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Hearing aids and mobile phones
If you are looking for hearing aids for smartphones and mobiles, there are some models out there that are compatible with both iPhone and Android - these are called Made for Any Phone hearing aids. These are currently only available from the Sonova Group - which brought you Phonak, Unitron and Audio Nova. The hearing aids with this strategy are Phonak's Paradise hearing aid range and Unitron's Blu hearing aid models.Â
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Bluetooth Hearing Aids for Any Phone:Â MFA hearing aids
Bluetooth hearing aids for any phone offer you the flexibility of having connectivity to any smartphone or mobile phone, whether it's iPhone or Android, with Bluetooth capabilities - for audio and call streaming (and pretty much any electronic device with Bluetooth).
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Other types of Bluetooth hearing aids to discover:
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Before the Bluetooth hearing aids for any phone innovation, Bluetooth wasn't accessible to everyone. Now, no matter what brand of mobile you have - you can gain from this connection and high-quality phone calls seamlessly without the need for a streamer. These Bluetooth hearing aids for any phone support the original Bluetooth protocol by offering connectivity to smartphones - including Android, iPhone and classic mobile phones.
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Hands-free calls: These Bluetooth hearing aids for any phone offer true hands-free calls - so you can answer and reject them at a push of a button on your hearing aids. The phone ring tone is heard through your hearing devices and then once you accept the call, you can hear your conversation streamed directly with great clarity. For example, the Phonak Marvel has built-in microphones to pick up your voice - so that you can hold a phone conversation through your hearing aids, without ever taking your phone out of your pocket.Â
Wireless headphones:  Your Bluetooth hearing aids for any phone turn into wireless headphones using advanced technology to connect your hearing aids seamlessly with your favourite TV channels in your home - with a quality audio sound experience. Â
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Mobile phone hearing aid compatibility for Bluetooth hearings for any phone
There are many mobile phones and smartphones that are compatible with hearing aids - however not all hearing aids work with Android phones. It is important that you check with your audiologist for a list of what phones work with your existing or new hearing aids.
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Using a hearing aid compatible mobile phone makes communication with friends, family, colleagues and the world so much easier. But, it can be a challenge to find the right phone that will enhance keeping in touch and support optimum hearing at the same time.
Bluetooth technology has advanced over the years and can now give you access to and route sound through your mobile phone seamlessly. For instance, hands-free calls and remote device adjustments. Your audiologist will go through all the Bluetooth hearing aids available on the market and the recent mobile phone compatibility for the devices you are wearing or considering.
They will also advise you on the hearing aids that are capable of collaborating with Bluetooth technology. If connectivity is important to you and your current hearing aids don't have this option - you might want to consider an upgrade.
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Best mobile phone for hearing aid wearers
Ever since Sonova launched their Bluetooth Made for Any Phone hearing aids (MFA) they have been in high demand because of the freedom it gives to Android users. Android is a popular choice for smartphones - in fact, roughly four out of five people have an Android phone.Â
Sonova brought direct streaming to this neglected smartphone market, as well as being compatible with the iPhone - even if you have a classic mobile phone, you will still gain from this connectivity.Â
It also brings a wider scope of mobile options to hearing aid wearers, as before they might have gone for an iPhone because of the Bluetooth restrictions of Android phones - now with this innovative technology, there are no barriers.
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So, what do we think about Made for Any Phone hearing aids?
What we do like about the Phonak Marvel's Bluetooth hearing aids for any phone, in particular, is that it does offer a good level of Bluetooth connectivity and works with whatever phone you have. Phonak has stated that even using streaming, the new Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery will keep going for 24 hours on average and the battery will last 6 years before needing to be changed.Â
Realistically, you will probably need to change these batteries before five years and because of the standard Bluetooth technology used, in my experience, they seem to use up battery life twice as fast as other models. On another note, most hearing aid wearers will probably be already thinking of a device upgrade after four years.
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At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you are looking for in terms of the connectivity, flexibility needed and what needs your hearing loss has. Although Sononva has brought great results with their Bluetooth connectivity - perhaps there are still some improvements needed in regards to background noise, which is a huge factor for most hearing aid wearers.
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Below are some recommendations of Made for Any Phone hearing aids from our audiologists. We endeavour to update these products as and when new hearing aid launches become available.
Phonak Paradise Digital Hearing Aid Range
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The Phonak Paradise is a true Bluetooth hearing aid for any phone, offering connectivity to both iPhone and Android mobile phone users. Here is a breakdown:
Streaming: Pair to any Bluetooth-enabled device, for instance, iPhone, iPad, laptops, computers, Macs, Android phones, Windows phones etc.  In fact, they will allow for eight Bluetooth-enabled devices to be paired, while two can be simultaneously connected.
Hands-free: Enjoy hands-free calls from any Bluetooth-enabled phones.
TV: Stream directly from Bluetooth-enabled TVs and Phonak's TV Connector accessory.
Rechargeability: Phonak state that Marvel will give you a full day of battery life with a single charge.
Remote: Your audiologist can adjust your hearing aids remotely.Â
Eco-System: New advanced apps to make life easier.Â
RogerDirect: Stream from your Roger devices directly to your hearing aids.
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Mobile Compatibility:Â At the least, your mobile needs to support Bluetooth version 2.1, but 4.2 or higher is preferable.
Mobile app Compatability:Â At least, your mobile needs to support Bluetooth 4.2, iOS 12.0 or Android 7.0.
Unitron Blu Digital Hearing Aid Range
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The Unitron Blu connects is a Bluetooth hearing aid for any phone or connects easily to any tablet with Bluetooth capabilities like Android devices, iPhones, iPads and classic mobile phones. It provides a stable stereo audio streaming from these devices for calls and other audio signals, so you can gain from audio in both ears. Here are some other beneficial features of this hearing aid:
Streaming: Just like the Phonak Paradise range, the Unitron Blu range uses the same PRISM processing chip, which enables these hearing aids to be able to stream directly. Also, like Paradise, they will allow for eight Bluetooth-enabled devices to be paired, while two can be simultaneously connected.
Hands-free calls: You can also enjoy true hands-free calls, so you can use the phone without having to hold it. Another benefit is that you can answer and reject calls by pushing a button on your hearing aid.
Mobile phone compatibility for app:Â Â This app works with Apple smartphones with iOS 10.2 or newer and Android smartphones with version 6 or newer.
Mobile phone compatibility with calls etc:Â Â Your mobile phone needs to, at minimum, support Bluetooth version 2.1, optimally 4.2 and higher.
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Want to know more information about Bluetooth hearing aids?
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Do not spend hundreds of pounds without getting a second opinion from us.
When we refer to a product as 'New', we mean that the product is new to the market.
When we refer to a product as 'Superseded', we mean that there is a newer range available which replaces and improves on this product.
When we refer to a product as an 'Older Model', we mean that it is has been superseded by at least two more recent hearing aid ranges.