Despite the technology being innately small for comfortable, discreet use, private hearing aids are typically filled with a lot of interesting technological features.
One of the most interesting of these is Bluetooth connectivity, using the same technology many wireless headsets use to provide a greater level of compatibility with audio devices.
Whilst the technology is not exactly new, with the underlying technology first being developed in 1989 and the first Bluetooth-compatible devices first being sold in 2001, as the technology has become more accessible and more ubiquitous, its existence in hearing aids has become increasingly beneficial.
Every major hearing aid manufacturer will produce units with Bluetooth connectivity, with functionality that ranges from direct audio streaming to being able to finely tune your earpiece’s sensitivity via a smartphone or tablet app.
Whilst a hearing aid without Bluetooth will work fine, the advanced connectivity and feature set can make it a beneficial option, particularly for people who find ways to get the most out of it.
Versatile And Highly Compatible
Bluetooth is a relatively mature technology that has been used in a vast array of electronics for over two decades. Because of this, there are precious few pieces of audio equipment that do not connect to the technology and by extension to your hearing aids.
Some connections are more rudimentary than others, treating the earpiece more like a pair of conventional earphones rather than a hearing aid, but they may provide a better hearing experience.
Mobile phones, laptops and newer televisions, in particular, are highly suited to using Bluetooth to provide an aural experience free of external noise and interference.
More advanced standards such as Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) and the telecoil-esque Auracast are set to make this even easier.
Customisable Listening Options
With more recent hearing aids and smartphones being designed with each other in mind, you can create a far more personalised audio experience.
You can adjust the volume of the particular device or devices you are connected to, can alter the level of external noise around you to either focus on the audio from the device or allow you to hear conversations around you.
You can also adjust your settings using an app on your smartwatch or smartphone, which can be easier and more convenient with smaller hearing aids than manual adjustment.
Longer Range
Bluetooth has a 30ft range in normal conditions, although this can vary if a wall is in the way or the device you have it connected to is not exactly strong. Regardless, this distance is more than enough to comfortably connect to a television on the other side of the room without interference.
Highly Reliable
The 20 years of constant development as an industry leader in wireless technology means that it has become exceptionally reliable and consistent. It works at a high level across a broad spectrum of technologies, and whilst it is still evolving, it is on a very firm foundation.
They also “pair” (connect together) within a matter of a few seconds with just a few clicks or taps.
