Bluetooth Hearing Aids UK: What are they and how can they help your hearing?

There are different types of Bluetooth hearing aids

Are Bluetooth Hearing Aids Right For Me?

Bluetooth hearing aid features

Are Bluetooth hearing aids worth it? 

Here we explore the various features of Bluetooth hearing aids, such as connectivity options, streaming capabilities, and compatibility with different devices.  Hopefully, this section should answer the question: "Do I really need Bluetooth hearing aid technology?"

Today's Bluetooth hearing aids cater to all types and levels of hearing loss from mild to severe.  They are extremely convenient for those who use Bluetooth-enabled devices like tablets, iPads, TVs, and smartphones. 

Using such Bluetooth technology will allow your hearing aids to enhance your everyday life, making it easier whilst giving you more control and more freedom.  

But will you use the technology?  Bluetooth hearing aids connect you to your friends, loved ones, and the world seamlessly.  However, if you do not use Bluetooth devices and have a standard smartphone - you may not get the most out of Bluetooth hearing aids. 

Your audiologist will go through what you want from your hearing aids, what your hearing loss needs, and also what would enhance your current lifestyle.  It is also important that you discuss what Bluetooth-enabled devices you have already that you'd like to connect with your hearing aids and whether the technology is compatible.

The smart technology of Bluetooth hearing aids

Historically the concept of Bluetooth hearing aids described only the devices that have a direct connection to a mobile phone to enable audio streaming.  In short, when the industry spoke about Bluetooth hearing aids, they were referring to Made for iPhone hearing aids (also known as MFI).

The Made for iPhone hearing aids came onto the market with Resound’s LiNX platform in 2014 – their first iPhone device.  This was then quickly mirrored by Starkey’s Halo hearing aids and now the industry has seen a sea of change with manufacturers adding to their Bluetooth hearing aid ranges.

What if my hearing aids can't connect?

If your hearing aids don't incorporate direct streaming, don't worry, there are plenty of hearing aid streamers on the market that connect you. 

Pretty much all the hearing aid manufacturers have Bluetooth-compatible hearing aid streamers.  It ensures fast, low-energy, and reliable wireless audio streaming directly to your hearing aids.

What are Bluetooth hearing aid streamers? Streamers are effectively the 'go-between' between your hearing aids and your electronic device.

Best Hearing Aids with Bluetooth

Are Bluetooth hearing aids any good?

Bluetooth development has been a challenge

Even though hearing aid manufacturers saw huge potential and benefits to Bluetooth hearing aid technology over the years, the development hasn’t been plain sailing. 

Originally, the transferred audio wasn’t of great quality and relied on huge amounts of power.  Due to this, most brands opted to design streamers to bridge the gap between connectivity and sound quality – a middleman of sorts.  

Ultimately, this resulted in both launching the first-ever Made for iPhone hearing aids with a direct connection.  Allowing you to access the world through your hearing aids using mobile phone features and apps. 

All hearing aid manufacturers now have Made for iPhone Bluetooth hearing aid models on offer, but it is worthwhile knowing that you may need a connective device – a streamer - for some models for hearing aid mobile phone compatibility.  

What do we think of Bluetooth hearing aids?

Are there advantages of Bluetooth hearing aids?  Most consumers and audiologists would say they were better, even though the Bluetooth hearing aid connectivity doesn’t ensure better-performing hearing aids. 

One of the main benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids is their ability to connect to a wide range of devices, including phones, TVs, and music players. This allows users to stream audio directly to their hearing aids, which can be especially useful for people who have difficulty hearing in noisy environments or who have difficulty understanding speech.

Another benefit of Bluetooth hearing aids is their ability to be controlled remotely. Many Bluetooth hearing aids come with a remote control or app that allows users to adjust the volume, switch between listening programs, and control other features.

This can be especially convenient for people who have difficulty manipulating small buttons or who have dexterity issues.

Bluetooth hearing aids also offer several other benefits. For example, many models come with noise reduction and feedback reduction technologies, which can help to improve the overall listening experience.  They may also come with directional microphones, which can help to improve speech understanding in noisy environments. 

Did you know that we offer free home visits?

Wherever you live, we have between 2-3 audiologists in your area who can support your hearing healthcare locally.  You can book an appointment to see them in one of our clinics or in the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits you.

Best Bluetooth Enabled Hearing Aids

Advantages of Bluetooth hearing aids

Bluetooth hearing aid benefits

Even if you need an additional hearing aid streamer to benefit from wireless connectivity and functions, Bluetooth hearing aids offer a plethora of advantages to hearing aid wearers.  Here are our audiologist's top four below.

1.  Bluetooth hearing aids give you better control

You can control sound more easily with Bluetooth hearing aids, as sound can be adjusted remotely through your smartphone or using a streamer.  This means you will have full control and management of your hearing aids at your fingertips. 

This is a huge benefit to those who wear discreet hearing aids and cannot gain access to any external controls to make adjustments.

2.  You get a more tailored listening experience with Bluetooth hearing aids

You can stream sound directly to both hearing aids with Bluetooth hearing aids.  For example, when you are on the phone you can stream sound into just one hearing aid device so you can continue to hear your surrounding sounds. 

