6 Cutting Edge Bluetooth Hearing Aids To Consider

Posted at 9:41 pm
in Hearing Loss
by AudioCardio

August 5, 2020

Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Bluetooth enabled hearing aids allow you to connect your hearing aids to your Apple and Android devices using Bluetooth technology to stream calls, music and other audio directly from your smartphone or tablet to your hearing aids.

They offer a range of extended capabilities and are not just limited to Apple and Android devices. They can also work with other Bluetooth-enabled devices like computers and televisions.

There are multiple hearing aids that utilize Bluetooth technology to give their customers a more seamless and improved experience for the different ways that they can be used.

They can work various Bluetooth-enabled devices, but not all of them are compatible with both platforms. There’s a lot of features and options to choose from, so we’ve pulled together a list of our favorites along with some background information on Bluetooth hearing aids so that you don’t have to…

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that uses radio waves to connect two or more devices wirelessly. The purpose of Bluetooth connectivity is to allow devices to exchange data over short distances. Bluetooth connections can range up to about 30 feet, however, interference from microwaves, walls and other common items within the environment can limit this range.

What are the Benefits of Hearing Aids that use Bluetooth Technology?

They can drastically improve your quality of life if you are suffering from sensorineural hearing loss or even tinnitus. Although hearing aids can help you hear conversations and your surroundings, Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids also allow you to stream audio from your smartphone, tablet, computer, television and other Bluetooth compatible devices.

They allow you to: stream audio (music, video, calls), adjust your hearing aid volume and program for your environment, get your hearing aid adjusted remotely by your hearing care provider, use your phone as a microphone (Live Listen), find your hearing aids, and check battery life. There are more capabilities, however, these are the most common features amongst the top hearing aid brands globally.

Starkey Hearing Technologies has utilized Bluetooth to become more than just a hearing aid. Starkey’s Livio AI includes innovative features like conversation transcription, directional microphones to focus on the sound you want to hear, automatic program adjustments based on defined locations like your home, office or favorite restaurant, hearing aid locator, real-time language translation to your preferred language, step counter and fall detection.

Each year, there are more and more innovations in the hearing aid industry and these hearing aids will be able to take advantage of these innovations for years to come. We are only beginning to scratch the surface of what might be possible with technology and bluetooth hearing aids.

Are Bluetooth Enabled-Hearing Aids Safe?

They have been deemed safe by the FDA. Although hearing aids can emit some forms of radiation, they are non-ionizing and give off a warming effect rather than an ionizing effect that can harm you. To note, even the levels of non-ionizing radiation are very low level and a fraction of what we received from other everyday devices like laptops, smartphones, and televisions.

Cost of Bluetooth Enabled Hearing Aids

They can range in price depending on its capabilities, technologies and quality of hardware. Most cost between $1,300 for entry level and can go up to $4,000 for premium versions. Although they can cost a bit more than traditional hearing aids, Bluetooth hearing aids are becoming the standard and are well worth the investment.

Best Bluetooth-Enabled Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are not a one size fits all. We all have a unique hearing ability and different needs and use cases for needing them. We’ve compiled a list of options that you might want to consider.

Starkey Livio

Starkey Hearing Technologies has developed several Livio hearing aids that use Bluetooth. The Livio, Livio AI and Livio Edge AI models are all supported by the Thrive app from Starkey. Thrive is a mobile app that runs on both Apple and Android devices and connects your bluetooth hearing aids to your phone or tablet. As previously mentioned, it allows you to use the directional microphone feature (Live Listen), adjust the program of your hearing aids, has fall detection, and a way to remotely find your hearing aids with the Thrive app.

Eargo Neo HiFi

Eargo hearing aids sit directly in the ear canal and are almost invisible. Not many hearing aid brands have been able to use Bluetooth technology with invisible in ear canal hearing aids, however Eargo placed their Bluetooth receiver in the charging case. The Eargo App allows users to adjust sound quality and stream audio from their devices. The downside is that the hearing aid settings can only be changed while they are in the charging case, but that’s well worth the fact that these hearing aids are invisible. The Neo and the Neo HiFi hearing aids come standard with Bluetooth compatibility and come with a charging case.

Signia Styletto X

This hearing aid is discreet, slim and stylish. Both the hearing aid and charger case have a sleek design and the case can give you up to three days of extra charges at various charging speeds. The myHearing App is compatible with both Android and Apple devices so that you can control your sound experience while on the go.

Signia also has a small device that allows you to make adjustments to your Bluetooth connected hearing aids if you don’t own a smartphone. This is a nice added capability that lets you adjust to the best sound settings for your surroundings and your devices. Similar to the other hearing aids, you can stream music, phone calls and other audio from your connected device.

ReSound LiNX Quattro

ReSound hearing aids are compatible with the latest in Bluetooth technologies and focus on making the sound as natural as possible while providing the amplification necessary to give you the best sound experience based on your unique hearing ability.

The ReSound Assist app allows your audiologist to fine tune your hearing aid remotely so that you don’t have to set up an appointment to get them adjusted. The hearing aid is rechargeable and the charging case holds on extra charge.

Phonak Marvel

Phonak has developed several hearing aids. Various models help individuals with mild to severe hearing loss. Not all models have rechargeable batteries, but we certainly recommend considering them. The Phonak marvel works with both Apple and Android platforms and can also connect to other Bluetooth enabled devices. The Phonak Marvel also includes voice transcription, audio and call streaming, along with other features similar to the devices previously mentioned.

Miracle-Ear Genius

Miracle-Ear’s products are discreet and designed to work on more than just Apple and Android devices. They are compatible with a range of products and have accessories to improve your sound experience while watching television.

Miracle-Ear Genius also allows you to isolate speech for a better experience in restaurants and other noisy environments. The Miracle-Ear app allows users to adjust their settings for tinnitus, feedback reduction and noise reduction. It also has a telecoil feature for Bluetooth and optional rechargeable batteries.

Conclusion On Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Bluetooth hearing aids allow hearing aid brands to build on top of their innovative solution, provide more capabilities and better overall experience. However, we are only scratching the surface. As technology continues to improve, we should see incredible innovations in these hearing aids in the years to come.

Remember to speak with your hearing health professional about the capabilities and the limitations of the hearing aids you are considering so that you can select the one that meets your needs.

AudioCardio is a technology company focused on hearing health and wellness. Learn how AudioCardio can help maintain and strengthen your hearing with your favorite headphones or hearing aids at www.audiocardio.com.