- Bluetooth technology has revolutionised the way we connect with our devices.
- For people with hearing loss, Bluetooth hearing aids offer a wide range of benefits that can help them connect better with the world around them.
- These advanced hearing aids are built with a small Bluetooth chip, which allows them to establish a wireless connection with compatible devices.
- If you’re concerned about safety, rest assured that Bluetooth hearing aids are completely safe to use. The technology uses a radio frequency, which poses no harm to our bodies.
- Looking to buy Bluetooth hearing aids in New Zealand? Contact your local Resonate studio to explore your options! You can get in touch via 0800 737 662 or enquire online.
- Or read on in our Ultimate Guide to Hearing Aids.
What is a Bluetooth hearing aid?
A Bluetooth hearing aid is a device that allows users to wirelessly connect to their smartphones and other modern devices, such as smart TVs. Through these connections, users can stream audio directly to their hearing aids, providing optimal clarity of sound.
Physically, Bluetooth hearing aids look the same as basic hearing aids, but their features are vastly more advanced in terms of usability. Beyond audio streaming, the technology can be used to take hands-free phone calls, adjust settings remotely, and even link with various apps designed to enhance the hearing experience.
Typically, your audiologist will inform you if your hearing aids have Bluetooth technology when they provide them. But don’t worry if you’ve forgotten! Simply reach out and ask them. Alternatively, if you know the model of your hearing aids, you can try searching for them on Google to see if they have Bluetooth wireless functionality.
Most modern cellphones are compatible with Bluetooth hearing aids. However, there can be some issues with Android phone hearing aid compatibility. Generally, it’s the low-cost Android phones that have trouble, as some aren’t manufactured to connect with the specific low-energy Bluetooth technology that’s used for hearing aids. If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is ask your audiologist.
Bluetooth activation in hearing aids is typically automatic. When you turn your hearing aids on, they will enter Bluetooth pairing mode and begin searching for compatible devices. If there’s nothing to connect to, your hearing aids will simply function without the wireless technology. There’s no need to switch anything off.
How do Bluetooth hearing aids work?
Bluetooth hearing aids are built with a Bluetooth chip inside, which utilises a radio frequency to connect with other devices. However, this advanced hearing aid doesn’t run on standard Bluetooth technology; rather, the devices use a low-energy Bluetooth protocol, also known as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
The big difference between standard and low-energy Bluetooth is that the latter has a shorter connectivity range (spanning a couple of metres), which, in turn, requires less energy. This functionality is perfectly suited to hearing aids, as these small devices have even smaller batteries that need to provide enough energy to get through the day.
Are Bluetooth hearing aids safe?
Yes, Bluetooth hearing aids are completely safe to use. The Bluetooth chips in these devices use a radio frequency, which poses no harm to our bodies. It’s a signal that’s good in the air but bad with solids. So when wearing Bluetooth hearing aids, the Bluetooth signal doesn’t run through your head — instead, it curves around it.
If you’re interested in the technicalities, the specific energy used by Bluetooth technology is called electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The word ‘radiation’ often triggers alarm bells. But it’s important to know that there are two types of radiation: ionising EMR, often used for X-rays (can cause damage) and non-ionising EMR, which is used in Bluetooth hearing aids and causes no harm to our bodies.
Why do you need Bluetooth in your hearing aids?
The truth is, you don’t need Bluetooth hearing aids. Most advanced hearing aids are likely to have the technology, but even then, it’s not a feature you have to use. That’s the beauty of hearing aids — they can be as sophisticated or as simple as you want.
However, the benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids are extensive. At its most basic, the technology allows your phone to become a remote control. But when looking at the bigger picture, Bluetooth hearing aids help people connect better with the world around them.
Advantages of Bluetooth hearing aids in daily life
Simple tasks that are often more difficult with hearing aids, such as making a phone call, become much easier with Bluetooth. There’s no more need to point your phone’s speaker to the receiver (where sound is received) on your hearing aids; your phone doesn’t need to be next to your face. Instead, the hearing aids become a hands-free listening system, streaming audio such as phone calls and music directly to your ears.
What’s more, the functionality of Bluetooth hearing aids is adjustable from your phone, making it easier than ever to adjust as needed for different environments. This is one of the big advantages that many people love — almost as much as having crystal-clear phone calls with relatives overseas. “At the end of the day, Bluetooth hearing aids are really freeing”, says audiologist Craig Lett. “They’re all about connecting people with the world as much as possible.
Benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids include:
- Clearer phone conversations and video calls
- Perfect sound volume and clarity when watching TV
- Greater quality of music when listening via Bluetooth technology
- Easy volume adjusting to suit the sound of your voice
- Life is easier with phone apps designed for Bluetooth hearing aids
Looking for Bluetooth hearing aids online?
At Resonate, we offer a wide range of Bluetooth hearing aid styles to cater to different needs. Whether you need a discreet in-the-canal device or a more powerful behind-the-ear option, we’ve got you covered. And with studios all across New Zealand, your local Resonate team isn’t far away.
Simply enquire online or get in touch via 0800 737 662 to chat with your local Resonate audiologist today! The journey to better hearing is easy with the right support.
.png)