How to Use Hearing Aid Accessories to Improve Your Hearing in Noise
Hearing aids can make everyday conversations much clearer, but some situations still ask more of them. A busy restaurant, a television playing across the room, or several people speaking at once can make important words harder to catch.
The problem is not always the hearing aid itself. Distance, competing voices, room acoustics, and background noise can all affect how clearly speech reaches you. This is where the right accessory can help by bringing the sound you want closer and reducing the effort needed to follow it.
More than 50% of adults aged 55 and above experience some form of hearing impairment, and background noise is a common frustration.
Thankfully, a range of simple accessories can give your hearing aids a helping hand in these noisy moments. This guide walks you through them, what these accessories do, when to use them and how they fit seamlessly into everyday life.
Find the Right Accessory for Your Hearing Aids
The right accessory can make television, phone calls, group conversations and everyday care easier. Explore Auzen’s current range of remote microphones, TV adapters, chargers, domes, wax filters and cleaning products to find options compatible with your hearing aids.
Why Hearing in Noise Is Tricky
Hearing is not just about volume; it is about separating voices from ambient sound. Our brains are naturally good at focusing on a speaker, but age-related hearing changes and room acoustics can make this harder.
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People notes that roughly one in three adults in the UK struggles with everyday communication, especially in background noise.
Modern hearing aids come packed with clever features, yet they still face physics: microphones are on the ears, so they pick up everything nearby. Accessories act like additional tools that move the microphone closer to what you want to hear, stream sound directly into your hearing aids or keep your devices performing at their best.
Types of Hearing Aid Accessories and When to Use Them
Remote Microphones
If you find group chats or lectures hard to follow, a remote microphone could be a game-changer. You clip or place the microphone near the person you want to hear; it wirelessly streams their voice straight into your hearing aids, cutting through competing noise.
- Wearable mics: Clip-on microphones such as the Starkey StarLink Remote Microphone + offer multiple streaming options, including Bluetooth, line-in, FM or telecoil, and can function up to 20 m in microphone mode. A small clip on your friend’s collar captures their voice and delivers it directly to your ears.
- Table mics: When conversation flows around a dinner table, a table microphone sits in the centre and automatically switches between eight built-in microphones to focus on whoever is talking. Starkey’s table microphone provides a 30 m range and up to 12 hours of battery life, making it ideal for family gatherings.
- Multifunctional clips: Some devices, like the Oticon ConnectClip, double as Bluetooth headsets, remote microphones and remote controls for volume and program changes. They simplify call handling and streaming while still improving speech in noise.
When to use them: Remote microphones shine in busy restaurants, business meetings, lecture halls and car journeys. Simply hand the clip to your speaking partner or place the table mic on the table, and you will hear the important voices more clearly without turning up your aids.
TV and Phone Adapters
Sometimes noise is not from people. It is from your TV or phone. TV adapters plug into your television’s audio port and stream the sound directly into your hearing aids, letting you enjoy shows at your own volume without blasting the room.
- Oticon TV Adapter 3.0 supports Dolby Digital and digital stereo connections, sending high-quality audio directly to compatible Oticon aids.
- Phonak TV Connector streams TV or hi-fi audio via Bluetooth straight into Phonak hearing aids, which is useful for couples with different hearing needs.
- GN ReSound TV Streamer 2 offers similar direct streaming for ReSound devices.
- For landlines, phone adapters like Oticon’s ConnectLine connect an analogue phone to your hearing aids, turning your aids into a hands-free headset.
When to use them: During TV time, movie nights or phone calls, these adapters provide clear sound without the distraction of household noise. They also reduce the need for subtitles, keeping your brain engaged and reducing listening effort.
Portable Chargers
Nothing disrupts a conversation quite like a dead battery. Portable chargers keep your rechargeable hearing aids powered wherever you go and, in some cases, keep them clean too.
- 3-in-1 chargers: Signia’s Styletto Dry&Clean and Dry&Clean chargers combine inductive charging, UV cleaning and gentle drying. This means you get power, sanitising UV-C light and moisture removal in one case, which is a big plus if you are exposed to humidity or perspiration.
