Bluetooth Technology in Hearing Aids: Connecting Your Ears to the World

bluetooth hearing aids
HHTM
June 2, 2024

Hearing aids have continued to evolve as they work to address the far reaching effects of hearing loss. Modern devices utilize advanced technology to process sound signals that are tailored to individual hearing profiles and preferences. This includes the integration of Bluetooth® connectivity, enabling wireless pairing with various devices to deliver sound directly into the ears.

Recent research underscores the multitude of Bluetooth benefits reported by hearing aid users themselves. These benefits are well-documented and extensively researched. Technological advancements such as Bluetooth offer enhanced avenues for improving hearing and affording users greater control through smartphone apps for sound adjustments and direct streaming from Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Understanding Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth technology was initially developed to overcome the use and entanglement of multiple cords connecting our computer peripherals. It is now synonymous with seamless wireless connectivity. Its fundamental principle revolves around the transmission of data between electronic devices over short distances without the need for physical cables.

In essence, Bluetooth allows one equipped device to communicate wirelessly with another within a specified range, typically ranging from 30 to 100 feet. By converting information into coded signals and broadcasting them, Bluetooth-enabled devices establish connections, facilitating various functionalities without the constraints of physical tethering.

Types of Bluetooth:

  • Classic Bluetooth: Primarily used for connecting larger audio devices, Classic Bluetooth boasts an extensive range but demands significant power consumption.
  • Low Energy (LE) Bluetooth: Designed for portable devices like hearing aids, LE Bluetooth consumes less power, ensuring prolonged battery life.

The integration of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio in hearing aids offers significant improvements, including lower latency, reduced power consumption, and enhanced sound quality. These advancements allow developers to incorporate more features without compromising battery life, which is essential for hearing aids that need to be on all day. Both rechargeable hearing aids and traditional zinc-air batteries, which can last five to seven days, benefit from Bluetooth LE technology.

Bluetooth LE Audio is superior to classic Bluetooth because it provides the same connectivity while consuming less power. This makes it more practical for continuous use in hearing aids.

Bluetooth LE Audio also enhances accessibility for hearing aid users by offering the same connectivity as earbuds, bridging a crucial gap. Low latency and high-quality audio enable smartphones to function as external microphones, improving sound quality and comprehension for hearing aid users, potentially surpassing that of individuals without hearing aids.

Auracast™: A New Frontier in Bluetooth Technology:

  • Auracast™ broadcast audio system, utilizing LE Audio, connects Bluetooth hearing devices to Auracast-enabled transmitters via smartphones, tablets, or computers.
  • It enables seamless streaming of audio in public settings like airports or sports bars, promising expanded versatility and accessibility.
  • While currently limited in availability, Auracast holds promise for revolutionizing Bluetooth’s applicability across diverse environments.

A discussion and demonstration of how Auracast works in hearing aids, shown below:

Types of Bluetooth Streaming in Hearing Aids:

  • Made for iPhone (MFi) Hearing Aids: Designed specifically for Apple devices, MFi hearing aids enable direct streaming without additional accessories, offering enhanced features like Live Listen.
  • Android-Compatible Hearing Aids: The ASHA protocol introduces Bluetooth compatibility for select Android devices, enabling audio streaming to hearing aids. Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) is a Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) protocol that allows Android devices to wirelessly transmit audio to compatible hearing aids.
  • Universal Streaming Hearing Aids: Sonova’s universal streaming solutions, utilizing the SWORD™ (Sonova Wireless One Radio Digital) chip, enable seamless connectivity with all Bluetooth-enabled devices, regardless of the protocol used. It supports classic Bluetooth® protocols, enabling direct connectivity to Android™, iPhone®, and classic cell phones without needing an additional streaming device.

Bluetooth hearing aid experience:

first bluetooth hearing aid device

Bluetooth technology has progressed significantly since 2005, when the ELI device was introduced. Image credit: Starkey.

The integration of Bluetooth connectivity into hearing aids traces back nearly two decades, to 2005 when Starkey introduced classic Bluetooth connectivity into the industry with its ELI device (which plugged into the bottom of a traditional Behind the Ear hearing aid), revolutionizing features like audio streaming.

However, Bluetooth technology’s evolution extends beyond mere audio streaming, and now encompasses expanded functionalities. This ongoing advancement underscores the transformative potential of Bluetooth technology in the world of hearing aids.

Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids provide users with a wireless connection to Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and TVs, enhancing convenience and accessibility. This integration allows users to hear phone calls and audio directly through their hearing aids, ensuring clear communication and an improved hearing experience in both ears.

Initially, Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids were designed to provide hearing aid users with greater control over their hearing experiences through dedicated smartphone apps, acting as remote controls for the hearing aids. The dedicated mobile apps have now advanced to offer users more sophisticated adjustments, helping reduce the need to visit the hearing care provider as often for minor adjustments.

Streaming the gap

For hearing aids lacking built-in Bluetooth capability, streamers serve as intermediary devices, linking the wireless technology of hearing aids with Bluetooth-enabled devices. By pairing the hearing aids with the streamer, and the streamer with external devices like smartphones, users can seamlessly transmit audio signals to their hearing aids via digital or electromagnetic means.

Streamers offer hands-free operation, typically worn around the neck or placed in a pocket, and can accommodate multiple paired devices. This versatility enables users to manage incoming calls while listening to other audio sources, enhancing convenience and accessibility for individuals with hearing impairment.

Smartphone Compatibility

To ensure smooth connectivity, your smartphone should meet certain requirements, though specifics may vary by hearing aid brand:

  • iPhone: Compatible with iPhone 5 and newer models running iOS 7 or later.
  • Android: Requires OS version 8 or newer, although compatibility may vary depending on your hearing aid model’s software.

Check compatibility requirements while shopping to ensure your phone aligns with your hearing aids. Additionally, keep your phone’s operating system updated to prevent connectivity issues.

The convenience of hands-free operation and minimal impact on battery life makes Bluetooth technology highly desirable for seamless connectivity and improved hearing experiences. This is why Bluetooth technology has become a standard feature in most modern prescription hearing aids and many OTC devices.

Why Choose Bluetooth Hearing Aids?

Embracing Bluetooth technology in your hearing aids opens up a world of benefits tailored to enhance your hearing experience:

  1. Personalized Listening Experience:

Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids offer a personalized listening experience, adjusting volume levels and amplifying sounds based on your specific hearing needs. Whether engaging in phone conversations or streaming music, you can immerse yourself in the audio or tune into surrounding sounds as desired.

  1. Hands-Free Listening:

With wireless streaming capabilities, you’re not tethered to your audio device. Bluetooth technology allows you to move freely, with a range of up to 30 feet or more depending on the environment and devices involved. For instance, you can enjoy podcasts or music from your phone across the room while still hearing clearly through your hearing aids.

  1. Multiple Connections:

Pairing your hearing aids with multiple devices via smartphone enables seamless switching between them. Whether browsing on a tablet or receiving a call on your phone, you can effortlessly transition between different audio sources without missing a beat.

  1. Remote Control Accessibility:

Remote volume and program adjustments are at your fingertips, accessible through a dedicated app on your smartphone or smartwatch. This feature proves invaluable, particularly for discreet adjustments in public settings or when external controls are impractical.

  1. Reliability and Compatibility:

Bluetooth technology boasts a standardized protocol across devices, ensuring uniformity and reliability in operation. Tested and refined over years in the mobile phone industry, Bluetooth offers a dependable platform for seamless connectivity.

  1. Enhanced Video Call Experience:

Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids enhance video call clarity, making communication with loved ones more manageable and enjoyable. Clearer audio ensures a smoother communication experience, especially during video calls using platforms like FaceTime or using Zoom on a PC.

  1. Improved Navigation:

Connectivity with Maps via Bluetooth technology enhances navigation by providing clearer, more accessible directions directly through your hearing aids, whether in your car or on foot.

  1. Self-Adjustment Capabilities:

Access to a dedicated app on your smartphone empowers you to make real-time adjustments to volume, programs, and specialized features like Telecoil or wind reduction. Some manufacturers even utilize artificial intelligence to generate customized programs based on your surroundings.

  1. Built in tracker

Many Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids offer a handy feature for locating misplaced devices using your smartphone, provided the hearing aid is on and charged.

  1. Aesthetic appearance

Bluetooth connection has allowed for more controls to be used via the smartphone, allowing less need for buttons on the hearing aid device. Furthermore, many of today’s modern hearing aids resemble ‘earpods’ and offer the same streaming functionality, allowing the user to follow a ‘trendy’ appearance.

Using Bluetooth functionalities:

Connecting your hearing aids to other Bluetooth-enabled devices is straightforward. Simply access the Bluetooth options on your device, such as your smartphone, and select the detected hearing aids for pairing. If you encounter any issues, restarting your hearing aids or seeking assistance from your hearing care professional can resolve connectivity challenges.

