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 reliable at enhancing sound. They also come equipped with several sophisticated features, such as the ability to connect with 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 range of products integrates Bluetooth technology, including smartphones, music players, tablets, computers, and televisions.
Have you ever observed someone talking on their phone using a hands-free 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 integrate Bluetooth technology directly because, as we explained, 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 (phone, TV, computer, etc.). This intermediary is referred to as 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 directs the signal to the hearing aid without draining the battery.
So, if you’re shopping around for wireless hearing aids, you have two primary options:
- Hearing aids paired 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 basically means that the iPhone acts as the streamer itself, connecting directly with the hearing aid.
Your hearing care expert can help you determine 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 quite a few perks to going wireless, including:
- Better 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 audio stream directly to the hearing aids produces enhanced sound quality.
- Crisper TV sound – streaming the audio from your computer, tablet, or television results in cleaner sound and superior 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.
- Customized control – inconspicuously 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 to hearing loop systems in community venues like auditoriums, movie theaters, and courts.
Considering upgrading to wireless hearing aids? Contact us today for more info.