When you first reach out to an audiologist about difficulties with hearing, you may think that the end of the process towards improving your hearing is to be fitted with a hearing aid and set on your way. But this really isn't the case. Once you’ve been fitted with a hearing aid, you have a lifetime of work and consideration ahead of you. You’re going to have to put a lot of thought into choosing the right aid to suit your needs and you may find that you want to upgrade your aid as the years go by. After all, research and technology are constantly working together to actively improve the options that are available to us. An aid from years ago may not offer the same quality of hearing as an aid that has just rolled off the production line. A good example of an extra feature that has improved hearing aids recently is Bluetooth hearing aid technology. So, let’s take a moment to look over what exactly Bluetooth technology can do for you in regards to your hearing!

What exactly is “Bluetooth” technology?

Bluetooth has been around for years. In fact, it was originally invented in 1994 by an electrical engineer named Dr. Jaap Haartsen. While working for Ericsson – a global leader in the provision of communications technology – Haartsen was tasked with creating a short-range radio connection that could enable new functionalities for mobile phones. Bluetooth achieved this. It is a wireless communication platform that allows for the transfer of information and data between two or more electronic devices. Of course, this was great for mobile phones – people could easily send data and information to one another in a new way without any need for the use of wires. But it has been made use of in various other areas by a wide variety of industries – the hearing aid industry included. In regards to hearing aids, Bluetooth compatibility will allow you to connect directly to your cell phone, your tablet, your laptop, and even your television if you happen to have a Bluetooth compatible television.

Hearing Aid Detection

Just last year, tech giant Apple gained a special hearing aid detection patent, so if you make use of Apple devices in particular (such as the iPhone, MacBook’s, Apple TV or an Apple watch) you may find that Bluetooth technology can work even more in your favor. Essentially, when using Apple devices, they will automatically detect the presence of a Bluetooth compatible hearing aid by using a proximity sensor and a magnetic field sensor. The device can then automatically switch to HAC (or “hearing aid compatible”) mode. Essentially, rather than having to adjust your aid to the device you’re using, the device will automatically adjust to the aid you’re using.

Why would I want a Bluetooth hearing aid?

Many people find Bluetooth connection in their hearing aids a great addition to their day to day lives. Here are just a few of the benefits that you might want to embrace!

  • Accepting calls: If your aid is Bluetooth compatible, you can take calls directly through your hearing aid. This can often help you to hear the person on the other end of the line a little more clearly without having to press your phone up against your aid or taking personal calls on loudspeaker.
  • Connecting to the television: If you’re watching a show on a Bluetooth compatible television, you could connect your aid to the television wirelessly. The noise from the shows you are watching will be streamed directly to your ears, meaning that other people you’re watching with can have the television at whatever volume they like and you will still be able to hear everything.
  • Connecting to your tablet or laptop: The same logic applies to connecting to your tablet or laptop devices. You can have sound directly streamed to you from whatever it may be that you’re using your laptop for. Whether that’s watching a show or series on Netflix or video calling your loved ones.

As you can see, there really are all sorts of benefits that come hand in hand with investing in a Bluetooth hearing aid. While it isn’t an absolute essential for everyone, Bluetooth technology can significantly improve and streamline your day to day life, smoothing out a few problems that many people find they actively have when using their standard hearing aid devices. If Bluetooth hearing aids interest you, you can find out more from the Audiology and Hearing Aid Center at (920) 486-6922.