Hearing aids in 2022 are, basically, tiny supercomputers for your ears. They’ve come a long way from their big, clunky analog predecessors. With all that new technology wrapped up in a tiny hearing aid what additional features can you look forward to? One of the big ones is Bluetooth for hearing aids!

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth uses high-frequency radio signals to transfer data from one device to another; most commonly used for wirelessly transferring visual and audio information (1). Cell phones, wireless headphones, keyboards, speakers, televisions, cars, and hearing aids, are capable of using these features. Putting it simply, Bluetooth allows different devices to connect with each other, share information, and broadcast that information through their respective features.

Bluetooth Features in Hearing Devices

In 2005, Starkey Labs launched the first hearing aids with Bluetooth (2). While basic in its function, it was the first time you could stream from another device to the hearing aids.

Since then, its capabilities within hearing aids have improved. The Bluetooth chip itself is smaller, allowing the aids to remain discreet. Additionally, direct streaming without the use of an intermediary device is now possible. Previously, you could only use direct Bluetooth streaming with Apple devices. Now, in 2022, you can stream directly through Bluetooth with both Apple and Android phones, as well as other devices like a TV streamer or remote microphone. For this reason, most hearing aids now contain Bluetooth as a standard component.

How to Use It

With your cellphone…

1. Turn on the Bluetooth setting; it will then start searching for a device to connect with.
2. Turn your hearing aids off and on. This allows them to be found by a Bluetooth device.
3. Open your hearing aid-specific App and walk through the settings to pair the phone to the hearing aids.
4. Stream your music, phone calls, etc. directly to your ears!

Once you get the hang of it, it’s simple I promise! If you need help getting everything set up, most manufacturers have YouTube videos to walk you through or we would be happy to help in the office. Additionally, ask your practitioner about Bluetooth-capable accessories that can be paired to your hearing devices!

References

1. Janssen, T. (2022, July 21). Bluetooth hearing aids. In Hearing Directory. Retrieved from https://www.hearingdirectory.ca/help/hearing-aids/bluetooth
2. Pachal, P. (2020, February 25). Bluetooth hearing aids are ready from prime time. In Bluetooth.com. Retrieved from https://www.bluetooth.com/blog/bluetooth-hearing-aids-are-ready-for-prime-time/