Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users have concerns about reaching healthcare professionals in emergencies, highlighting serious public safety risks.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is just how much independence is boosted with assistive technology. This improvement in independence is not just about doing things on their own; it’s about having the confidence and ability to engage fully in both professional and personal settings.

Assistive technology has significantly increased the independence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users in managing daily tasks, showing clear improvements after adoption.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
Beyond independence, assistive technology creates connection.By removing communication barriers that keep people from joining in socially or professionallyassistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Assistive technology has helped Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users expand their social networks and professional opportunities, enabling new connections and career growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
People often overlook the emotional and psychological toll of communication , but they can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.

A significant number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users experience frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends, leading to isolation and stress.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What’s also clear to us is that the question isn’t whether assistive technology helps—it’s how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.. By making these tools more accessible, we can open up new opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers, maintain better health, and lead more independent lives.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it’s in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives. 
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.