Beyond the Basics: The Hearing Aid Accessories You Never Knew You Needed
When most people think about hearing aids, they picture the devices themselves, small, powerful instruments designed to bring back the world of sound. But what many don’t realize is that the real magic happens when you pair those devices with the right accessories. In fact, the hearing aid accessories space has evolved dramatically in recent years, with technology, health, and lifestyle converging to create tools that enhance not just how you hear, but how you live.
Whether you’re a new user or a seasoned hearing aid wearer, here are some of the most underrated, out-of-the-box accessories you should know about, plus why investing in them could save you time, money, and unnecessary frustration.
Anti-Loss Technology for Hearing Aids: How GPS & Wearables Are Changing the Game
Why Anti-Loss Accessories Matter
Hearing aids are small, expensive, and prone to being either left behind like in public restrooms or restaurant tables, lost in something worn or used like bedding, couch cushions, or in a pocket when you get your hair cut, or misplaced. Accordingly, the average replacement cost for a single lost hearing aid can exceed $1,000 ($350 under warranty plus fitting fees or purchase of a whole new one). Hence, Anti-loss accessories offer peace of mind. Parents of young children with hearing aid could really benefit for such technology or caregivers of older adults with memory impairments and then there is the active users traveling or engaging in sports.
“I just set it down for a second, and now it’s gone.”
Sound familiar? We hear this all the time in our clinic. That’s where wearable tracking technology comes in.
What Are GPS Trackers for Hearing Aids?
GPS (Global Positioning System) trackers are location-enabled devices that use satellite or Bluetooth signals to pinpoint where an object is. They are becoming smaller and can even be tiny as technology changes.
There are two main categories relevant to hearing aids:
1. Bluetooth Trackers (Short-Range / Indoor Tracking)
We are aware of such brands such as Apple AirTag, Tile Mate, Samsung SmartTag are Ideal for: Tracking hearing aid cases, chargers, or battery kits.
The function of these is obviously for you to help find a hearing aid, especially if you don’t use a hearing aid app. These hearing aid accessories usually connect to your smartphone via a tracker app. If lost, you can ping the device or see its last known location
Currently the limitation is that they are not yet small enough to fit inside a hearing aid, but perfect for chargers, remote microphones, FM systems, cases, backpacks, or purses. You could possibly even clip them onto your key chain.
2. Mini GPS Trackers (Real-Time, Long-Range)
Mini GPS trackers like Jiobit Smart Tag, AngelSense GPS, and Invoxia Mini GPS are specially designed for individuals who may be at higher risk of misplacing or losing their hearing aids, particularly children and adults with memory challenges. These devices function by using a cellular connection and an associated app subscription to provide real-time location tracking, offering caregivers and family members peace of mind. They are designed to be discreet and wearable, often clipped to clothing, worn on lanyards, or embedded into soft, wearable bands, making them ideal for daily use without interfering with comfort or routine.
Are There Tiny Velcro GPS Dots?
While the idea of “Velcro GPS dots” is not fully realized yet, it’s rooted in innovation that we are following. Current wearable sensor dots in health tech and micro GPS modules in security use similar technology, but battery and antenna requirements still prevent full miniaturization for direct-on-device application.
That said, Bluetooth beacons like Tile Sticker, which is a bit large currently, August 2025 can be adhered to Custom earmolds, Behind-the-ear (BTE) body, pocket talkers, remote microphones or phone clips and even Hearing aid cases or chargers.
These provide excellent short-range tracking so you think: “Where in the house did I drop it?”
Cognitive and Aural Training is a great accessory to hearing aids: Why It’s Essential for Better Hearing Outcomes
It’s Not Just the Ears—It’s the Brain!
Hearing is more than sound detection, it’s about listening, understanding, interpreting, and responding. Aging, untreated or prolonged hearing loss can lead to changes in the brain, weakening the auditory cortex and resulting in: Slower speech comprehension, listening fatigue, feeling overwhelmed, Social withdrawal and depression among other not so great results.
That being said, even people who wear high-end hearing aids and fit well, users often say:“I can hear, but I don’t always understand.” That’s because the brain needs retraining, especially after years of reduced auditory input.
