Bluetooth Hearing Aids - What are the benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids?

Bluetooth Hearing Aids UK

Helping you stay connected to iOS and Android phones

Explore everything you need to know about Bluetooth hearing aids

Hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity enhance your everyday life and keep you connected to both iOS and Android phones, as well as your TV, tablets and other audio devices in your own home.

Historically, hearing aids held limitations for hearing aid users in regards to accessing audio devices like mobile phones.  You can imagine this to be a frustration for wearers.  For example,  if they wanted to jog and listen to music at the same time - they would have to remove their hearing aids to switch to the headphones.

Today's digital hearing aids are so much better - and accommodate both connections to audio devices and streaming sound straight to your hearing aids.  Additionally, pretty much all Bluetooth hearing aids have a hearing aid app that you can download onto your mobile.  Accessing discreet adjustments on the go, whenever you need to.

Are Bluetooth Hearing Aids Right For Me?

Do I really need Bluetooth hearing aid technology?

Are bluetooth hearing aids worth it?

Today's Bluetooth hearing aids cater to all types and levels of hearing loss from mild to severe.  They are extremely convenient for those who use Bluetooth-enabled devices like tablets, iPads, TV's and smartphones.  Using such Bluetooth technology will allow your hearing aids to enhance your everyday life, making it easier whilst giving you more control and more freedom.  

But, will you use the technology?  Bluetooth hearing aids connect you to your friends, loved ones, and the world seamlessly.  However, if you do not use Bluetooth devices and have a standard smartphone - you may not get the most out of Bluetooth hearing aids. 

Your audiologist will go through what you want from your hearing aids, what your hearing loss needs, and also what would enhance your current lifestyle.  It is also important that you discuss what Bluetooth enabled devices you have already that you'd like to connect with your hearing aids and whether the technology is compatible.

Hearing Aids with Bluetooth

Are Bluetooth hearing aids good?

Audio of the past

Even though hearing aid manufacturers saw huge potential and benefits to Bluetooth hearing aid technology over the years, the development hasn’t been plain sailing. Originally, the transferred audio wasn’t of great quality and relied on huge amounts of power.  Due to this, most brands opted to design streamers to bridge the gap between connectivity and sound quality – a middleman of sorts.  

Ultimately, this resulted in both launching the first-ever Made for iPhone hearing aids with a direct connection.  Also allows you to access the world through your hearing aids using mobile phone features and apps. 

Pretty much all hearing aid manufacturers now have Made for iPhone Bluetooth hearing aid models on offer, but it is worthwhile knowing that you may need a connective device – a streamer - for some models for hearing aid mobile phone compatibility.  

What do we think of Bluetooth hearing aids?

Are there advantages of Bluetooth hearing aids?  Most consumers and audiologists would say they were better, even though the Bluetooth hearing aid connectivity doesn’t ensure better-performing hearing aids.  The real benefit here is the quick connectivity to mobile phones and accessories such as remote microphones.

Streaming audio from your mobile phone ensures that you can hear and make calls easier and more confidently, as you will always gain from great clarity – without any additional device.  However, you might only have to purchase a Bluetooth hearing aid streamer from your hearing aid manufacturer if you already have hearing aids - to gain from this connectivity and freedom. 

Bluetooth Enabled Hearing Aids

Bluetooth hearing aids benefits

 The four main ones

Even if you need an additional hearing aid streamer to benefit from wireless connectivity and functions, Bluetooth hearing aids offer a plethora of advantages to hearing aid wearers.  Here are our audiologist's top four below.

Better control

You can control sound easier with Bluetooth hearing aids, as sound can be adjusted remotely through your smartphone or using a streamer.  This means you will have full control and management of your hearing aids at your fingertips.  This is a huge benefit to those who wear discreet hearing aids and cannot gain access to any external controls to make adjustments.

