Bluetooth hearing aids are revolutionizing how people with hearing loss experience the world around them. These advanced hearing aids offer many benefits, enhancing communication, entertainment, and convenience. In fact, Bluetooth technology is a powerful option to stay effortlessly connected to the world around you. So read on to discover if these hearing aids are your best choice.
What Are Bluetooth Hearing Aids?
Bluetooth hearing aids use Bluetooth technology to connect to other devices with Bluetooth capability. Devices that can connect directly to Bluetooth hearing aids include smartphones, tablets, and computers. Thus you can stream audio right to your hearing aids, making it easier to hear phone calls, listen to music, and watch videos.
Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids work in a similar way to traditional hearing aids. However, a Bluetooth hearing aid has a Bluetooth chip. Obviously, this chip adds a few steps to the typical hearing aid process.
- The Bluetooth chip in the hearing aid sends and receives signals over a wireless network.
- The hearing aid’s microphone picks up sound and converts it into an electrical signal.
- The amplifier in the hearing aid increases the volume of the electrical signal.
- The speaker in the hearing aid converts the electrical signal back into sound.
- When you want to stream directly from another Bluetooth-enabled device, you will need to pair the two devices.
- Pairing occurs when you turn on the Bluetooth for both devices, then select your hearing aid from the list of available pairing devices on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Types of Bluetooth-Enabled Hearing Aids
These hearing aids come in several types, each offering different features and benefits to cater to varying needs. The main types include:
- Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIE) or Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): These hearing aids are compact and discreet, with a behind-the-ear component housing the receiver. For example, the Phonak Bluetooth hearing aids offer wireless connectivity to devices like smartphones and can stream audio directly to the hearing aids. They are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE) with Streamer: The BTE hearing aid pairs with an external streaming device. So the streamer connects to Bluetooth devices and then transmits the audio signals to the hearing aids. These are versatile and can be suitable for various degrees of hearing loss.
- In-the-Ear (ITE) and In-the-Canal (ITC) with Direct Connectivity: Some ITE and ITC hearing aids have direct Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, they are custom-made to fit in the ear and can connect directly to smartphones and other devices for audio streaming and control.
- Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC) with Smartphone Control: These extremely discreet hearing aids offer wireless connectivity through smartphone apps. Yet, while they may not have direct Bluetooth streaming, they can adjust settings and sound profiles via the app.
Bluetooth hearing aids offer several advantages over traditional hearing aids. Consequently, they are an excellent option if you are looking to improve your hearing health.
Read More About the Best Hearing Aids for Seniors.
What Are The Best Bluetooth Hearing Aid Features?
The latest features of the best Bluetooth hearing aids encompass several advancements that enhance user experiences and connectivity. In fact, preliminary studies indicate that Bluetooth features can help seniors have an easier time processing information.
Some of these features include:
- Phone Call Integration: Users can answer phone calls directly through their hearing aids, improving communication and hands-free convenience.
- Music Streaming: Enjoy wireless music streaming directly to the hearing aids, enabling immersive music experiences without additional headphones.
- Customizable Sound Profiles: Smartphone apps often accompany Bluetooth hearing aids, allowing users to adjust settings, create personalized sound profiles, and adapt to various listening environments.
- Remote Control: Users can adjust volume, switch between programs, and modify settings wirelessly through smartphone apps, providing easy control and adaptability.
- Digital Assistants Integration: Bluetooth hearing aids can connect to digital assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, enabling voice commands for hands-free device control.
- Rechargeability: Most Bluetooth devices are rechargeable Bluetooth hearing aids that get charged in cases, removing the need for batteries.
- TV Streaming: Some hearing aids offer TV streaming accessories, connecting to televisions and providing audio directly to the hearing aids, enhancing TV-watching experiences.
- Tinnitus Management: Certain hearing aids include tinnitus management features, delivering customizable sound therapy to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
- Automatic Firmware Updates: Many modern Bluetooth hearing devices support automatic firmware updates via smartphone apps, ensuring access to the latest features and improvements.
- Automatic noise cancellation: This feature uses sensors to detect ambient noise and automatically adjust the hearing aid settings to reduce the noise. This can help you hear better in noisy environments like restaurants, airports, and classrooms.
- Speech recognition: This feature uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and amplify speech, making it easier to understand what people say. This can be helpful for people who have difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments or have hearing loss in one ear.
Choosing the Best Hearing Aids For You
Choosing the right Bluetooth hearing aids involves several vital steps to ensure they align with your needs and preferences. Consequently, you must consider several factors before you try Bluetooth devices and during your trial period.
Initial Considerations:
- Degree of Hearing Loss: Select hearing aids that match your level of hearing loss. Consult a hearing specialist to determine the appropriate amplification and technology.
- Warranty and Support: Choose hearing aids with a reliable warranty and access to professional support for maintenance and adjustments.
- Price and Value: Balance your budget with the features and benefits offered by hearing aids. Consider the long-term value they provide.
- Brand Reliability: Phonak Bluetooth hearing aids, for example, are one of the National Council on Aging’s top picks for hearing aids. You want to make sure that you choose hearing aids that have a reliable reputation, as Phonak Bluetooth hearing aids do.
- Battery Preference: Evaluate battery options – disposable or rechargeable – based on your preference for convenience and environmental considerations. Rechargeable Bluetooth hearing aids eliminate the need to frequently change batteries, which can be a hassle. With rechargeable hearing aids, you simply plug them into a charger overnight, and they will be ready to use the next day.
- Professional Guidance: Consult an experienced audiologist who can offer personalized recommendations for the best Bluetooth hearing aids for you.
- Lifestyle Considerations: Consider your daily activities and environments. If you’re active, prioritize hearing aids with durable and water-resistant designs.
During Your Hearing Aid Free Trial
- Comfort and Fit: Ensure the chosen style fits comfortably and securely. Some types might be more discreet, while others offer more direct streaming features.
- Bluetooth Compatibility: Confirm that the hearing aids are compatible with your devices. Ensure they can connect to your preferred devices seamlessly. If you have trouble connecting Injoy hearing aids, be sure to reach out to one of our specialists, who will gladly assist.
- Smartphone Apps: Explore the accompanying smartphone apps for adjusting settings, creating sound profiles, and receiving updates.
Finding rechargeable Bluetooth hearing aids involves a tailored approach considering your hearing profile, preferences, and daily routines. Working closely with a hearing care professional can ensure you make an informed choice that significantly improves your quality of life.
Read more about free hearing aid trials for age-related hearing loss.
Hear Clearly With Phonak Hearing Aids
The best rechargeable Bluetooth hearing aids are transforming the hearing experience for those with hearing loss. For example, brands like Phonak Bluetooth hearing aids let you seamlessly integrate entertainment and communication. With rechargeable Bluetooth hearing aids, you can charge overnight and hear all day. Never miss a favorite show, a meaningful conversation, or a hearing aid firmware update again. Explore our range of Bluetooth hearing aids and take a step towards a life filled with clearer communication and enhanced experiences.
