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Many modern electronic devices these days come equipped with Bluetooth technology. This feature lets you stream audio between various devices, such as from a TV to your headphones, or from your phone to your car speakers.
Bluetooth connection to Apple iPhone® devices and other smartphones is available in hearing aids from every major hearing aid manufacturer.
When you pair the Bluetooth in your hearing aids to your smartphone, you can stream audio from phone calls, podcasts, music and other apps directly to your hearing aids. It varies by brand, but most hearing aids have a range of about 30 feet.
Why do I want Bluetooth in my hearing aids?
This advanced hearing aid technology offers many benefits to you, including:
Personalized listening experience
When having a phone conversation, or listening to music, the audio signal from your smartphone can often stream to one hearing aid, or both. The volume will be matched to amplify sounds according to what you need based on your hearing loss. You also can adjust the volume of the input, depending on the model you have. This personalization lets you hear other sounds in the room if you choose, or you can immerse yourself in the streaming input from your device.
Hands-free listening from across the room
Since streaming is a wireless technology, you do not have to hold your audio device closely to hear the sounds. Bluetooth technology allows you to move up to 30 feet away from the device, depending on the device used and the environment. For example, you can have your phone across the room from you and still be able to hear a podcast in your hearing aids.
Remote control of your hearing aids
You can remotely change the volume or program from either a streamer or from an app on your smartphone or smartwatch. This is especially useful if your hearing aids are too small to accommodate external controls, or you want to be discreet when adjusting your hearing aids in public.
Reliability
Bluetooth® is an electronics industry standard protocol. It’s not unique to a particular hearing aid or hearing aid manufacturer, so there is uniformity and reliability in the way that it works across all devices. The platform has been tested and refined already, as it’s been in use for many years in the mobile phone industry.
Bluetooth types
You may hear several types of Bluetooth mentioned. “Classic” is used to connect larger audio devices. It has a long range and requires a lot of power. The power requirement is too large a burden for hearing aids, which need to have enough power to last at least 14 hours per day. However, hearing aids have been able to leverage specific protocols to connect to Bluetooth that exists in smartphones, i.e., the Apple Made for iPhone technology or Android Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) protocol).
Auracast™
The Bluetooth LE (low energy) technology in hearing aids will make them ready for Auracast, a new Bluetooth protocol that lets multiple people connect to audio in a public setting, such as airport announcements or the TV at a sports bar. The website Soundly has a thorough article on Auracast and hearing aids. (Auracast is not yet widely available.)
Will my smartphone connect to hearing aids?
Made for iPhone™
Certain hearing aids can communicate with iPhone, iPad® and Apple Watch® devices. This technology allows connection without extreme stress on battery power. Most hearing aid manufacturers have released hearing aids that implement this Bluetooth technology, marketed as Made for iPhone. Visit the Apple website for a current listing of specific hearing aids that are compatible.
Android phones
Several hearing aid brands can also stream to Android-based phones using version 10.0 or higher. Check the version of your phone before visiting your hearing care provider so you know what options are available.
FAQ: Bluetooth hearing aids
Can Bluetooth help me watch TV?
Yes, depending on the model of hearing aid and television, you can stream the signal from a TV via Bluetooth to your hearing aids. Often you will need an adapter to wirelessly send the signal to your hearing aids. Talk to your hearing care provider for suggestions.
Does streaming cause my battery to drain faster?
Most manufacturers will estimate battery usage times based on non-streaming and streaming. The hearing aids will be working harder when streaming, and therefore the battery can drain faster. Usually this doesn’t negatively impact the wearer’s experience, but if you are often on the phone for hours or plan to stream TV all day, you may want to discuss this with your hearing healthcare provider when buying your next pair of hearing aids.
Does streaming cause my battery to drain faster?
Most manufacturers will estimate battery usage times based on non-streaming and streaming. The hearing aids will be working harder when streaming, and therefore the battery can drain faster. Usually this doesn’t negatively impact the wearer’s experience, but if you are often on the phone for hours or plan to stream TV all day, you may want to discuss this with your hearing healthcare provider when buying your next pair of hearing aids.
How do I connect my hearing aids to my smartphone?
Open up the Bluetooth options on your smartphone and you should see the hearing aids detected. Select the hearing aids and they will be paired. If you’re having trouble pairing your hearing aids, turn the hearing aids on and off and try to detect them with your smartphone again. If this isn’t successful, talk to your hearing care professional.
What if I don’t have Bluetooth in my hearing aids?
Nearly all brands of hearing aids sell a separate go-between device to allow you to connect your hearing aids to Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a smartphone. These are typically called streamers. Usually, the streamer is worn around the neck or placed in a pocket for hands-free operation. Speak to your hearing care provider about if a streamer option is necessary for you.
What about OTC hearing aids and Bluetooth?
Some OTC hearing aids also have the capability of connecting to devices via Bluetooth, but not all. Discuss with your hearing care professional about your options.
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