Hearing Aids and Modern Connectivity: Bluetooth and Beyond
This blog explains how Bluetooth hearing aids work, their connection with smartphones and other gadgets, and why this innovation is a game-changer for anyone looking to not just improve their hearing, but their entire lifestyle.
Hearing aids have come a long way from the bulky, basic devices of the past. Advanced hearing aids are no longer limited to improving sound; instead, they are designed to improve experiences. One of the major highlight features is Bluetooth technology, which allows users to connect to smartphones, TVs, and other devices effortlessly.
What was just once simply an amplifier has evolved into a sleek, discreet, and tech-savvy solution that integrates easily into your daily life.
What are Bluetooth hearing aids?
Bluetooth hearing aids are changing the way people experience sound. However, what exactly is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a wireless device technology that allows devices to exchange data over short distances. It has been a reliable standard in the mobile industry for years, having been tested and refined across various devices.
The unique connectivity of the technology makes it possible for hearing aids and smartphones, tablets, TVs, and other electronic gadgets to connect seamlessly without the need of cables.
These hearing aids work by streaming sounds from the connected device into your ear. Whether you are listening to your favourite music, watching TV shows, or answering a call, the sound quality is always improved, providing a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
Notably, there are two common types of Bluetooth hearing aids:
- Made for iPhone (MFi): These types of hearing aids are specifically designed to work with Apple products.
- Made for Android (MFA): Unlike MFi, MFA offers compatibility with a range of devices, including both iOS and Android-powered devices.
Smart hearing aids will provide you with greater convenience and better sound quality at every moment.
Connecting Bluetooth Hearing Aids With Smartphones
You can easily connect hearing aids with your smartphone and control all streaming and sound features directly from your phone. To accomplish this, simply do the following:
- Enable Bluetooth: Turn your smartphone’s Bluetooth on by going to settings, clicking on Bluetooth, and toggling it on.
- Pairing mode: This usually involves turning them on and off or long-pressing a dedicated pairing button.
- Search for device: On your smartphone Bluetooth menu, tap “Pair with new device” and wait for your advanced hearing aids to appear in the list of available devices.
- Pair devices: Select your hearing aids from the list. Once connected, you should be able to stream phone calls to hearing aids, alongside music, voice notes, and much more.
Interestingly, Bluetooth hearing aids can be paired with several apps that improve their functionality. Here are some popular ones:
Communication Apps:
- Skype, Zoom, and Teams. While not specifically made for hearing aids, these apps can be used for video calls with Bluetooth hearing aids for clear communication.
Health and Wellness Apps:
- MyFitnessPal. This app can be used alongside hearing aids for health management.
These applications are designed to provide better control over smart hearing aids and help you manage your daily activities easily.
Hearing Aids and Other Devices
Similar to smartphone support, Bluetooth hearing aids can link directly to other devices such as TVs, laptops, tablets, and home entertainment systems.
Whether you are binge-watching your favourite show on streaming platforms like Netflix or attending a virtual meeting, your hearing aids can deliver quality sound without interruption.
Public venues like theatres, churches, and conference halls also offer assistive listening devices (ALDs) that improve your listening experience in a show or a large gathering. These devices work in tandem with your hearing aids to bring you clearer and amplified sound in even the most challenging environments.
Additional Features You Should Know About
While modern Bluetooth smart hearing aids are fantastic for connecting to phones, TVs, and other gadgets, they come with even more features that absolutely redefine convenience, including the following:
Rechargeable Batteries
One standout feature is the rechargeable batteries, which saves you from the frustration of swapping out batteries and ensures that you are powered up for a day of clear hearing.
Geotagging
Geotagging is a discreet, yet powerful inbuilt feature that makes all the difference! It refers to the use of GPS to track the location of a device.
However, in the context of modern hearing aids, the concept is slightly different. Instead of tracking, some advanced hearing aids have a feature that allows them to automatically adjust their sound settings based on your geographic location.
For example, if you regularly go to a café or a busy environment, your smart hearing aids can remember the optimal sound settings for that location and switch to them when you return.
This feature is sometimes called location-based sound adjustments and is designed to prioritize and improve your convenience by adapting to different environments without requiring manual changes. It doesn’t matter if you are at home, work, or outdoors, you will never miss a beat.
Binaural streaming
Binaural streaming is also an interesting feature you might not know about. Similar to the work structure of geotagging, binaural streaming allows your advanced hearing aids to sync effortlessly for a more balanced, and natural sound, especially when streaming phone calls or listening to music.
