Hearing aids with bluetooth

A hearing aid is a wearable, electronic device typically prescribed by an audiologist that amplifies sound for the user. A Bluetooth hearing aid has the capacity to connect to other electronic devices like smartphones, laptops and televisions, which means it can be controlled through the user’s device of choice rather than through tiny on-device buttons or a remote. It also means users can play audio from their devices—such as music, movies or phone calls—directly through their hearing aid’s speakers.

How Do Bluetooth Hearing Aids Work?

Just like other devices with Bluetooth connectivity, Bluetooth hearing aids connect to other devices by using radio frequency to transmit data. The radio waves involved are weak—much weaker than those used for cell phone calls, for example—and as such only travel short distances. Connecting devices via Bluetooth is called “pairing” them and is most often done through an accompanying smartphone app. Beside this ability to connect to other devices within a short distance, Bluetooth hearing aids function the same as traditional hearing aids.

Can You Get Rechargeable Bluetooth Hearing Aids?

Some Bluetooth hearing aids come in rechargeable versions for users who prefer to avoid disposable batteries. Phonak offers rechargeable Bluetooth hearing aids, including the Paradise model on our list, with a single charge lasting a full day. (Most users charge these hearing aids overnight.) The Oticon More and Resound One hearing aids on our list can also be rechargeable.

The Cost of Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Many hearing aid manufacturers don’t offer their products directly to consumers, so it can be tough to find accurate pricing with only a click. Hearing aids are also often sold as part of a “bundle” with additional services (like necessary follow-ups with an audiologist) so it may not be clear what a “sticker price” actually reflects. While many people with hearing loss are affected in both ears, hearing aids are usually priced individually, not as a pair.

There are many hearing aid options on the market with price tags reading less than $2,000, though not usually less than $1,500. Higher-end products often exceed $3,000, but it’s unlikely for a single hearing aid to exceed $4,000 significantly.

Hearing Aids Compatible With Android

Most hearing aid manufacturers offer at least one hearing aid model that’s compatible with devices powered by the Android operating system. However, this compatibility doesn’t guarantee that every function can be used hands-free. For example, some still require the user to speak into their phone during a call in order for the person on the other end to hear their voice. However, the other person’s audio will stream directly to the user’s hearing aids.

All of the hearing aids on our list are Android Bluetooth hearing aids.

Hearing Aids That Are Made-for-iPhone Compatible

Hearing aids that are listed as “MFi” are considered compatible with iPhones and other iOS devices. This compatibility enables users to talk on the phone, as well as access other audio content, via their hearing aids, which reduces the need for earbuds. This connectivity also allows users to customize the way they hear these sounds without affecting the hearing experience of others around them, especially as it relates to streaming music and video content.

More than 100 hearing devices are currently considered hearing aids made for iPhone. Of the Bluetooth hearing aids on our list, Starkey Evolve AI, Signia Insio Charge&GO AX, Oticon More and ReSound One hearing aids are MFi devices.

What Are the Benefits of Using Hearing Aids With Bluetooth?

There are several perks to choosing hearing aids with Bluetooth compatibility, including:

Enhanced sound quality. Bluetooth technology is known for providing high-quality hearing experiences because it streams sound directly to the ears in a reliably stable manner, minimizing feedback and other unwanted sounds.
Hearing with both ears. For people who wear hearing aids in both ears, Bluetooth technology allows the hearing aids to communicate with one another and regulate sound appropriately, helping the user to hear more clearly.
Easier personalization. Most Bluetooth hearing aids feature a variety of personalization options that the user can control without the assistance of an audiologist. From volume to sound frequency, these hearing aids can be adjusted so the audio the user is streaming matches their hearing needs.
Remote access. Bluetooth compatible hearing aids can be controlled via another connected device, such as a phone or tablet, making it easy to adjust settings or change programs through the device’s accompanying app instead of pressing small buttons on the aid manually.

Bluetooth Hearing Aid Safety

There’s no current evidence to suggest that Bluetooth hearing aids pose any threat to users’ health. While some question whether the radiation from wireless hearing aids is associated with brain damage, no reliable research supports such hypotheses. In fact, Bluetooth technology has been used safely in hearing aid models from leading manufacturers for more than a decade.

Audiologists published in The Hearing Review state: “Consumers should be confident knowing that wireless hearing aids are safe and strictly regulated medical devices that meet governmental wireless communication standards in addition to those set forth for medical devices.”

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The 5 Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids In 2022

If you are contemplating a hearing aid purchase, it’s important to consider such factors as sound quality, programming, and rechargeability. In the run-down below, we will primarily focus on the Bluetooth features available to each model.

Dr. Ben Thompson and the team of audiologists at Treble Health discuss the five best Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids of 2022

#1 Phonak Paradise

The Phonak Paradise is a favorite among the Treble Health team, as we have worked with it for many years now. It boasts seamless Bluetooth compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices, and is the ideal hearing aid for patients who need to stream sound therapy or like to listen to podcasts and YouTube videos. The Phonak Paradise can be paired with up to eight devices, and can even stream audio from two devices simultaneously. The Phonak Paradise’s Bluetooth signal is also incredibly efficient, so you don’t have to worry about draining battery life.

#2 Oticon More

Oticon is a well-respected company known for offering excellent sound quality across their line of hearing aids. The Oticon More offers excellent Bluetooth compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices. And, similar to the Phonak Paradise, the Oticon More has a very efficient signal and won’t significantly drain battery life whenever Bluetooth is toggled on.

#3 ReSound One

The ReSound One offers quality Bluetooth compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices. These hearing aids also boast great battery life, meaning that you can stream Bluetooth audio for up to 25 hours before needing to recharge them.

#4 Signia Pure Charge&Go AX

The Pure Charge&Go AX are the newest hearing aid model from Signia. They offer quality Bluetooth compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices.

#5 Starkey Hearing Aids

Starkey is another popular hearing aid manufacturer. While they offer Bluetooth compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices across their hearing aid models, some patients have reported instances of weak Bluetooth signals (for example, when the Bluetooth source is further away from the hearing aids). Additionally, Starkey’s Bluetooth has been known to drain battery life faster than some of the other models recommended in this article.

That concludes our recommendations of the best Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids—thank you for reading! If you are interested in learning more about any of the above hearing aid brands, then sign up for a free consultation through Treble Health. We would love to connect you with one of our audiologists and talk more about your hearing aid needs.

What To Do Next For Hearing Loss

Finding the right hearing aids can be a process. At Treble Health, we have compiled a consumer guide that explains the pros and cons of the best hearing aids on the market. Click here to get the free Hearing Aids in 2022: Consumer Guide.

Want to speak with an expert audiologist about hearing aids instead? At the tap of a finger, you can schedule a free Hear From Home™ telehealth consultation today! You’ll be connected with a real audiologist, not a salesperson, and there is no obligation or commitment.

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