Today, hearing aids can be connected via Bluetooth to other compatible devices, such as TVs, tablets, or cell phones. Some hearing aids are no longer used simply as hearing aids, but also as fully automatic headsets that can easily connect to many multimedia devices without the need for cables. With many Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, you can now make phone calls, listen to music or watch TV through your Bluetooth hearing aid. In the rest of this article, I will explain what Bluetooth is, what you can do with it, which hearing aids have Bluetooth and how much they cost!
What exactly is Bluetooth?
With Bluetooth, it is possible to transfer data from electronic devices over short distances. This data transfer is completely wireless. However, the distance between the transmitter and the receiver cannot be too great. In fact, how large the distance between the two devices depends on the sensitivity of the receiver. However, the usual tolerance range should be between 5 and 10 meters. When using hearing aids, the radio link between the devices makes it possible to talk using the hearing aid or watching TV, depending on the level of technology. These hearing aids contain innovative chip technology and therefore work properly. Not every hearing aid is equipped with a Bluetooth chip. In addition, not all hearing aids have the same range of functions.
What are the advantages of Bluetooth hearing aids?
This question is easy to answer. There are many great features that make the listening experience more comfortable and easier for hearing aid wearers. Of course, the various features vary slightly by manufacturer and price range, but what I will tell you in this list is included in most Bluetooth hearing aids. Broadcast sound directly from your TV to your hearing aid
- Listen to music
- Make phone calls
- Using the app for personal settings
So when you talk to your hearing aid, you can talk hands-free. The sound is also easy to understand, as it comes directly from the hearing aid to your ear. This is especially useful when driving a car, as slightly louder driving noises automatically fall on the back seat. However, even in online meetings via Skype, you can get a better understanding of the speaker without annoying background noise.
Which hearing do aids come with Bluetooth?
Hearing aids with Bluetooth are very popular in the market, which is why many manufacturers have decided to produce them. As a result, there is a wide range of hearing aids available today that includes Bluetooth capability. I will provide you with some extensive insight into Bluetooth hearing aids. ReSound The manufacturer ReSound has not only released some models but even tailored them for different hearing types, so they are suitable for everyone. Of course, all of the hearing aids on this list have Bluetooth. Of course, there are many manufacturers besides ReSound that sell hearing aids via Bluetooth. The most expensive and newest hearing aid is not necessarily the best for you. It must be tailored to your hearing and to your priorities and needs. That said, I will list more hearing aids here, all of which are equipped with Bluetooth.
As you can see, there is a large selection of just six manufacturers. In order to find the right Bluetooth hearing aid for you, it is best to make an appointment with one of our hearing aid acousticians. Our hearing aid acousticians will then work with you to conduct a hearing test and can then provide you with a personal recommendation. We will work with you to find the right hearing aid for you.
How much do hearing aids with Bluetooth cost?
As you saw in the first half of the article, the choice of hearing aids is not small. Prices vary by manufacturer, model, additional desires, and your hearing ability. To narrow it all down, I’ve broken down the hearing aids into categories and then provided you with an overview of the prices. All of these hearing aids are equipped with Bluetooth. The prices I list for you here are approximate, but they may also vary within a model (due to battery size or special adaptation of the earmold). This list does not include other accessories, such as charging stations or other microphones. Prices apply only to hearing aids and are not subsidized by health insurance companies.
What’s the difference between Bluetooth hearing aids? Can you stream live with everyone?
In principle, all hearing aids can be streamed via Bluetooth. There are no hearing aids with direct Bluetooth functionality in the device. For this, an external device (tow cable) needs to be connected to the hearing aid, which then provides you with the Bluetooth option. If Bluetooth is to be used, these two cables must be very close to the hearing aid, otherwise, the connection can be easily disconnected. Usually, you can wear the ribbon around your neck with a string. If the streaming does not work even though the hearing aid has Bluetooth capability, it is attributed to the Bluetooth protocol. The Bluetooth protocol is the version of Bluetooth that your device has. This is the key point, because if your device does not have at least Bluetooth version 2.1 or higher, version 4.2, it will not even connect to most hearing aids. The same goes for the right app. If you want to change something on your hearing aid through an app, that app may not work on your device. The reason for this may be the Bluetooth version or the operating system version.
What problems do I encounter with Bluetooth hearing aids?
The hearing aid does not connect to your smartphone/tablet/TV. Sometimes there are problems pairing your hearing aid with other devices. On the one hand, it may be that the app you downloaded to your smartphone is not connected to your hearing aid. In this case, simply download the compatible app recommended by the manufacturer and try again. If it still doesn’t work, make sure that the Bluetooth function on your smartphone or tablet is turned on and that both devices are together. However, this can also be due to the smartphone, or usually the device you want to connect to your hearing aids. This is because they must be compatible with the hearing aid in order for a connection to be established. To find out which device is compatible with your hearing aid, simply check the manufacturer of your hearing aid on the website, otherwise, our hearing care professionals will be at your service. High battery consumption. Both the battery of your smartphone and the battery of your hearing aid is under considerable stress, especially when streaming. It is therefore possible that both devices must be charged relatively quickly. For hearing aids that are operated by batteries, the batteries must be replaced more frequently. This is often a problem with Bluetooth Classic hearing aids. They have such a high battery consumption because they are constantly processing large amounts of data. This allows more sound information to flow into the hearing aid. Bluetooth low-power technology can only exchange a small amount of data, but as the name implies, it consumes less energy than Bluetooth Classic. Data transfer (e.g. for setting up a hearing aid or changing a program) takes place via low energy variables. Low-power Bluetooth is only active when it is actually connected to the end device, which makes it particularly energy efficient.
Not every application offers the same customization options.
Some applications have more options than others to change volume, sound, or other settings. Which apps work with which hearing aids depend on the manufacturer. Before purchasing a hearing aid, learn more about compatible apps. That way, false expectations won’t arise and you won’t be surprised later.
Can I connect my old phone to the Phonak Paradise P90?
No, unfortunately, this will not work. You cannot connect any smartphone to any hearing aid. The old phone may not meet the technical standards required to pair with that hearing aid. Before purchasing a hearing aid, find out which smartphone is compatible with your hearing aid. That’s our brief overview of Bluetooth-equipped hearing aids.