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Bluetooth hearing aids are becoming increasingly common among leading hearing care brands. They allow people to link their hearing aids to mobile phones and other devices.
Quick look links
- For a 30-hour battery life and direct connectivity: ReSound LiNX Quattro
- For a custom-made earpiece: Starkey Livio
- For multi-device compatibility: Miracle-Ear CONNECT
- For 24-hour support: Signia Styletto Connect
- For a full bundle package: The Lively Bundle
- For a rechargeable case that offers up to 1-week of power: Eargo Neo HiFi
- For a multi-device connection through a separate intermediate device: Oticon More
- For in-person purchase, set-up, and maintenance: Widex Evoke
Bluetooth technology allows two or more devices to connect wirelessly using radio waves. These devices usually need to be in close proximity.
Bluetooth hearing aids allow users to link their mobile phones, speakers, computers, tablets, or music systems to their hearing devices. Some smart televisions are also compatible with them. This function may help people hear phone calls, music, and audio more clearly.
A person may wish to choose a Bluetooth hearing aid because of its compatibility with a range of devices.
Some advantages of Bluetooth hearing aids include:
- No need for wires: A person can hear music and audio from a TV or computer without earbuds or headphones.
- Hands-free calls: People do not need to put their ear to their mobile phone to hear as the audio streams directly into their hearing aids.
- Smartphone control: Some Bluetooth hearing aids are compatible with mobile phones, allowing people to control volume and settings discreetly and efficiently.
- Connection to hearing loops: Hearing loops, which provide a magnetic wireless connection to hearing aids, are usually available in public venues such as theaters and courts. They can cut out background noises and are compatible with most hearing aids when users set their hearing aid to the Telecoil “T” setting to connect.
Bluetooth hearing aids have various features, including smartphone and computer connectivity and smartphone-compatible apps that allow people to control volumes and settings.
However, a person may wish to consider several factors before buying these devices.
Some Bluetooth products are more expensive than other hearing aids due to their connectivity features. Individuals may wish to consider this when budgeting for a new hearing aid.
Bluetooth hearing aids may also consume battery life quicker than other hearing aids. With this in mind, people may wish to purchase these products that use rechargeable batteries and consider whether the benefits outweigh the need to change or recharge the batteries more regularly.
Some companies may offer hearing aids that are compatible with Apple’s patented Bluetooth technology. This allows a direct connection between a hearing aid and certain Apple products, reducing battery use.
Another consideration is that some Bluetooth hearing aids may require a streamer to keep in a pocket or around the neck. Some people may find this inconvenient and may prefer purchasing a Bluetooth or non-Bluetooth hearing aid that does not require this component.
Many Bluetooth hearing aids come in different styles, including receiver-in-ear and behind-the-ear variants. A person should ensure that the hearing aid they are purchasing comes in the style they require.
Several companies manufacture Bluetooth hearing aids. Below are four examples of these products that people may consider purchasing.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.
ReSound LiNX Quattro
These Bluetooth hearing aids use rechargeable batteries. The company states this model can last 30 hours on a single charge.
This product does not require a streamer — a person can directly connect their Bluetooth-compatible devices without the need for an intermediate device.
However, ReSound says they cannot guarantee this product will work with all Android devices.
This model is available in three styles: receiver-in-ear, behind-the-ear, and custom-crafted models.
ReSound also offers an app that allows users to control the volume using their mobile phones. This function also enables individuals to track their battery status, change settings according to their location, and track missing hearing aids.
Learn more about the ReSound brand.
Starkey Livio
This Bluetooth hearing aid contains rechargeable batteries that last for 24 hours on one charge.
It uses Bluetooth to connect to any compatible devices, including selected smartphones, music players, and TVs.
The Livio is custom-made to fit a person’s ear canal. This may reduce tangling in any face and neck accessories such as face masks. However, this type of hearing aid may not be suitable for everyone. Audiologists can advise individuals on which hearing aid might work best for them.
The Starkey Livio model is available in behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, and in-the-canal styles.
Additionally, Starkey offers a Thrive Hearing Control app that allows a person to control volume and other settings using Bluetooth connectivity on their smartphone. The app includes features such as fall detection, medication reminders, and a hearing aid locator.
Learn more about the Starkey brand.
Miracle-Ear CONNECT Hearing Aid
This product uses rechargeable batteries for more than 12 hours of life on a single charge.
Miracle-Ear states that these hearing aids automatically change environmental settings to suit different locations and noise. This model also features water resistance.
These hearing aids are compatible with various devices, including smartphones, TVs, computers, and tablets, without the need for a streamer.