A more tailored listening experience

You can stream sound directly to both hearing aids with Bluetooth hearing aids.  For example, when you are on the phone you can stream sound into just one hearing aid device so you can still continue to hear your surrounding sounds.  Alternatively, you can stream music into both hearing aids, like you would headphones.  This benefits you because you will always have a natural and realistic listening experience.

Better localisation

Because Bluetooth hearing aids work in sync using binaural hearing technology, they mimic the natural localisation of both your own ears.  This benefits you because it makes it easier to know where sound is coming from.  Hearing aids without Bluetooth usually process sound separately, which can sometimes make figuring out the direction of sound more challenging.

Allows for multiple connectivities

Hearing aid streamers can often be connected to a number of Bluetooth-enabled devices, which makes it a lot easier to switch between them and the sounds you want to be streamed into your hearing aids.  

Bluetooth Hearing Aids Brands

What brands offer Bluetooth hearing aids?

So what hearing aid brands offer Bluetooth?  Pretty much all of the current hearing aid manufacturers on the market offer Bluetooth hearing aids.  The main hearing aid brands are:  Phonak, Oticon, Resound, Starkey, Bernafon, Unitron, Signia and Audio Service.  View our full list of hearing aid brands and Bluetooth hearing aids here

Where can I get Bluetooth hearing aid devices?

What about private Bluetooth hearing aids?  Realistically, you more than likely won't be able to purchase Bluetooth hearing aids online.  There are some cheaper and less reliable OTC devices available, but most hearing aid brands do not operate like this.  You will need to visit your local audiologist to access this type of hearing aid.

Your local audiologist will give you a hearing test, support and advise you on your direct Bluetooth hearing aids keeping your budget, lifestyle, level of hearing loss and much more in mind.  You will be shown a variety of Bluetooth devices that will suit your needs the most. 

The good news is that if you are searching for digital Bluetooth hearing aids there are now loads of styles, models and brands out there - especially from private audiologists.  You also need to be prepared to spend a little more on some models that include Bluetooth. 

Most models include Bluetooth technology as standard, however, each hearing aid offers something different when it comes to patient support and functionality.

Bluetooth and Hearing Aids

Using Bluetooth hearing aids and figuring out what's important to you

Bluetooth Hearing Aids UK Reviews

What are the best Bluetooth hearing aids 2022?

What are the best Bluetooth hearing aids UK?

How do we choose the best Bluetooth hearing aids?  Finding the right Bluetooth hearing aids for you will depend entirely on your unique preferences, hearing loss needs, budget and what you typically want from your hearing aids.  In so many ways, there is no one size fits all answer here.

Examples of the latest and most notable Bluetooth technology

Our Bluetooth hearing aids reviews are based on brand reputation, customer reviews of the product so far, recent studies and our audiologist's experience.  So, what Bluetooth hearing aids do we advise?  Here are some of our audiologist's Bluetooth hearing aid recommendations that have been launched this year.

Phonak Paradise P90 Hearing Aids

A Brief Look into Phonak Bluetooth Hearing Aids

After Phonak Marvel, Paradise came along with a new look and new impressive technology and processing chip - PRISM.  Combining advanced sound quality, motion sensors, a personable hearing experience and digital solutions along with universal and multiple Bluetooth connectivities and much more.

Using Phonak's Motion Sensors, Paradise can control Bluetooth features with a double-tap of your ear. So you can accept/end calls, pause/resume streaming and ask Google for driving instructions with a simple tap.

In fact, Phonak Paradise digital hearing aids allow for eight Bluetooth-enabled devices to be paired, while two can be simultaneously connected.

Mobile phone compatibility with myPhonak app:  Your mobile phone must at least support Bluetooth 4.2 and iOS 12.0 or Android 7.0.

Mobile phone compatibility with streaming wireless calls and music:  Your mobile phone needs to, at minimum, support Bluetooth version 2.1, optimally 4.2 and higher.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Phonak Paradise Bluetooth Hearing Aids

From a Bluetooth perspective, it works very well at receiving, however, the sound quality experienced by people on the other end of the phone is less good than we have found with people using an external clip-on mic type device, or just speaking into the phone like normal. 

