Wondering what to get a loved one with hearing aids?
These three Audiologist-approved gift ideas will make everyone happy watching TV, dry hearing aids in a jiffy, and provide effortless listening in the car or from another room. Read on for our top-3 holiday gift ideas!
TV adaptors
TV adaptors, such as the Phonak TV Connector, stream TV by making a wireless connection between the hearing aids and the television. This allows the hearing aid wearer to watch TV at their preferred volume, while others can watch at a level they want.
Benefits:
- Direct sound makes for a better listening experience
- No delays – the sound matches the visuals on the TV
- A clear and full sound experience
Unlike with headphones, the hearing aid wearer isn’t cut off from other people in the room. They can have a conversation about the latest contestant on The Voice and watch the TV!
Most TV adaptors will send audio signals within a 15-meter (50ft) radius. So it’s possible to get up and leave the room to get a snack without missing any of the program.
Cost: $150-$300 (depending on the model)
Electronic Dry Aid Kits
Moisture is the enemy of hearing aids. Humidity, temperature fluctuations and wet weather (we have more than our share of rain!) are the main culprits. Keeping hearing aids dry will extend their life and ensure they perform at their best.
Electronic dry aid kits are a step up from desiccant beads that use silica to absorb moisture and need reactivating. We recommend the Widex PerfectDry Lux drying station.
Advantages:
- Compatible with all hearing aids
- 4 UV light sources for a 360° dry
- The UV light is hygienic and reduces the risk of ear infections
- Clean and dry hearing aids in 45 minutes
Simply place the hearing aids in the dryer (battery doors open), close the lid, click the start button and go! The PerfectDry Lux shuts off by itself when the drying cycle is done.
Cost: $100
Remote Microphone
Remote microphones help people with hearing loss hear better in background noise. This handy device is clipped to the speaker and their voice is steamed to the hearing aids (without the background noise in the room).
Most hearing aid manufacturers have developed a remote microphone that works with their hearing aids.
Helpful for:
- Hearing with competing background noise
- Hearing in a car
- When the speaker is in another room
- Making listening easy
Most remote microphones are easy to use and extremely portable (worn around the neck or clipped onto a shirt). Our Audiologists can recommend a microphone that will work best with the hearing aids the person you’re buying for is wearing.
Cost: $150-$350
If you have any questions, or want to speak with an Audiologist about a gift idea, call us – we’d love to hear from you! Broadmead Hearing Clinic: 250-479-2969 or Oak Bay Hearing Clinic: 250-479-2921.