Alternatively, you can stream music into both hearing aids, like you would headphones.  This benefits you because you will always have a natural and realistic listening experience.

3.  There is better localisation with Bluetooth hearing aids

Because Bluetooth hearing aids work in sync using binaural hearing technology, they mimic the natural localisation of both your own ears.  This benefits you because it makes it easier to know where sound is coming from. 

Hearing aids without Bluetooth usually process sound separately, which can sometimes make figuring out the direction of sound more challenging.

4.  Bluetooth hearing aids allow for multiple connectivity

Hearing aid streamers can often be connected to several Bluetooth-enabled devices, which makes it a lot easier to switch between them and the sounds you want to be streamed into your hearing aids.  

Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids UK of 2024

Our top 3 Bluetooth hearing aids recommended by our audiologists

What are the best Bluetooth hearing aids?

With less stigma, better audio technology, and advanced Bluetooth hearing aid technology and features - it is now a great time to trial hearing solutions and experience the benefits they bring.

How do we choose the best Bluetooth hearing aids?  Finding the right Bluetooth hearing aids for you will depend entirely on your unique preferences, hearing loss needs, budget, and what you typically want from your hearing aids.  In so many ways, there is no one-size-fits-all answer here.

However, to help you find the best Bluetooth hearing aids on the market, we have consulted a panel of two of our audiologists to provide recommendations based on their own experiences and expertise.

Our Bluetooth hearing aids reviews are based on brand reputation, customer reviews of the product, and our audiologist's experience.  

Winner

Phonak Audeo Lumity Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Why buy? 

Well, these hearing aids arguably have the strongest and most stable Bluetooth connectivity along with advanced personalisation.  They boast Bluetooth Classic, giving you a reliable connection and hands-free calls from both iPhone and Android wireless devices.

Like the Paradise, these include the PRISM chipset allows for twice the memory we saw in Marvel.  This hearing aid combines advanced sound quality, motion sensors, a personable hearing experience, and digital solutions along with universal and multiple Bluetooth connectivity.

Using Phonak's Motion Sensors, Lumity can control Bluetooth features with a double tap of your ear. So, you can accept/end calls, pause/resume streaming, and ask Google for driving instructions with a simple tap. 

Lumity digital hearing aids allow for eight Bluetooth-enabled devices to be paired, while two can be simultaneously connected.

Second Place 

Signia Insio Charge&Go IX Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Why buy? 

A small, discreet rechargeable custom In Ear offering with the innovative IX platform technology.  This In-Ear rechargeable hearing aid brings optimum hearing technology and discretion that is custom-made for extra comfort every day.  Custom-made means that the hearing aid itself is adapted to fit your unique ear shape or 'ear anatomy', so it is even more discreet.  

The Insio offers state-of-the-art Bluetooth connectivity to both iPhone and Android devices to stream calls, music, and TV audio directly through to your devices.  You can also enjoy the benefits of connecting to the Signia app and Signia Assistant for further personalisation.

The Insio IX incorporates the successful Integrated Xperience platform, giving you a reduction in hearing effort and clear speech in conversation - even on the go and in any hearing situation.  All in all, this device achieves a great balance of sound quality for wearers with mild to moderate hearing loss who want great Bluetooth features from an In-Ear aid.

Runner Up 

Oticon Intent Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Why buy? 

A popular Bluetooth hearing aid with AI-powered natural sound.  This Oticon hearing aid is a discreet rechargeable style with technology for you to gain from all relevant sounds and supports how your brain works naturally.

Advancing on their already successful BrainHearing technology philosophy and combining the Deep Neural Network and the new Solaris platform.  This means you will benefit from more of the meaningful sounds around you, more balance and clarity of all the little details, and more captures of the special moments that sound brings to life.

When it comes to connectivity, Intent ticks all the boxes.  You can connect to the full range of Oticon accessories and they perform really well with most mobile phones.  Oticon has also stated that the Intent will work with the new Bluetooth protocol, LE Audio, and Auracast, which will effectively be the new generation of reliable audio streaming.  

In fact, Intent mirrors a lot of the benefits found in Audeo Lumity at a similar price.  One of the differences is how these two products deal with background noise.  Whilst Intent uses a more natural open sound portrayed in 360 degrees that mirrors the way our brain naturally hears (this is where the AI comes in) - Lumity focuses more on speech to reduce the effect of background noise.

Digital Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Future Bluetooth technology

Auracast Bluetooth for hearing aids

Auracast Bluetooth technology will be integrated into hearing aids, revolutionising auditory assistance. With its advanced connectivity, Auracast enables direct streaming of phone calls, music, and other audio content from smartphones and compatible devices. This innovation enhances the hearing aid user experience, providing crystal-clear sound quality and eliminating background noise.

Auracast's low-energy consumption also helps to prolong battery life, ensuring extended usage without interruption. Its user-friendly interface simplifies device pairing and customisation, supporting hearing personalisation.

Auracast Bluetooth technology will roll out within the next six or so years in hearing aids - representing a significant leap forward, offering enhanced accessibility and improved quality of life for those with hearing loss.

Other useful information on Bluetooth hearing aids