- Portable power banks: Starkey’s StarLink Premium charger provides up to three full charges and includes USB-C and Qi wireless charging options. It is ideal for weekends away or long flights.
- Quick-charge options: For emergencies, mini chargers like Starkey’s Mini Turbo deliver 3.5 hours of use after just 7 minutes of charging. Phonak’s chargers also provide 15-minute boosts for short-term use.
When to use them: If you travel often, live an active lifestyle or simply do not want to worry about finding a socket, a portable charger keeps your aids ready. Models with integrated UV cleaning also cut down on bacteria and earwax, which can affect sound quality.
Cleaning Sprays, Wipes and Care Kits
Good sound in noise is not just about technology; it is about maintenance. Dust, moisture and earwax can clog microphones and speakers, muffling sound and increasing distortion.
- Cleaning sprays and wipes: Auzen’s cleaning spray gently cleans in-ear devices and domes, while bactericidal wipes offer quick hygiene for surfaces. Use sprays sparingly and wipes daily for best results.
- Care kits: Auzen’s Mono and Stereo Care Kits bundle domes, wax filters, cleaning sprays and wipes, making it easy to replace consumables regularly. Each kit helps maintain sound quality and prolong device life.
When to use them: Make cleaning part of your nightly routine. Wipe your aids after wearing, replace wax filters and domes every month or two, and spray occasionally to remove residue. Clean aids deliver clearer sound in any environment.
Domes and Wax Filters
Your hearing aid’s tip, or dome, shapes how sound enters your ear. In noisy situations, the right dome can improve comfort and clarity.
- Vented domes allow air flow, giving a natural feel but letting more noise in. Widex’s Sleeve Vented ear tips use medical-grade silicone and encourage natural listening.
- Tulip or double-lamella domes provide an ergonomic fit and better seal. Widex’s Instant Tulip domes come in 8 mm and 10 mm sizes.
- Power domes create a tight acoustic seal for moderate to severe losses. Starkey’s Power Buds reduce sound leakage and feedback.
- Wax filters sit inside the receiver to block debris. Universal options like Cerustop or CeruShield suit many brands; brand-specific filters like Oticon ProWax miniFit protect specific models.
When to use them: If you are struggling with feedback or muffled sound, swapping domes or filters may help. A tight-seal dome can block noise, while vented domes keep things comfortable if your hearing loss is mild. Always carry spares so you can replace a dirty dome during travel.
Not Sure Which Hearing Aid Accessory Fits Your Daily Life?
A quick hearing check can make the choice clearer. You can start with Auzen’s online hearing test, explore the latest hearing aids, or book a free appointment with an Auzen audiologist for friendly, no-pressure guidance.
Choosing the Right Accessory for Different Situations
Noisy Restaurants and Family Gatherings
When people talk over one another, a remote microphone or table mic can make a huge difference. Hand your conversation partner a clip-on microphone so their voice streams directly to your aids, or place a table mic at the centre to follow the entire group. If you also watch a football match on the café TV, a TV adapter discreetly streams commentary without raising the volume for everyone else.
Lectures, Religious Services and Meetings
Lecture halls and places of worship often have challenging acoustics. In these cases, multi-function microphones like the Oticon ConnectClip or Signia StreamLine Mic provide both remote mic and Bluetooth headset functions, letting you connect to sound systems and hear the speaker clearly. For regular meetings, a table mic’s 30 m range keeps you tuned into whoever is speaking.
Watching TV and Film
A TV adapter is almost essential if you love dramas or nature documentaries. Instead of competing with household noise, your aids receive the soundtrack directly. Many adapters also allow others to listen normally, so you do not need separate speakers. Combined with a comfortable dome, the sound remains clear and natural.
Phone Calls and Video Chats
Landline and smartphone calls can be tricky when background noise is present. Phone adapters like Oticon’s ConnectLine 2.0 link your analogue phone to your hearing aids, while the ConnectClip or other Bluetooth accessories stream smartphone audio directly. Some remote microphones can double as headsets, letting you answer calls on the go.
