Hearing aid technology continues to grow more advanced every year; innovations that seemed high-end only a few years ago are now more accessible, and this is especially true with Bluetooth technology. Many modern hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth by default, giving you greater control over your hearing and keeping you connected to the sounds of our evolving digital world.
How Do I Use Bluetooth with My Hearing Aids?
If you have Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, you can connect them wirelessly with any other Bluetooth-enabled device (such as your phone, tablet or television). Connecting two devices in this way is called “pairing.”
Put your hearing aids in pairing mode (consult your hearing aid manual or instructions for how to do this—usually it involves turning them on or restarting). On the device you’re trying to connect to, open up the settings menu, search “Bluetooth,” and turn it on to enable Bluetooth pairing. On your device’s display, it will provide a list of available devices. Your hearing aids should appear on this list.
What Can My Bluetooth-Enabled Hearing Aids Do?
Your hearing aids can now interact with any device they are paired with. In many cases, this will eliminate the need for headphones or improve audio quality significantly. Some examples include:
- Streaming music, podcasts or audiobooks from your phone
- Taking a phone call or video call on your phone or tablet
- Connecting with your TV: hear your show or movie and customize your volume, without battling for the remote
- Watching videos on your laptop
- Hearing your cell phone ring, even if it’s far away (up to 30 feet!)
- Getting alerts from your smartwatch
Hearing Aid Apps
Furthermore, every hearing aid manufacturer offers a smartphone app that pairs with and controls your hearing aids. These apps provide a wide range of valuable features, enabling you to tailor your hearing experience to your specific needs in the moment. These apps can:
- Control volume settings, including adjusting volume in each ear separately
- Change your hearing program
- Create custom hearing programs
- Adjust background noise suppression
- Check hearing aid status, such as battery levels
- Find lost hearing aids with GPS
- Contact your audiologist easily
These apps essentially turn your phone into a remote control for your hearing aids. This allows you to adjust them in real time, without needing to reach your hand up to your ear and fiddle with the earpiece. Search for your manufacturer in the App Store or Play Store to find the app meant for your hearing aid model.
Getting Started with Bluetooth Hearing Aids
If you’re just getting started with Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, or if you’ve had them for a while but have been hesitant to try them out, contact Waterville Audiology. We can walk you through the pairing process and demonstrate some of the incredible benefits Bluetooth can have on your hearing journey. Call us today to learn more.