Hearing Aid Accessories

Best Hearing Aid Accessories Buying Guide

There are three accessories every wearer should frequently be replacing to enjoy better hearing: domes, tubes and batteries. These apply to anyone with any degree of hearing loss.

Whether you have severe hearing loss, moderate hearing loss or are looking to enjoy better hearing after a hearing test, you can buy each of these hearing aid accessories from your local Sam's Club or SamsClub.com at members-only prices.

What Different Types of Hearing Aid Accessories Are There?

Batteries

While some BTE rechargeable hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, most still require disposable battery power. With this in mind, the #1 item to keep in bulk as a new hearing aid user is batteries. There are different sizes for what battery is needed based on the model. But you can generally assume that a BTE hearing device will have a larger battery compartment to fit larger hearing aid batteries sizes with longer battery lifespan than smaller ITE, ITC or CIC models.

At Sam's Club, we have the three most common battery sizes: size 10, size 13 and size 312. The size 10 is yellow, while the size 13 is orange and the size 312 is brown. The shelf life of a hearing aid battery depends a little on the types of hearing aid batteries, the size of the battery, and the hearing aid battery brand.

With Duracell 10s, 13s and 312s, the average shelf life is between two and four years. Batteries should be stored in room temperature, away from humid environments, like bath cabinets. Heat and humidity will shorten battery lifespans and charge times. And batteries shouldn't be left somewhere that they might touch or rub up against other metal objects causing a short circuit which will drain its charge.

By following those best practices, the shelf life shouldn't be too much of a problem. A new battery will power your device between three days and two weeks, depending on the battery size and your device's power consumption. Some quick math would suggest a 32-pack of Duracell hearing aid batteries, used every day, will last you less than two years.

Sam's Club offers 32-packs of Duracell batteries at members-only prices.

Replacement tubes

If your hearing care professional has advised using a BTE hearing aid with a sound tube, you should be replacing the tube every three to four months. You should check the tubes regularly for any stiffness, cracking or discoloration. You may also notice the sound isn't as clear and may even sound muffled. If you think your tube is wearing down quicker, change it out early. Sam's Club has replacement micro poly tubes and power tubes from General Hearing and Liberty Hearing Aids.

Replacement domes

Similarly, if your health care provider is recommending BTE hearing aid with a sound tube and dome, you should also be replacing the dome every two months. Check that the dome isn't cracking or built up with earwax. Also, if the sound is becoming unclear, but your tubes appear in good condition, consider swapping out the dome. Sam's Club has replacement sound domes from General Hearing.

What Sizes of Hearing Aid Accessories Can I Choose?

The size of your accessory should be tied to the size of your device. Check what battery, replacement-part and other accessory sizes are recommended for best performance and fit according to your hearing aid model.

There are four main sizes of battery: From small to large, they are the 675, 312, 13 and 10. Most devices use the 312, 13 or 10, and these are the batteries hearing aid wearer's can buy in bulk from Sam's Club.

What to Consider when Buying Hearing Aid Accessories

Hearing aid maintenance

It's important to maintain your hearing aid to keep your sense of sound accurate. This means no matter your hearing aid styles (receiver in the aid, receiver in canal, in the outer ear, in the canal or completely in the ear canal) you should be keeping your devices directional microphones clean. Schedule a professional cleaning every 6 months. Consider if your personal sound amplification items need maintenance, too.

If you're using a BTE, hearing health care professionals recommend changing out your sound tubing every three to four months, or when you detect cracking, stiffness or discoloration. And it means replacing the sound dome every two months, or when you find it with any buildup of earwax. Don't just clean them; swap them out.

Battery size

There's no point buying a battery that isn't the right size. If you need a size 312, size 13, or size 10 battery, get a 32-pack from SamsClub.com.

Battery life

Don't risk the well-being of your device on an unproven battery. Duracell is one of the most trusted names in batteries, and millions of hearing aid wearers in the United States use Duracell for everyday usage without issue.

Health insurance coverage

Depending on your state and plan, some hearing aid accessories may be covered by your insurance. In case it's not, Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can almost always be used on medical devices, and your hearing aid falls into that category. Instead of paying out of pocket, check if your HSA or insurance can save you some money by covering the costs.

Price

For items that you will need to change our regularly, stock up on multi-packs from Sam's Club instead of buying a single replacement.

What Brands of Hearing Aid Accessories Does Sam's Club Sell?

Sam's Club has hearing aid accessories from General Hearing, Liberty Hearing Aids and Duracell.

FAQ - Hearing Aid Accessories

What are 312 batteries?

312 batteries are a common battery size for Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids.

Where to buy 312 batteries?

You can buy 32-packs of Duracell size-312 hearing aid batteries from Sam's Club and SamsClub.com

Does Medicare cover hearing aid batteries and accessories?

Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid accessories.

Does Medicaid cover hearing aid batteries and accessories?

This varies by state, but Medicaid does cover hearing aids, batteries and accessories in over half of all states. Check the local plan for details.

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

Hearing aid batteries can provide a charge for three days to three weeks, depending on the battery size and composition. Hearing aid batteries have an average shelf life of between two and four years, so buying them in bulk is recommended.