Out-and-About Errands and Travel
If you spend long days away from home, a portable charger prevents power anxiety. Models such as Starkey’s Premium charger provide up to three full charges, while mini chargers deliver a quick boost in minutes. For people who value hygiene, Signia’s Dry&Clean chargers sanitise and dry the aids during charging. Keep cleaning wipes in your bag to wipe away sweat and dust throughout the day.
How to Care for Your Hearing Aid Accessories
Accessories only work well when you care for them. Follow these tips for long-lasting performance:
- Daily wipe down: After wearing your aids, wipe them and any accessories with a soft cloth or cleaning wipe. Avoid moisture around charging ports.
- Regular replacement: Change wax filters and domes every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent blockage. If you notice a muffled sound or feedback, swap them sooner.
- Store safely: Keep chargers and microphones in their cases. Models from Starkey and Signia include protective lids and carrying cases.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not leave accessories in a car on a hot day or in freezing conditions, as batteries and electronics can degrade.
Which Hearing Aid Accessory Is Right for Your Listening Needs?
When deciding what to invest in, consider your typical listening environments and your specific hearing aid model. Here is a quick guide:
| Situation | Recommended accessories | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Family dinners and restaurants | Remote microphone, table mic, vented or tulip domes | Moves the microphone closer to the speaker and reduces background noise while keeping the fit comfortable. |
| TV and films | TV adapter, comfortable dome | Streams sound directly to hearing aids and keeps the volume comfortable for others. |
| Phone calls and video meetings | Phone adapter, multi-function clip | Connects your phone or landline directly to your aids and provides clearer speech in both directions. |
| Work presentations and classes | Table mic, multi-function mic | Captures voices around the room with long range. |
| Travel and outdoor pursuits | Portable charger, cleaning wipes, Mono or Stereo Care Kit | Ensures battery life, hygiene and everyday care on the go. |
| Severe or moderate hearing loss | Power dome, premium charger | Creates a tight seal for better amplification and ensures a continuous power supply. |
Clean domes, fresh wax filters and regular wiping can help your hearing aids keep sound clearer, especially in noisy places where every small detail matters.
How Auzen Supports You
Auzen does not just sell hearing aids. It offers comprehensive support to ensure you get the most from them. When you buy from Auzen, support also includes:
- Unlimited remote fitting sessions with an Auzen audiologist
- A compatible charger,
- A 4-year manufacturer warranty
- A 30-day money-back guarantee
- Cleaning accessories such as earwax filters, wipes, spray and domes
Conclusion
Hearing in noisy places does not have to be exhausting. By adding the right accessory to your hearing aids, you can shift focus back to the voices and sounds that matter, whether that is your granddaughter’s stories at Sunday lunch or a riveting documentary on the telly.
From remote microphones and TV streamers to portable chargers and fresh domes, each tool plays a specific role in improving clarity and comfort. And when paired with regular cleaning and maintenance, these accessories ensure your hearing aids deliver their best performance day after day.
If you are ready to explore which accessories could make your everyday listening easier, the team at Auzen is here to help with compassionate guidance and no-pressure advice.
Explore Hearing Aid Accessories with Auzen
Find accessories that help your hearing aids perform better in real life, from noisy restaurants and TV time to travel, calls and daily care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a remote microphone improve hearing in noise?
A remote microphone sits closer to the speaker, streaming their voice directly into your hearing aids. This reduces surrounding noise and improves speech clarity, especially in busy environments.
Will a TV adapter work with any television?
TV adapters connect to the audio outputs on most modern televisions. They stream sound wirelessly to compatible hearing aids and let others continue listening at a normal volume.
How often should I change domes and wax filters?
Most manufacturers recommend changing domes and wax filters every 4 to 6 weeks or sooner if you notice muffled sound or feedback. Regular replacement helps maintain sound quality.
Can accessories be used with older hearing aids?
Many accessories are designed for specific hearing aid series. Check compatibility on the product page or speak with an Auzen audiologist. Universal accessories like cleaning kits and some wax filters fit most models.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about your hearing, please consult a qualified audiologist or your GP.
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