8 Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Bluetooth technology wirelessly connects hearing aids to smartphones, tablets, televisions, and computers.
This improves sound quality and volume control because audio is streamed directly to the hearing aids, eliminating background noise and reducing distortion. Many Bluetooth hearing aids come with a companion app. This allows users to adjust their hearing aids quickly and easily, without needing to remove them.
In this article, we’ll let you know what the best Bluetooth hearing aids are in a variety of price ranges. We’ll also go over what features to look for and provide tips for choosing hearing aids with Bluetooth.
Key takeaways
Bluetooth hearing aids connect wirelessly to smartphones and other devices for making phone calls, listening to music, or watching videos.
Top models combine excellent sound quality with smart features, such as speech enhancement and automatic program switching.
Like other types of hearing aids, proper fit is crucial for effectiveness.
Benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids
Bluetooth hearing aids are a kind of wireless hearing aid. They connect to devices to provide better sound quality when talking on the phone, listening to music, or watching videos. This wireless connectivity also allows for easy adjustments using an app on your smartphone.
Specific benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids include:
Better sound quality, as you can wirelessly connect to smartphones, televisions, and computers without the need for external headphones
Opportunities for hands-free calling
Clearer phone calls, as you can hear the voice on the other end through both ears
Apps offer customization and easy adjustment of volume, bass, and treble
Custom audio profiles can be saved in your hearing aid’s companion app, so it’s easy to switch between settings for different environments, such as at home versus a busy restaurant
Many top models have smart features so the hearing aid automatically adjusts to different environments, such as blocking out wind when you’re outside
Some models have additional features, such as “Find My Hearing Aid” or fall detection
Premium Bluetooth hearing aids
Premium Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids have smart features that allow for better audio quality, such as noise cancellation.
Phonak Paradise and Lumity series
Phonak’s Paradise and Lumity series provide universal connectivity. You can easily pair them with different devices and switch between these devices without hassle. Phonak’s hearing aids also have advanced sound processing. This means the hearing aids adjust automatically. They block wind, reduce background noise, and enhance speech based on the environment. Users also appreciate the long-lasting battery life.
ReSound ONE and Omnia models
ReSound’s hearing aids feature a special microphone system. It has both a behind-the-ear and an inside-the-ear microphone. This design helps create a natural sound and improves spatial awareness. They also allow for focus on the person in front of you, making it easy to engage in conversations, even in busy environments. The myReSound app allows you to connect with an audiologist who can remotely adjust your hearing aids for added customization and support.
Oticon More and Real series
Oticon’s More and Real series use BrainHearing technology and neural processing to enhance the ability to pick up on speech cues. OpenSound experience captures all sounds, not just speech. This creates a more natural sound and helps you stay aware of your surroundings. If you have tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, these hearing aids have tinnitus relief noise, like white noise or nature soundscapes.
Mid-range Bluetooth options
Mid-range Bluetooth options provide good sound quality and some smart features. However, they may lack the full range of features found in premium Bluetooth hearing aids.
Signia Pure and Styletto models
Both the Signia Pure and Styletto models have Own Voice Processing software, which detects the user’s voice and processes it differently, so that it sounds natural. While the Pure has a more traditional look, the Styletto model is known for its sleek design. The Styletto also comes with a portable charging case, while this is optional for the Pure. For both models, TeleCare remote support provides remote adjustments with a hearing care professional.
Widex Moment and SmartRIC series
Widex’s Moment series has PureSound technology to process sound quickly for a more natural listening experience. Widex’s Moment and SmartRIC series use AI technology.
This uses data from your previous experiences as well as data from other users to predict the best settings. This AI technology even adapts Widex’s tinnitus relief Zen therapy sounds—
pleasant, calming chimes that help the brain shift away from the ringing of tinnitus—
to what best relieves your tinnitus in each situation.
Budget-friendly Bluetooth hearing aids
If you’re on a budget, there are several affordable hearing aids with Bluetooth that offer good audio quality and allow for streaming. These include:
Costco Kirkland Signature models: Costco sells affordable hearing aids. Additionally, they offer complimentary hearing tests and a 180-day trial period. Individuals need to have a Costco membership to purchase hearing aids.
Jabra Enhance and online direct-to-consumer options: Online direct-to-consumer options are often more affordable, as there’s no need for retail markup, and they often offer simpler features. Jabra Enhance is one option that is suitable for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Over-the-counter (OTC) Bluetooth hearing aids: OTC Bluetooth hearing aids can be purchased at pharmacies and big box stores. They’re convenient to purchase and are suitable for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Bluetooth hearing aid features
When shopping for hearing aids, consider features such as compatibility, battery life, and sound quality.
Connectivity and compatibility
Bluetooth hearing aids can connect to many devices, but not all pair easily with every device. Made for iPhone (MFi) means hearing aids are able to connect to Apple devices like iPhones and iPads.
