Bluetooth Hearing Aids: What are the benefits and how do they work?

In a world where technological advancements – particularly in the healthcare industry – move at such a rapid pace, Bluetooth hearing aids are quickly replacing more traditional devices.

Below, Katie Ogden, a HCPC registered hearing aid dispenser and the Training Manager of the ReSound North-West Europe training team, outlines the modern advancements of Bluetooth hearing aids, as well as the multitude of benefits they bring to the lives of those suffering from hearing loss.

How do Bluetooth hearing aids work?

Bluetooth hearing aids work by receiving electromagnetic signals from a Bluetooth-enabled device, creating a communication system, to bring wearers sound.

Using the Bluetooth frequency, users can stream calls or hear audio from a variety of different devices including smartphones, iPads, electronic tablets and smart TVs for a convenient and high-quality listening experience.

First introduced to the hearing aid market in 2010, the use of Bluetooth has become ingrained in the evolution of hearing aid features, and works in 3 main ways.

Communication between hearing aids

As Bluetooth 2.4gHz is a clinically safe signal it allows the hearing aids to communicate with each other, replicating the natural function of the hearing system and the processing of the brain. This allows hearing aids to behave more accurately, the hearing aid features to be more intelligent, and the listening experience to be more effective and natural.

Assistive listening devices or hearing aid wireless accessories
Hearing aids are a major part of the hearing solution, but in order to achieve optimum performance an ALD (assistive listening device) may be invaluable in achieving the very best outcomes for patients and end-users. All hearing aid manufacturers have a catalogue of these available, including ReSound that have a TV Streamer that allows users to watch TV clearly at their preferred volume, whilst everyone else in the house watches it at their preferred volume. For more information on ReSound wireless accessories, you can go to Hearing Aid Accessories | ReSound UK.

Smart device direct connections

It is now very common to be able to directly connect your hearing aids to your smart devices, with most smart device platforms being compatible. The functionality is very much hearing aid model dependent but these can be used in many ways, for example, you can control your own hearing aid with an app such as ReSound Smart 3D, allowing you to make small adjustments that bring huge benefits in different environments.

How do they differ from traditional hearing aids?

A traditional hearing aid has a microphone, a processor, a receiver and a power source to allow sounds to be transmitted to users. The sound from the microphone is digitally processed and specifically amplified in order for the hearing system to effectively convert the sound signal into a neural impulse that can then be processed by the brain.

Bluetooth hearing aids have all of the functions of traditional hearing aids, but with the additional benefit of Bluetooth that enables them to double up as custom audio devices. Thanks to the technology, hearing aid users who previously faced limitations using audio devices like mobile phones or music players – by having to switch out hearing aids for headphones – can enjoy a streamlined all-in-one listening experience.

What can you use Bluetooth hearing aids for?

In simple terms, Bluetooth hearing aids can connect to any device that incorporates wireless technology, meaning wearers can use them to access a whole range of entertainment via their devices:

Music and audio – Users can stream and enjoy their favourite music or podcasts wherever they want, without having to remove a hearing aid to replace with headphones.

Phone calls – Bluetooth hearing aid wearers can easily answer or make phone calls at the touch of a button, the same way a person using a wireless headset could. ReSound conducted a study that found telephone calls streamed to both hearing aids can improve call quality by over 40%, if you incorporate a video calling platform that can improve the call by over 70%.

TV – Wearers can enjoy their favourite TV shows and movies with personalised sound transferring straight to their hearing aids, all without needing to alter the volume of the TV and impact enjoyment for other viewers in the room.

Video games/ social media – Bluetooth hearing aid wearers can connect to iPads, tablets or laptops to enjoy the full experience of watching online videos on social platforms or enjoying sound effects from video game consoles.

How can Bluetooth hearing aids improve the lives of those with hearing loss?

Bluetooth hearing aids have been designed to improve the lives of those suffering from hearing loss in a variety of ways:

Better sound quality
With their advanced technology, Bluetooth hearing aids offer users a more natural quality of sound than ever before. The positioning of sound is crystal clear, and they also filter out any distracting background noises. Due to the improved communication between the devices, they are more intelligent allowing them to supplement the natural processing of the brain. Used with a wireless accessory like a remote microphone, users have the opportunity to hear better in background noise than ever before

Communicated sound
Bluetooth hearing aids are also able to communicate with each other, meaning sound heard in one ear will be transferred to the other ear, to allow users to hear a clearer overall sound.

Impressive streaming options

Those hard of hearing will be able to get the same benefits from their electronic devices as those with more functional hearing; enjoying convenience and connectivity whether they are at home, on a run, or during their daily commute.

Long-lasting power and easy recharging

These high-tech hearing aids have been designed to have a longer battery life that can work and sleep when users do, so there is little chance of losing power and being disconnected from the sound. Some experienced hearing aid wearers have likened rechargeable hearing aids to having fresh batteries every day, improving their confidence in their devices.

What are the starting prices of Bluetooth hearing aids?
Traditionally, Bluetooth hearing aids used to be more costly than their counterparts. However, hearing aid manufacturers are now introducing Bluetooth into more essential range models, improving the accessibility to this technology for more people and further improving their day-to-day lives and experiences. For more information on the cost of these devices or the benefits of Bluetooth technology in hearing aids, I would recommend talking with an Audiologist or registered Hearing Aid Dispenser. Qualified UK audiologists can be found and contacted through the ReSound website.

ReSound ONE
The is the latest high-end hearing aid that brings Bluetooth Low Energy streaming to smartphone users, who wear Bluetooth hearing aids. This allows users to stream phone calls, music, navigation or any other audio to their hearing aids on the go, whilst preserving battery life. The sound can also be personalised using the ReSound Smart 3D or the ReSound Smart apps to tailor your hearing experience to your preferences.