Unitron Blu 9 Hearing Aids

A Brief Look into Unitron Bluetooth Hearing Aids

This hearing aid range is powered by the successful Sonova PRISM chip and along with the new Integra OS signal processing system - you gain a highly optimised hearing experience that is unique to your hearing loss in all environments.  This chip provides double the memory of Unitron's last chip and also two times more memory to power such personalisation.

The advanced Bluetooth connectivity is made even more convenient with Unitron's new tap control feature.  Giving you access to great wireless connectivity, at-home device control and pairings to Unitron accessories with the tap of your finger.  

Unitron Blu digital hearing aids allow for eight Bluetooth-enabled devices to be paired, while two can be simultaneously connected.  Plus, let's not forget about the direct connection to Unitron's Coach feature through the Unitron Remote Plus app giving you personal care remotely whenever you need it. 

Mobile phone compatibility with Remote Plus app:  This app works with Apple smartphones with iOS 10.2 or newer and Android smartphones with version 6 or newer.

Mobile phone compatibility with streaming wireless calls and music: Your mobile phone needs to, at minimum, support Bluetooth version 2.1, optimally 4.2 and higher.

Other Information About Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Bluetooth hearing aids app

Hearing aid apps generally connect directly to various smart devices using Bluetooth, so wearers can control their hearing aid features and settings like programs and volume.  Program management is a great tool, as you can use a range of feature sets in different environments to help you hear better.  For instance, hearing speech clearly whilst walking in the park with a friend. 

Your Bluetooth hearing aid app can also tell you how much battery your hearing aids have left.  If you're wondering about Bluetooth hearing aids battery life, it all depends on your streaming usage, device, type and capacity of the hearing aid battery itself. 

As a rough guide, expect traditional batteries to last from 5-7 days and rechargeable ones can last upto 24 hours on one charge, but again this all depends on streaming trend.

Because the apps connect via Bluetooth you can also gain access to compatible devices like televisions, smartphones and computers - as well as stay connected to your hearing healthcare professional remotely.

Bluetooth Hearing Aids NHS UK

Are Bluetooth hearing aids available on the NHS?  The NHS is now able to offer Bluetooth hearing aids.  However, the decision does lie with your local GP or NHS Trust to ultimately decide whether you need them or not along with why you feel like you could benefit from them.  However, like with all NHS hearing aids - the choice and technology will be limited.

Those who already have NHS hearing aids and would like to take advantage of Bluetooth technology would have to pay for a compatible streamer, which is normally priced between £200 and £500.

Bluetooth hearing aids connect to TV

What about Bluetooth hearing aids and TV?  With hearing aid TV Adapters you can sit back and enjoy your favourite programmes.  Most hearing aid brands also have hearing aid apps that can give you extra convenience when used together with a TV Adapter.  Such as:

• Control the volume of your TV.
• Balance environmental sound.
• Easily switch between multiple Bluetooth enabled devices.

Digital Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Quick references to Bluetooth hearing aids brands

►Click here to view Phonak Bluetooth hearing aids

►Click here to view Oticon Bluetooth hearing aids

►Click here to view Widex Bluetooth hearing aids

►Click here to view Signia Bluetooth hearing aids

►Click here to view Unitron Bluetooth hearing aids

►Click here to view Bernafon Bluetooth hearing aids

►Click here to view Resound Bluetooth hearing aids

►Click here to view Audio Service Bluetooth hearing aids

Other useful information on Bluetooth hearing aids

Need more support with Bluetooth hearing aids?

You might be new to hearing aids, or you might be thinking about upgrading and wondering which device would be right for you or you simply might want more information on Bluetooth hearing aids on the market - call us free on 0800 567 7621 and one of our experts will be happy to advise you.