Accessories |
At one time, there were 3 different kinds of batteries that you could buy for hearing aids: |
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Mercury, Silver & Zinc-Air |
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Zinc-air is the type now available and the only kind you should use. |
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You need to stay with the major brands-RayOVac©, Duracell© and Eveready©-and avoid all private labels. |
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Yes, there are some hearing aid labs that have their own private label batteries, and these batteries have “unique” battery sizes. There are equivalent sizes from those top 3 brands mentioned above. (Check with other hearing professionals, if you have a “unique” battery size.) |
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Batteries go “dead” in two ways. |
First, most batteries just go out all of a sudden, like a lightbulb. This is true for a majority cases. |
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A few circuits in some hearing aids get a little noisy before the battery goes out. This is 10-15% of all hearing aids. |
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(There is a particular hearing aid circuit that intentionally gives you a “beep” to let you know that the battery is weak.) |
The life of the battery is longer in cooler weather, and occasionally, you will get a battery with a shorter than normal life and then again, a battery with an extra-ordinary long life! Generally, they are consistent to within a day or two of what you normally get. |
Amplified phones are the number 1 selling hearing amplifier beyond hearing aids. The key is to get a phone with an easily adjusted volme and one that does not require a battery. The Walker Clarity”© now available from Siemens© is one economical nice choice. |
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Television amplifiers are mostly infra-red devices and in my opinion, they are clumsy to use and depending on the battery usage, can be expensive to use over a long period of time. |
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There are now available devices to make lights flash when a phone or doorbell ring. |
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Extra loud smoke detectors are available. |
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Car turn signal flashers with boosted “clicking” noise can be purchased; a very wise purchase, if you cannot hear your turn signal when it is left on. |
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There are FM systems that are appropriate for large gatherings, such as social meetings, church, etc... Better than infra-red because there is only the restriction of distance, FM systems pass through walls and can easily be set up in a few minutes. There is no limit to the number of receivers that can be used. |
I highly recommend a FM system over the infra-red. |
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A beginning system with output transmitter and 4 receivers can be purchased for less than $1,000 and additional receivers are around $90 to $100 each. |
Batteries |