Hearing aids have come a long way throughout 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 innovative features, including the capability to connect to other devices wirelessly, which is what we’ll be reviewing 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 enables devices to interact with each other through radio waves. A wide range of products incorporates Bluetooth technology, including smartphones, music players, tablets, computers, and TVs.
Have you ever noticed 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 buy a Bluetooth hearing aid?
Yes and no. Bluetooth technology requires a greater power supply than can be supplied 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 incorporate Bluetooth technology directly because, as we said, it would deplete the battery too quickly. Thankfully, manufacturers solved this problem a while ago by creating an intermediary between the hearing aid and the Bluetooth device (computer, television, phone, etc.). This intermediary is known as 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 sends the signal to the hearing aid without draining the battery.
So, if you’re in the market for wireless hearing aids, you have two main options:
- Hearing aids combined 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.
- Made for iPhone hearing aids – several hearing aid models are branded as “Made for iPhone,” which essentially means that the iPhone acts as the streamer itself, interacting directly with the hearing aid.
Your hearing care professional can help you decide which choice is right for you.
The benefits of wireless hearing aids
Whether using a streamer or a Made for iPhone hearing aid, there are multiple benefits to going wireless, including:
- Improved 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 calls with no hands is more convenient and having the sound stream straight to the hearing aids produces enhanced sound quality.
- Crisper TV sound – streaming the audio from your computer, tablet, or television leads to cleaner sound and enhanced speech comprehension from movies and TV shows. You’ll never struggle to follow dialogue again.
- Enhanced gym experience – listen to your favorite music or podcasts at the gym without any wires getting in the way.
- Personalized control – subtly adjust your hearing aid settings and volume by using your wireless remote control or iPhone (with compatible models).
- Connection to hearing loops – hearing aids equipped with telecoils can connect to hearing loop systems in community venues like auditoriums, theaters, and courts.
Thinking about upgrading to wireless hearing aids? Call us today for additional information.