QR Code Stickers: A Simple Yet Powerful Tool to Recover Lost Hearing Aids
Using a QR code sticker as a hearing aid accessory is a smart, low-tech yet effective solution for preventing permanent loss. These small, durable QR code labels can be adhered to a hearing aid case, charger, or even a headband, and when scanned, they direct the finder to a custom webpage or contact information to return the lost item. Unlike GPS or Bluetooth trackers, QR stickers don’t require batteries or subscriptions, making them ideal for children in schools, seniors in assisted living, or travelers who may lose devices in public spaces. Some QR platforms allow you to update your contact details or add reward messages, increasing the chances of recovery. It’s a simple, affordable tool that adds a layer of security and peace of mind for hearing aid users and their families.
What Is Aural (Auditory) Training or Rehabilitation?
Think of aural training as physical therapy for your ears and brain. It’s a targeted way to strengthen your ability to focus on speech in noisy settings, improve attention and memory for verbal cues, and rebuild listening endurance and comprehension over time. This type of training is especially beneficial for new hearing aid users adjusting to amplified sound, long-time users who continue to struggle in challenging listening environments, adults with auditory processing disorder (APD), and seniors experiencing early cognitive decline. By retraining the brain to process and prioritize sound more effectively, aural training can significantly enhance communication and overall quality of life.
LACE: Developed on solid research helps provide Auditory & Cognitive Training
LACE (Listening and Communication Enhancement) is a self-paced training program developed by audiologists and neuroscientists. It uses adaptive exercises to:
- Improve speech-in-noise understanding
- Train the brain to process rapid speech
- Strengthen cognitive listening strategies
It is recommended that with just 20 minutes a day for 20 sessions, users often report up to 29% improvement in comprehension.
Why We Consider LACE an Accessory—Not a Standalone Solution
While LACE is a powerful tool on its own, we consider it an accessory to hearing aids rather than a standalone solution. That’s because hearing aids provide the essential prescription, the amplified access to sound, without which the brain cannot effectively engage in training or relearning. Just as eyeglasses correct vision so the brain can process visual information, hearing aids correct hearing loss so that auditory training like LACE can build on that foundation. Cognitive and auditory exercises are most effective when the ears are first properly supported. LACE enhances the benefits of hearing aids, improving not just how much you hear, but how well you comprehend, focus, and respond in real-life situations.
UV-C Sanitizing Charging Cases: An Accessory That Protects Your Health
Another hearing aid accessory is the UV-C sanitizing dehumidifiers or charging cases are more than just convenient, they’re essential for ear health.
Hearing aids spend hours inside your warm, moist ear canals, accumulating bacteria, fungi, and wax. Without proper cleaning, this can lead to ear canal infections, resulting in:
- Pain or irritation
- Temporary inability to wear your hearing aids
- Doctor visits and medications
A UV-C case uses germicidal light to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses while charging your devices, offering a simple and effective way to:
- Prevent painful infections
- Eliminate downtime from wearing hearing aids
- Save time, money, and medical expenses
This is especially useful for:
- Seniors with delicate skin
- Swimmers or those outside in warm weather (think Florida in the summer or even the winter for that matter)
- People who play sports
- Anyone prone to wax or recurring infections
Mini Bluetooth Adapters: Bringing Hearing Aids into the Digital World
Many people are surprised to learn that not all hearing aids natively connect to TVs, computers, or gaming systems. That’s where mini Bluetooth adapters come in.
How Do these Bluetooth adapters Work with a Hearing Aid?
These small devices plug into a TV using the analog red and white cables, a digital output, USB, HDMI or even the stereo’s headphone jack and stream audio wirelessly to your hearing aid streamer or compatible hearing aid via Bluetooth. They provide low-latency, high-quality sound without needing to wear bulky headphones. There are many that exist from the hearing aid company’s and they are a bit pricy but there are going to be more and more as technology develops into this realm as people realize these are much needed accessories for their hearing aids.
These adapters are perfect for watching movies without turning up the volume and bothering everyone in the room or even 5 rooms away, playing video games with immersive sound and again not bothering those of us who don’t want to hear the “noise”, connecting to instruments or music studios and enjoying sound delivered right to the music lovers ears.
Accessories Complete the Experience and even though Your hearing aids are the foundation, these accessories are the tools that maximize comfort, safety, and communication success. Whether it’s avoiding infection, preventing loss, training your brain, or connecting to your world, these add-ons are investments in better hearing health.
Ready to upgrade your hearing experience?
Explore our selection of smart, health-focused, and lifestyle-enhancing hearing aid accessories at HearsHearingandHearables.com.
Thank you for reading and we wish you only peace and happy hearing!