Even with the most advanced hearing aids , certain environments can still pose challenges to hearing clearly. Bustling restaurants, noisy subway stations, or crowded gatherings are just a few examples of situations where even the best hearing aids might need a little extra help. Fortunately, accessories for hearing aids can enhance your hearing experience, especially in noisy or challenging environments.
Noisy environments present unique challenges, such as:
High Ambient Noise Levels: Conversations, machinery, and background music create a constant stream of noise that can overwhelm hearing aids. Hearing aids do well in quiet and some levels of noise, but always struggle a bit. Technology is getting better and handling noise better with directional mics, Deep neural networks, and dual processing. Hearing aids are not able to cancel noise yet. We share this with our patients often, why noise cancelling in hearing aids has not been accomplished yet.. yes yet. 🙂 .
Multiple Sound Sources: Sounds from all directions make it difficult to prioritize the ones you want to focus on. Let us say that someone is talking next to you at a bar, and there is someone on the other side of you also talking. You don’t want to hear that person, yet you continue to hear them. Now their speech is on top of the speech you want to hear. So you have a sound source to your right and one to your left. Some hearing aids make it easier as you can go to your app and change your directional focus to the side you want to hear from. Many brands of current technology have that feature in the hearing aid accessory app!
Reverberation: Hard surfaces like tiled floors and large windows create echoes that make speech harder to follow. It may not be as bad as an echo, but sometimes even the smallest of reverberations can affect the ability to hear clearly. I notice this in a mall when shopping with my daughter. I can hear her talking but her voice runs together. Reverberation or non direct speech is very difficult for aging ears and for those with hearing loss.
Remote microphones are game-changers for noisy environments. They can be placed near a sound source or worn by a conversation partner. The microphone streams their voice directly to your hearing aids, therefore reducing background noise and improving clarity. Although they seem complicated to use, they can be very easy with some helpful tips from us professionals. Try one today. It is worth it.
Directional microphones enhance your hearing aids‘ focus on sounds directly in front of you. This is especially helpful in conversations across a table, next to you at a bar and even when someone is talking behind you, like in a car. Popular options include:
Phonak: Known for high-quality, but expensive, accessories.
Starkey: Recently introduced a new table mic (2025) with directional capabilities.
Widex: Offers the Sound Assist with directional microphones for tables and clear sound.
In theaters, lecture halls, or places of worship, hearing from a distance can be tough. Accessories like FM systems or telecoils connect to the venue’s sound system, delivering clear audio directly to your hearing aids. These systems also comply with ADA requirements for accessibility.
Wind noise can disrupt conversations. Accessories designed for wind noise reduction, such as specialized windshields, help you enjoy clearer sound outdoors. We also recommend little “jackets” for your hearing aids. These jackets can also protect your hearing aids from moisture and debris in the air! People love them as they are affordable and they work.
Watching TV or listening to music becomes effortless with Bluetooth streamers. They connect your hearing aids directly to devices like TVs, smartphones, and tablets, providing consistent, high-quality sound. We absolutely love the TV streamers. We get rave reviews and now I use a TV streamer at my 60 years of age. I have set my parents up with them, and every patient we show them to purchases one. They are truly worthwhile and in my mind’s eye, not that expensive. Check out one for your hearing aid!
Personal amplifiers or portable speakers can enhance a conversation partner’s voice, also ensuring clarity even in noisy surroundings. Hearing aids always or most always work well in a one on one conversation unless the person has significant hearing loss. Visual cues work well in this case. Also, pocket talker and other personal amplifiers can help in a quiet environment. Personal amplifiers also help when watching TV.
In professional settings, conference microphones capture voices from multiple directions, making it easier to follow discussions and presentations. Remember that when at work, your employer ought to compensate you under the ADA law. There are a lot of options, from amplified phones, streamers, clocks, and other critical hearing aid and hearing loss accessories.
Navigating airports or train stations can be stressful. Accessories integrated with GPS or navigation apps provide clear audio directions directly to your hearing aids, simplifying travel. In Minnesota and many international airports, there are hearing loops at the counter, terminal and baggage claim. I am proud of our MSP (Minnesota) airport, which has really worked at accommodating people with hearing loss and even hearing sensitivities, protecting hearing with quieter hand dryers.
While hearing aids have advanced, their built-in microphones can struggle with:
Proximity: Optimized for nearby sounds, they may miss distant ones.
Background Noise: Ambient sounds can interfere with clarity.
Directional Limitations: They prioritize sounds from the front but may miss others.
Reduced Clarity at a Distance: Sound weakens and distorts over distance.
Remote microphones placed near a speaker or sound source transmit audio wirelessly to your hearing aids, therefore bypassing background noise.
FM systems include a transmitter microphone worn by the speaker and a receiver for your hearing aids. These are ideal for classrooms, meetings, or lectures.
Found in public spaces like theaters and airports, induction loops transmit audio directly to hearing aids equipped with telecoils. They provide clear sound without needing additional devices. Many people prefer loops over FM systems for convenience and discretion.
Bluetooth streamers connect your hearing aids to devices like smartphones, tablets, and TVs, ensuring crystal-clear audio for calls, media, and virtual meetings.
Handheld amplifiers boost sound and transmit it to your hearing aids. These are great for distant conversations or group settings. Some models even feature wireless microphones for added convenience.
Hearing aids are powerful tools, but the right accessories can make all the difference in challenging listening environments. Whether you’re in a noisy restaurant, a large venue, or enjoying the great outdoors, accessories for hearing aids offer practical solutions to improve your hearing and overall experience.
Explore our store to find the latest accessories tailored to your needs. From remote microphones to Bluetooth streamers, we’ve got you covered with the best options available. Don’t let noise hold you back—enhance your hearing today!
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