Hands-free Calling
Hands-free calling is the icing on the cake. This feature is built to enable you to stream phone calls to a hearing aid without touching your phone, which is a huge convenience when driving or multitasking.
These powerful additional features of Bluetooth smart hearing aids can seamlessly connect you to the sounds that matter the most at all times!
Your Reliable Partner in Hearing Health
Did you know that 60% of Canadian adults experience hearing loss? In a fast-developing world where staying connected at all times is essential, the right hearing aids can change your life—but only if you have the right partner to guide you through the journey.
At Hearing Solutions, we do more than just fit you with the latest Bluetooth hearing aids; we ensure that every step of your hearing health is personalized and expertly managed.
Whether you are interested in streaming music, answering phone calls hands-free, or adjusting sound settings through your smartphone, our Bluetooth hearing aids integrate easily with modern technology, thus helping you to stay connected with what matters the most.
With our expert team by your side, you will have access to ongoing support and checkups to be sure that your hearing aids continue to meet your needs long after you leave our clinics.
Additionally, we offer maintenance services such as custom-fit ear molds, earwax removal, adjustments, and even smart hearing aids repairs.
Book a Hearing Appointment Today
Beyond doubt, Bluetooth hearing aids provide a world of convenience, from connectivity to smartphones and other gadgets to simplified streaming, thus making daily life more enjoyable.
As one of the leading hearing healthcare centres in Ontario, Hearing Solutions offers personalized care and expert knowledge to help you thrive with your advanced hearing aids.
Remember, we don’t just provide Bluetooth hearing aid devices, we also provide comprehensive hearing tests, ongoing support, and hearing health education.
For more information, you can contact us at 1-888-811-9799 or book an appointment to access a one-on-one session with our experts so we can help you find the perfect solution for your hearing journey.
References
National Council on Aging. (n.d.). Bluetooth hearing aids: How they work and their benefits. National Council on Aging. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/bluetooth-hearing-aids/
What Are Bluetooth Hearing Aids?: Healthy Hearing. (n.d.). Bluetooth hearing aids. Healthy Hearing.https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-aids/bluetooth
The Hearing Solution. (n.d.). Pros and cons of hearing aids with Bluetooth. The Hearing Solution. https://www.thehearingsolution.com/hearing-blog/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-hearing-aids-with-bluetooth
HearingLife. (n.d.). Bluetooth hearing aids. HearingLife. https://www.hearinglife.ca/hearing-aids/types/bluetooth
Bluetooth. (n.d.). Bluetooth technology website. Bluetooth. https://www.bluetooth.com/
Google Support. (n.d.). Pair hearing aids with accessibility features. Google Accessibility. https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/9426888?hl=en#zippy=%2Cpair-with-connected-devices%2Cpair-with-accessibility
Hear.com. (n.d.). How to connect hearing aids to a smartphone. Hear.com. https://www.hear.com/resources/hearing-aids/how-to-connect-hearing-aids-to-smartphone/
Hearing Aid UK. (n.d.). Pairing your phone with hearing aids. Hearing Aid UK. https://www.hearingaid.org.uk/hearing-aids/bluetooth/pairing-your-phone
Forbes Health. (n.d.). Assistive listening devices: Connecting hearing aids to other devices. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/health/hearing-aids/assistive-listening-devices/
SSH&C. (n.d.). Tips for watching TV with hearing aids. SSH&C. https://sshc.com/patient-resources/hearing-aids/tips-for-watching-tv-with-hearing-aids/
HP Community. (n.d.). Pairing laptops with hearing aids. HP Community. https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Audio/Pair-my-laptop-to-my-hearing-aids/td-p/9000457
Miracle-Ear. (n.d.). Binaural direct streaming in hearing aids. Miracle-Ear. https://www.miracle-ear.com/blog-news/technology-corner-binaural-direct-streaming
Custom Hearing. (n.d.). Smartphone hearing aids with geo-tagging. Custom Hearing. https://customhearing.net/blog/smart-phone-hearing-aids-can-keep-you-connected/
Bernafon. (n.d.). Hands-free calling with hearing aids. Bernafon. https://www.bernafon.co.uk/support/life-with-a-hearing-aid/connecting-to-other-devices/how-to-make-hands-free-calls-with-hearing-aids