The Miracle-Ear CONNECT Hearing aid is available in receiver-in-canal or behind-the-ear styles.
Learn more about the Miracle-Ear brand.
Signia Styletto Connect hearing aid
The Styletto Connect is compatible with many smartphones and devices.
This model is rechargeable and comes with a small, portable charging case. One charge provides the device with up to 19 hours of runtime without streaming and up to 16 hours of streaming.
Signia offers an app that connects users to their hearing aid devices via Bluetooth. The app allows a person to control volume and other settings and stream audio directly into the hearing aids. It also gives individuals access to 24/7 support.
This device is a behind-the-ear hearing aid and is available in three different colors. It is suitable for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Learn more about the Signia brand.
The Lively Bundle rechargeable hearing aids
Lively offers a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Bluetooth hearing aid bundle that includes programmed hearing aids and a charging case that holds three full charges. After a full charge, this hearing aid battery can reportedly last up to 30 hours.
Individuals use a smartphone app to control the hearing aid settings, while the Bluetooth capabilities also allow them to listen to music and receive and make phone calls. Additionally, Lively states their audiologist can make remote adjustments should a person need assistance with their hearing aid settings.
The bundle includes a 3-year manufacturer warranty, 3-year loss and damage protection, and 3 years’ worth of follow-up audiological care.
Learn more about the Lively brand.
Eargo Neo HiFi
Eargo’s Bluetooth hearing aids come with a charging case, USB plug, charging cable, cleaning brush, and wax guard. They also come with different sized “flexi tetrapalms,” the hearing aid’s in-ear, medical-grade silicone tips.
An Eargo audiologist acts as a guide for the Eargo app, through which a person can manage their hearing aid settings and make adjustments to match their environment.
After a full charge, the company claims that the case can power the hearing aids for up to 1 week, with the hearing aids taking approximately 30 mins to recharge.
This product also comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime support from Eargo’s licensed hearing care team.
Learn more about the Eargo brand.
Oticon More
With Oticon More hearing aids, a person can use its companion smartphone app to adjust sound levels, check the remaining battery, view instructions, and seek professional advice.
The hearing aids work with Apple and some Android devices via ConnectClip. They can also connect to various TV and music streaming accessories.
The Oticon More is also rechargeable, with a 3-hour charge providing a whole day of battery power. Additionally, the device features a quick recharge option, offering 6 hours of runtime from just 30 minutes’ charge.
Note that Oticon does not sell its hearing aids online — a person must visit an authorized retailer for fitting and adjustments.
The company offers a limited warranty on its products.
Learn more about the Oticon brand.
Widex Evoke
Widex claims to have the world’s first smart hearing aid in their Evoke range. These hearing aids are interactive and feature the ability to automatically adjust their settings to best suit a person’s needs and surroundings.
Available in up to 13 different colors, Evoke hearing aids work alongside apps and accessories to enhance an individual’s hearing in multiple settings.
Widex only works with hearing care professionals and doctors who conduct face-to-face consultations. This means that a person cannot purchase a Widex hearing aid online and need to visit an authorized retailer instead.
The company operates a warranty service that they will honor only through authorized Widex dealers.
The
Hearing aids can provide multiple benefits to those with hearing loss. Without treatment, this condition
A 2017 study on older adults found that hearing aids provide benefits for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The study participants reported that hearing aids positively impacted their ability to hear and enjoy everyday life.
Research from 2014 also found that using Bluetooth accessories in conjunction with hearing aids offers several reported benefits. These included hearing emotion and mood in conversations and audio from film and television more clearly.
However, some people may find that other methods of treating hearing loss are more beneficial. Implantable hearing aids, such as a middle ear implant and a bone-anchored hearing aid, may be more suitable for those with deafness in the middle ear or one ear.
It is essential that individuals look after their ears and hearing. The
- protecting ears from loud noises
- avoiding inserting anything into the ear unless a doctor prescribes it
- seeking medical treatment if there is any ear pain or discharge
- following a healthy diet and taking part in regular exercise
- avoiding smoking
Additionally, the
- expose themselves to loud noise
- notice a change in their hearing
- notice issues with communication
- have a family history of hearing loss
- take certain medications that increase the risk of hearing loss
Bluetooth hearing aids allow a person to stream audio from other compatible devices, such as smartphones or TVs, directly into their hearing aid.
People may notice improvements in daily life and communication by using these devices.
It is essential that adults have regular hearing checks and seek medical advice if they notice a change in their hearing.
Please note: Medical News Today does not imply warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any of these applications. Nobody at MNT has evaluated these apps for medical accuracy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them unless otherwise indicated.