Hearing Aids and Bluetooth Compatibility
The Evolution of Hearing Aids in the Digital Age
Hearing aids have come a long way from their early analog days. Today, modern digital hearing aids not only provide clearer sound and noise reduction but also offer Bluetooth compatibility, allowing seamless connectivity with compatible smartphones and other devices. This technological advancement has revolutionized the way individuals with hearing loss interact with the world, making phone calls, music streaming, and even virtual meetings more accessible.
How Bluetooth-Enabled Hearing Aids Work
Many hearing aids now use Bluetooth, a wireless communication technology, to connect directly to smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Which eliminated the need for an intermediary device between your hearing aids and your smart phone/device. There are four types of Bluetooth technology used in hearing aids:
Apple Made for iPhone (MFi): Hearing aids with built-in Bluetooth compatibility were first released in 2014 by the hearing aid manufacturer ReSound. These hearing ads could only connect to Apple iPhones due to Apple’s development and release of the MFi technology. To this day Apple iPhones and iPads remain the most stable smart devices with connectivity to hearing aids.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Found in newer models, BLE allows direct connection between hearing aids and smartphones via the Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) protocol; without draining the battery quickly. It is important to note, not all smart phones utilize the ASHA protocol and therefore have unstable connections. The ASHA protocol enabled Android phones to connect to hearing aids for the first time in 2019.
Classic Bluetooth: Provides clear crisp sound quality and is the “Bluetooth” most of us utilize everyday with all kinds of devices, e.g. Bluetooth speakers, watches, smart-home devices, computers, TVs, etc. It isn’t used by most hearing aid manufacturers due to the high battery usage required for a stable connection. However, Sonova products (Phonak and Unitron) use this protocol for audio streaming.
Auracast™ Broadcast Audio:
Benefits of Bluetooth-Compatible Hearing Aids
Hands-Free Phone Calls – Users can hear phone calls directly through their hearing aids, ensuring clearer conversations and reducing background noise.
Music and Media Streaming – Audio from apps, podcasts, and music streaming services can be transmitted directly to the hearing aids, providing an immersive listening experience.
Adjustable Sound Settings – Many hearing aid apps allow users to adjust volume, sound settings, and even switch between different listening programs via their smartphones.
Binaural Streaming – Bluetooth enables sound to be transmitted to both hearing aids simultaneously, enhancing stereo sound and speech clarity.
Accessibility to Smart Assistants – Users can connect to voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant for hands-free control of their smartphones.
Compatibility with Smartphones
Most major hearing aid manufacturers offer Bluetooth-compatible models that work with both iPhone (iOS) and Android devices. However, compatibility varies based on the hearing aid brand, cell phone brand, and model. Often the “essential” cell phone models are not compatible with hearing aid technologies. It is important to discuss your interest in Bluetooth technology with your Audiologist. If you cell phone isn’t directly compatible with your hearing aids, an additional Bluetooth streamer can facilitate audio streaming.
Considerations When Choosing a Bluetooth Hearing Aid
Before purchasing a Bluetooth-compatible hearing aid, consider the following factors:
Device Compatibility – Ensure your smartphone model supports direct connectivity.
Battery Life – Bluetooth streaming can drain battery life; rechargeable models may be more convenient.
Additional Accessories – Some devices may require a streaming accessory for full functionality.
Final Thoughts
Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids provide greater accessibility, convenience, and sound clarity, enhancing communication and entertainment experiences for users. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more seamless integration between hearing aids and smartphones. If you're considering upgrading your hearing aids, consulting with an audiologist can help you find the best Bluetooth-compatible option tailored to your needs.
