Bluetooth hearing aids have gained immense popularity for years due the increasing cases of hearing loss. Not only are these devices modern, but they also allow better hearing and offer a direct connection to a smartphone for more integrated audio experience. In this article, we discuss the differences between Bluetooth hearing aids for both Android and Apple devices.

What Is Bluetooth for Hearing Aids?

Bluetooth for hearing aids are among the latest innovation in the field of hearing aid. They use Bluetooth technology to connect wirelessly to any other modern electronic device like a phone, tablet, or even a television. This, in turn, facilitates the direct streaming of audio to your ears, something that considerably and positively improves your life since you can now hear more clearly in any situation, be it a phone conversation, TV, or music.

How do Bluetooth Hearing Aids Work

Bluetooth hearing aids take sound from your device and send it to your hearing aids with the help of radio waves. This connection extends a reach of around 30 feet. With this relatively broad reach, one can boast of being adequately mobile while basking in their audio. Over the years, the technology in Bluetooth hearing aids has improved substantially to high-definition streaming and improved quality of sound.

Benefits of Bluetooth Hearing Aids

  1. Better Connectivity

One of the best benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids is that they can be linked to different devices. You can connect to iOS devices, Android devices, or even television. Bluetooth hearing aids allow you to stream audio directly from any device.

This means phone calls can be taken directly via your hearing aids, which eliminates the need to literally hold the phone on speaker next to your ear. Conversations become clearer and more comfortable this way.

  1. Improved Sound Quality

Bluetooth hearing devices offer excellent sound, way better than that of traditional hearing aids. They give the user all the power to manage the controls, making it easier to understand conversations and listen to entertainment without a hassle in noisy backgrounds. Additionally, most of them come with noise reduction to enable one to hear sounds that matter.

  1. Customization and Control

Majority of Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids are equipped with apps that, from your cell phone, allow you to change the settings. You can navigate different programs, change the volume levels, and even refine sound to best suit an environment.

Furthermore, these devices are designed to be comfortable and discreet. They can fit in your ear or behind the ear snugly, making them hard to be noticed by others. Additionally, the convenience of wireless connectivity means you won’t be bothered by cords or accessories.

    4 .Compatibility with Smart Devices

Since it uses Bluetooth technology, these hearing aids are compatible with almost all smart devices — smartphones, tablets, and even smart home systems. You can stick your Bluetooth hearing aids in your ear and simply relax without having to go through the hassle of changing them for a different activity. You can access notifications, stream music, or even interact with Siri or the Google Assistant, all through your hearing aids.

Choosing the Right Bluetooth Hearing Aids

A number of factors need to be considered when choosing Bluetooth hearing aids, such as:

  1. Compatibility

Confirm that your smartphone is compatible with the hearing aids you intend to buy. Most of Bluetooth hearing aids are made such that they work on both Android and Apple devices, but there could be exceptions. Ensure that the hearing aids you choose are going to work with your particular phone and operating system.

Look for Android hearing aids with support to the recently launched Bluetooth Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) protocol. The ASHA protocol enables full audio streaming and is compatible with Android operating systems 10 and beyond.

  1. Features

Now look at the features most important to you. Some of the Bluetooth hearing aids come with these advanced technologies:

  -  Noise Reduction

 This would remove background noise or reduce such, for a clearer conversation.

  -  Directional Microphones

     This type of microphone will help you listen to conversations coming from a certain direction amidst noisy backgrounds.

- Streaming accessories: If direct Bluetooth connectivity is not available on the hearing aid, then there are separate streaming accessories that can be bought to make a device compatible with the hearing aid model, thereby making it capable of pairing up with more devices.

  1. Comfort and Fit

Comfort is crucial because you will spend reasonable amount of time with the devices. Most of the Bluetooth hearing aids are custom-folded and cut for a snug and comfortable fit. First consult with an audiologist where your ear size will be determined for the most effective design and fit.

  1. Budget

Bluetooth hearing aids come at different prices, so it would be wise to put a budget in place before shopping for one. While there are expensive models with more technologically advanced features, there are also budget-friendly options to consider. Let your audiologist be aware of your different financial considerations so you can find a solution that will get the job done without hurting your wallet.

How to Connect Your Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Below are general steps to help you connect your Bluetooth hearing aids to your smartphone. Note that the steps might be slightly different on your device.

iPhone

  1. Turn on Bluetooth: Go to your iPhone's Settings > Bluetooth and toggle the switch to turn it on.
  2. Get Your Hearing Aids Ready: Read your hearing aid manual to understand how to put your hearing aids in pairing mode. This is usually done by switching your hearing aids on and off, or alternatively, opening and closing the battery compartment.
  3. Pair Your Hearing Aids: At this point, your hearing aids should appear in the list of devices under the "Other Devices" section. Click on your hearing aids in order to pair them with your iPhone.
  4. Adjust Settings: Once paired, you can control your hearing aids from within the companion app and adjust any settings therein as you wish.

Android

  1. Turn on Bluetooth: You will need to turn on Bluetooth on your Android phone. You can access that from Settings >> Connected devices >> Pair new device.
  2. Make Your Hearing Aids Ready for Pairing: The same as with the iPhone process, here you will need to check the user manual of your hearing aids to see instructions on how to get them into pairing mode.
  3. Pair with Your Hearing Aids: After the hearing aids appear under "Available Devices," tap on them for pairing.
  4. Finish the Connection: Follow any additional prompts with instructions to complete the pairing, and you are set up to stream any audio.

Conclusion

Bluetooth hearing aids are a new solution for hearing loss. It combines connectivity and sound quality with convenience and tailor-made use. With Bluetooth hearing aids, you now have a solution for seamless audio streaming from their smartphone, tablet, and basically any other device. Check out our website for current Bluetooth hearing aid devices for both Android and iOS devices.