Hearing aids have come a long way over the last 10-15 years.
As each year goes by, hearing aids become smaller, more discreet, and more efficient at enhancing sound. They also come equipped with several state-of-the-art features, including the ability to connect to other devices wirelessly, which is what we’ll be going over today.
Here’s how wireless technology works and how you can reap the benefits.
How Bluetooth technology works
Bluetooth is a standardized wireless communication platform that permits devices to interact with each other through radio waves. A large assortment of products integrates Bluetooth technology, such as smartphones, music players, tablets, computers, and TVs.
Have you ever seen someone talking on their phone using a hands-free wireless headset? Or someone taking a call from their mobile phone using their car audio system? That’s Bluetooth technology in action.
So can you purchase a Bluetooth hearing aid?
Yes and no. Bluetooth technology requires a greater power supply than can be furnished 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 mentioned, it would consume the battery too quickly. Fortunately, manufacturers solved this problem a while 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 enabled cell phone communicates wirelessly to the streamer which then delivers the signal to the hearing aid without draining the hearing aid battery.
So, if you’re in the market for wireless hearing aids, you have two primary options:
- Hearing aids combined with an assistive listening device – as described 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.
- 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 option is right for you.
The benefits of wireless hearing aids
Whether using a streamer or a Made for iPhone hearing aid, there are several benefits to going wireless, including:
- Better music listening experience – think about 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 high-quality earbuds.
- Hands-free phone calls – answering phone calls without the use of your hands is more convenient and having the sound stream directly to the hearing aids results in better sound quality.
- Clearer TV sound – streaming the audio from your computer, tablet, or TV results in cleaner sound and elevated 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 – subtly adjust your hearing aid settings and volume by utilizing 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, movie theaters, and courts.
Considering upgrading to wireless hearing aids? Call us today for more information.