What You Need to Know About Wireless Hearing Aids

Hearing aids have advanced dramatically throughout the past 10-15 years.

As each year goes by, hearing aids become smaller, more discreet, and more reliable at enhancing sound. They also come well equipped with several innovative features, including the ability to connect to other gadgets wirelessly, which is what we’ll be going over today.

Here’s how wireless technology works and how you can benefit.

How Bluetooth technology works

Bluetooth is a standardized wireless communication platform that makes it possible for devices to interact with each other through radio waves. A wide assortment of products incorporates Bluetooth technology, including smartphones, portable music players, tablets, computers, and TVs.

Have you ever noticed someone talking on their phone using a hands-free wireless headset? Or someone receiving a call from their mobile phone using their car audio system? That’s Bluetooth technology in action.

So can you buy a Bluetooth hearing aid?

Yes and no. Bluetooth technology demands a greater power supply than can be delivered by hearing aid batteries. But there is a workaround, and in fact, there are two.

Your options for wireless hearing aids

Hearing aids do not include Bluetooth technology directly because, as we explained, it would deplete the battery too quickly. Fortunately, manufacturers solved this problem long ago by creating an intermediary between the hearing aid and the Bluetooth device (phone, TV, computer, etc.). This intermediary is called either a “streamer” or an “assistive listening device.”

Here’s how it works: your Bluetooth equipped cell phone communicates wirelessly to the streamer which then directs the signal to the hearing aid without depleting the battery.

So, if you’re in the market for wireless hearing aids, you have two primary options:

1. Hearing aids paired with an assistive listening device – as outlined above, the assistive listening device, or streamer, which is a small hand-held device, acts as an intermediary between the Bluetooth device and the hearing aid.
2. Made for iPhone hearing aids – several hearing aid models are branded as “Made for iPhone,” which in essence means that the iPhone acts as the streamer itself, connecting directly with the hearing aid.

Your hearing care expert can help you figure out which choice is right for you.

The benefits of wireless hearing aids

Whether using a Made for iPhone hearing aid or a streamer, there are several perks to going wireless, including:

• Improved music listening experience – imagine streaming your favorite music from your iPhone or handheld music player directly to your hearing aids. By doing this, your hearing aids transform into a pair of top-quality earbuds.
• Hands-free phone calls – answering calls without the use of your hands is more convenient and having the sound stream straight to the hearing aids provides better sound quality.
• Sharper TV sound – streaming the audio from your computer, tablet, or television leads to clearer sound and enhanced speech comprehension from movies and TV shows. You’ll never struggle to understand dialogue again.
• Better gym experience – listen to your favorite podcasts or music at the gym without any wires getting in the way.
• Customized control – discreetly adjust your hearing aid volume and settings by using your wireless remote control or iPhone (with compatible models).
• Connection to hearing loops – hearing aids equipped with telecoils can connect with hearing loop systems in community venues like auditoriums, theaters, and courts.

Considering upgrading to wireless hearing aids? Call us today for more information.