What are the Different Hearing Aid Supplies?

Hearing aid supplies can be grouped into three categories — components necessary for hearing aid operation, such as batteries and replaceable parts of behind-the-ear (BTE) units; components essential for optimal performance, such as cleaning mini-tools; and optional accessories that offer convenience. The more expensive brands usually include initial supplies of the first two categories in the purchase price or through warranties, but users normally have to replace them at their own cost. Most hearing aid supplies can be purchased online or in retail hearing aid outlets.

Topping the list of necessary hearing aid supplies are replacement batteries — either the standard kind or rechargeable. Hearing aids amplify sound and batteries alone provide the power to deliver that capability. Almost all hearing aids — from the cheapest to the most expensive, high-tech, digital variety — need to have their batteries replaced. The only exceptions are the relatively inexpensive disposable variety that a person can throw away when the batteries wear out.

Also in the category of necessary supplies are two components of BTE hearing aids. Most hearing aids are self-contained units that fit fully or partially inside the ear. In the increasingly popular BTE hearing aids, the core of the system is in a small case that fits behind the ear. Sound is captured, amplified, and transmitted through a tube that leads to a small earpiece that molds to the ear. The tubes and earpieces experience wear and need to be periodically replaced.

On a priority list of hearing aid supplies, slightly below the necessary components, are those that are essential for optimal performance. When a hearing aid works, but is not working correctly, the most common cause after weak batteries is some kind of obstacle blocking or distorting sound. Hearing aid makers therefore provide or sell cleaning mini-tools.

The cleaning tools typically include small brushes, single-strand wires, and wire loops. Small brushes are used to clean dirt from the microphone area. The wire strands remove clogs in the canal in hearing aids that fit partially or totally inside the ear. Looped wires are designed to clean ear wax — virtually inevitable in even the priciest hearing aids — from the small opening of the hearing aid tip that enters the ear.

Optional hearing aid supplies are accessories that offer extra convenience. They include carrying pouches for travel, telephone ear pads that reduce feedback during phone conversations, battery checkers to test remaining battery life, and dehumidifiers that eliminate moisture from perspiration or humidity that can damage hearing aids. Some advanced digital hearing aids are also compatible with wireless Bluetooth® technology. Users with such hearing aids can stream output from their Bluetooth®-enabled cell phones directly into their hearing aids.