Should You Choose Bluetooth Hearing Aids?

The widespread adoption of Bluetooth technology has made Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids a popular choice for users. As technology advances, Bluetooth capabilities have shifted from being optional features to becoming standard in most hearing aids.

Most hearing aids manufactured in the past few years already include Bluetooth, indicating its transition to a mainstream feature. Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids empower users to navigate modern communication demands with ease and confidence, ensuring that sound is received, amplified, and transmitted directly into the ears, even in challenging auditory environments.

Advantages of Bluetooth Hearing Aids:

  • Customizability: Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids offer personalized settings and control options, enhancing user experience.
  • Enhanced Connectivity: Seamless streaming of phone calls and media directly to hearing aids ensures convenient communication and entertainment.
  • Technological Integration: Integration with smartphone apps enables users to adjust settings and access additional features effortlessly.

Addressing Challenges:

  • Connectivity Issues: Compatibility challenges may arise with updates in smartphone operating systems, leading to connectivity problems that may require troubleshooting.
  • Battery Drain: Bluetooth functionality may expedite battery depletion, necessitating proactive battery management strategies such as carrying chargers or power banks.
  • Communication Dynamics: Privacy concerns may arise as Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids prevent others from overhearing audio, potentially leading to communication breakdowns.

Bluetooth in leading prescription hearing aid brands:

Below are some of the leading prescription hearing aid brands and type of connectivity offered in their most popular devices.

  1. Signia Bluetooth Hearing Aids:
  • Pros: Signia’s Pure Charge&Go IX and AX models offer seamless iOS and Android wireless connectivity. The Pure Charge&Go IX devices are equipped with the necessary hardware and only need a future firmware update to enable Auracast.
  • Cons: Limited hands-free calling functionality on Android devices without additional accessories.
  1. Starkey Bluetooth Hearing Aids:
  • Pros: Starkey’s Genesis AI and Evolve AI hearing aids provide advanced iOS and Android compatibility, hands-free calling, and improved wireless range.
  • Cons: Evolve AI lacks the newer chip technology and processing capabilities of Genesis AI.
  1. Oticon Bluetooth Hearing Aids:
  • Pros: Oticon’s Intent hearing aids feature Bluetooth audio streaming, deep neural network technology, and innovative 4D Sensor technology for enhanced speech clarity.
  • Cons: Limited hands-free calling functionality on some Android devices without additional accessories
  1. Unitron Bluetooth Hearing Aids:
  • Pros: Unitron’s Vivante, Blu, Discover Next, and Tempus models offer universal Bluetooth connectivity, tap controls, and improved wireless range.
  • Cons: Using Bluetooth Classic to stream reduces battery life more quickly than BLE
  1. Costco Bluetooth Hearing Aids:
  • Pros: Costco hearing aids selection includes Jabra, Philips, and Rexton brands, offering affordable Bluetooth-connected options with smartphone control apps and audio streaming capabilities.
  • Cons: Most Costco hearing aids do offer Bluetooth functionality. Limited brand selection means variability in product offerings.
  1. ReSound Bluetooth Hearing Aids:
  • Pros: ReSound’s Nexia hearing aids are the industry’s first to connect to Bluetooth Low Energy Audio and Auracast™. The Nexia and previous Omnia technology, offer robust Bluetooth connectivity for both Apple and Android devices.
  • Cons: Limited hands-free calling functionality on some Android devices without additional accessories
  1. Phonak Bluetooth Hearing Aids:
  • Pros: Phonak’s Audéo Marvel, Paradise, and Lumity models boast universal Bluetooth connectivity, stereo audio streaming, and improved speech clarity.
  • Cons: Marvel hearing aids can only connect to one Bluetooth device at a time, requiring unpairing for multiple connections. Using Bluetooth Classic to stream reduces battery life more quickly than BLE
  1. Widex Bluetooth Hearing Aids:
  • Pros: Widex’s Moment and SmartRIC offer advanced iOS and Android compatibility and hands-free calling, and improved wireless range.
  • Cons: Non-Apple Bluetooth connectivity may require additional streaming accessories for older devices

Bluetooth in OTC hearing aids:

Several over-the-counter (OTC) Bluetooth hearing aids have gained popularity for their features and affordability. However, the “best” OTC Bluetooth hearing aids can vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Here are a few notable options:

