Bluetooth Technology and Hearing Aids

Hearing aids have historically been quite behind in terms of technology. While they provided sound amplification for their users, it wasn’t until recently that manufacturers find newer ways to evolve hearing aid technology and offer vital features to our modern world. Nowadays, hearing aids come with a plethora of advanced features, and one of the most useful and convenient ones is Bluetooth technology.

What is Bluetooth?

If you’ve ever used a smartphone, then you’ll have noticed that you have some features that are known as Bluetooth. Bluetooth is primarily a communication platform that is used wirelessly. The most common use of Bluetooth technology is in headsets and computer input devices such as keyboards and mice. This wireless technology can be utilized by almost any device that supports it, so Bluetooth headphones that work with your smartphone can also work with your computer, tablet or laptop. This makes it very convenient for modern day smartphone and technology users, and the technology is now making its way to most hearing aids.

What does Bluetooth provide for hearing aids?

Bluetooth hearing aids work similarly to Bluetooth headsets, meaning that they can be used to stream audio from a device directly to your hearing aid. This means that you no longer have to remove your hearing aids in order to listen to audio from your phone, such as playing music or answering a phone call.

This makes it incredibly convenient since you no longer need to use a variety of different devices to make better use of your technologically-empowered lifestyle. This essentially means that you can use your hearing aids as output devices that can sync with stereo devices, smartphones, computers, laptop or tablets for a lot of conveniences.

Do I need a specific device to use Bluetooth hearing aids?

In the past, Bluetooth was used in addition to a streaming device which relayed the sounds wirelessly to your hearing aids. However, recent advances have made it possible for your Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids to connect directly to your devices, removing the need for an intermediary device and thus making the pairing process easier. While you may need specific devices that support the use of hearing aids, they have become far more popular and accessible.

Apple has already integrated Hearing Aid Compatibility standards to its range of iPhones. All recent iPhones from 5s now support hearing aid use which means that any hearing aid you see with the “Made for iPhone” mark will work seamlessly and integrate within your iPhone’s ecosystem.

It's important to note, however, that Android devices also have their own method of supporting hearing aids, allowing you to find a way to integrate the two technologies seamlessly.

Which hearing aids have Bluetooth technology?

If you make a lot of use of technology and would be interested in hearing aids that utilize Bluetooth technology then we recommend that you get in touch with us at Integrity Hearing and Solutions where we provide some of the most advanced and up-to-date hearing aid technologies available such as rechargeable batteries and easy pairing with your mobile phone.

These hearing aids come with a plethora of advantages, such as being able to last longer on a full charge so that you don’t need to replace their batteries and they can also be quickly charged at your convenience so you don’t need to open them up to change the battery. They can also be paired with your smartphone which makes it very convenient to answer calls and listen to music, and in some cases, their companion app on your smartphone can be used to alter the settings of your hearing aid to provide targeted amplification to certain frequencies or directions. It can even be used to monitor your battery and alert you when it needs to be charged. As a bonus, it can also record diagnostic information so that your hearing instrument specialist can help tweak the settings and measure your progress when you next go in for an appointment.

Get in touch with us today

Integrity Hearing and Solutions is proud to offer the latest in hearing aid technology that can assist you in our increasingly technologically-assisted lifestyles. If you’re interested in Bluetooth hearing aids and the benefits they can offer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at one of our convenient locations:

• Mechanicsburg: (717) 602-3899
• Carlisle: (717) 245-2437