  1. Bose B2 Plus Hearing Aids: Bose entered the hearing aid market initially with their SoundControl Hearing Aids, which offered Bluetooth connectivity, but only for device controls and not for streaming. Now, with their latest model, the B2 Plus hearing aids offer streaming from iOS and Android and an accompanying app for hearing aid controls.
  2. HP Hearing PRO: The HP Hearing PRO is another OTC option that includes Bluetooth connectivity. Users can stream audio from their smartphones (Android and iOS) and control their hearing aids using an intuitive mobile app. The HP Hearing PRO is known for its affordability and ease of use, although the limited battery life makes it more of a situational device rather than for all-day use.
  3. Sennheiser All Day Clear Hearing Aids: The All Day Clear devices offer two types of connectivity. Bluetooth Classic allows the hearing aids to stream media and phone calls, while Bluetooth Low Energy connects to the app, enabling control of volume, sound modes, and advanced settings of the hearing aids. Additionally, the devices provide a 16-hour battery life, ensuring reliable performance throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids have transformed how individuals manage their hearing preferences and interact with devices in their daily lives. These advanced aids wirelessly connect to compatible devices, allowing users to adjust sound settings from smartphones and stream audio from televisions. Despite their higher cost, ranging from $699 to over $7,500 per pair, Bluetooth hearing aids with streaming capabilities are increasingly popular for their enhanced functionality.

While the price may be a barrier, the benefits are significant, including clearer phone calls and seamless music streaming. Although not perfect, ongoing advancements in Bluetooth technology are addressing key issues. Modern Bluetooth hearing aids require less power, extending battery life and enabling integration into smaller, more discreet styles like Completely-in-Canal (CIC) models. Additionally, features like the “Find My Hearing Aids” function in companion smartphone apps provide added peace of mind by helping locate misplaced devices.

As Bluetooth technology continues to advance, it is set to further improve the accessibility and effectiveness of hearing aids, allowing individuals to engage in daily activities with greater confidence and ease.

 

References:

  1. Barrera, S., Kalil, G., Mckee, E., Paul, O., Grillis, A., & Carron, J. (2023). Direct Bluetooth connectivity results in better hearing aid compliance in children. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 175, 111745.
  2. Burrows, D. L. (2010). Bluetooth technology in hearing aids: A clinician’s perspective. Perspectives on Audiology, 6(1), 4-8.
  3. Widex. (2019). What is a Bluetooth hearing aid? https://www.widex.com/en-za/blog/global/what-is-a-bluetooth-hearing-aid/
  4. Oticon. (2020). How Bluetooth in hearing aids work. https://www.oticon.global/hearing-aid-users/blog/2020/how-bluetooth-in-hearing-aids-work
  5. Lexie Hearing. (2023). Bluetooth hearing aids: Everything you need to know. https://lexiehearing.com/us/library/bluetooth-hearing-aids-everything-you-need-to-know
  6. Najeeb, S. T., Singh, A., Chandel, S., Parveen, M., & Gupta, N. Study on Use of Bluetooth Technology in Hearing Aids among Adults.
  7. Smith, P., & Davis, A. (2014). The benefits of using bluetooth accessories with hearing aids. International journal of audiology, 53(10), 770-773.
  8. Prakash, P., Sreedhar, A., Balan, J. R., & Varghese, A. M. (2022). Benefit on daily listening with technological advancements: comparison of basic and premium category hearing aids. European Archives of Oto-rhino-laryngology, 279(6), 3179-3187.
  9. Starkey (2005) ELI: Today’s Standard for Bluetooth Hearing Instrument Communication. AudiologyOnline. https://www.audiologyonline.com/releases/eli-today-s-standard-for-5102

***The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The Auracast™ word mark and logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc

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About the Author

nausheenNausheen Dawood is an experienced Audiologist and Project Manager with a professional background including primary health care, corporate social investment, and business development. Proficient in the development of academic courses, training, and lecturing, with a focus on clinical student training and supervision. Adept in freelance copywriting, particularly in audiology and health-related topics. Holds a Masters degree in Audiology (Cum Laude), with a strong foundation in clinical research, project development, and strategic planning, complemented by technical training. Specializes in content development and training tailored to diverse audiences. Demonstrates a long-term commitment to research and development, including the implementation of randomized controlled trials, projects, and clinical examinations. Known for establishing robust networks and cultivating valuable stakeholder relationships.

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