This uses less battery life and offers high-quality streaming with less of a delay than using universal Bluetooth support. But MFi doesn’t work with Android devices. If you have an Android, consider hearing aids with Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) protocol, which offers direct streaming to Android 10+ devices with compatible software.
If you plan to pair your hearing aids with various devices, such as your smartphone, television, and computer, look for multiple device pairing and seamless switching for easy switching between devices.
For example, if you're watching a video and your phone rings, seamless switching switches your hearing aids to your phone automatically. This way, you won't miss the call. Once you’re finished on the phone, your hearing aids will switch back to your video.
Battery life and charging options
The type of batteries a hearing aid uses and battery charging time are important factors to consider. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can initially be more expensive, but they last longer.
They do require charging, however, which may be an issue, especially if you’re traveling somewhere without reliable electricity.
Disposable zinc-air batteries don’t require charging but do need to be replaced, the cost of which adds up over time. Streaming time also impacts battery life, so if you plan to spend a lot of time streaming, look for hearing aids with a larger battery capacity. Some premium hearing aids have quick-charge capabilities and charging cases to top up your battery throughout the day.
Sound quality and processing
Sound quality features make sound more natural and reduce the delay caused by processing. Some sound quality features to consider include:
Digital noise reduction to minimize unwanted background noise and make it easier to hear speech
Wind noise management to reduce the noise of the wind
Directional microphones to switch between focusing on noises around you to noises in front of you, making it easier to focus on the person who is speaking.
Feedback cancellation and whistling prevention to manage the high-pitched noises that happen when sound leaks out from the hearing aid and gets reprocessed
Choosing the right Bluetooth hearing aids
Choosing the right Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids means considering your personal needs and preferences, including your level of hearing loss, fit and style preferences, and budget.
Assessing your hearing loss and needs
A hearing test helps you understand what level of hearing loss you have.
For people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, OTC Bluetooth hearing aids can be an accessible and affordable option. But for individuals with more severe hearing loss, prescription hearing aids are better suited. You’ll also want to consider your daily activities and lifestyle.
For example, if you frequently participate in group social activities, you might wish to look for Bluetooth hearing aids with noise reduction and directional microphones to help reduce background noise. Technology comfort level is another factor.
Some people feel comfortable adjusting their own hearing aids using an app, while others prefer to have them set up by an audiologist.
Fit and style considerations
There are a few different types of hearing aid styles, some of which some people prefer more than others.
| Column A | Definition | Benefits | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behind-the-ear (BTE) | A larger hearing aid that sits behind the ear | Powerful for those with moderate-to-severe hearing loss; longer battery life | Some people find them bulky and uncomfortable; less discreet |
| In-the-ear (ITE) | Fits directly inside the outer ear | Discreet; can be more comfortable than BTE | Shorter battery life; better for mild-to-moderate hearing loss |
| Receiver-in-canal (RIC) | Small case that sits behind the ear, which is connected to a receiver within the ear | More discreet than BTE; works for mild to severe hearing loss | Less discreet than ITE and CIC models |
| Completely-in-canal (CIC) | Sit completely in the ear canal | Most discreet option; natural sound quality | Limited features due to the small size; best for mild-to-moderate hearing loss |
Budget and insurance considerations
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover hearing aids, but Medicare Advantage plans and private insurance might. In addition to considering your insurance and budget, you’ll want to think about what type of hearing aids you want to purchase.
Basic Bluetooth hearing aids, which have fewer features and limit the number of devices that you can pair, are more affordable.
On the other hand, premium Bluetooth hearing aids are more expensive, but allow pairing to more devices, advanced noise reduction, and improved customization. If you’re unable to afford the price of your hearing aids outright, many companies offer payment plans and financing options.
Bluetooth hearing aids cost and value
The cost of Bluetooth hearing aids can vary. OTC Bluetooth hearing aids start at around $800 a pair, whereas prescription hearing aids can average around $2,500 to $3,000 a pair. Premium Bluetooth hearing aids with advanced features can be even more expensive.
Bottom line
There are a variety of Bluetooth hearing aids available to suit your needs. Premium Bluetooth hearing aids like Phonak’s Paradise and Lumity series, ReSound’s ONE and Omnia models, and Oticon’s More and Real series offer extensive features and wireless hearing aid technology.
For a mix of affordability and features, try Signia’s Pure and Styletto models or Widex’s Moment and SmartRIC series. If you’re on a budget, Costco Kirkland Signature models, online direct-to-consumer models like Jabra Enhance, and OTC Bluetooth hearing aids are more affordable options. No matter which option you use, fit plays a large role in how well your hearing aids work for you.
A professional fitting and trial period ensures that your hearing aids work for you. If you’re considering Bluetooth hearing aids, schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation and technology demonstration to get started.
Frequently asked questions
Do all hearing aids have Bluetooth now?
No, not all hearing aids have Bluetooth. While some OTC Bluetooth hearing aids are more basic and don’t have Bluetooth, Bluetooth is becoming more common in mid-range and premium hearing aids.
Can I stream music directly to my hearing aids?
If your hearing aids have Bluetooth capabilities, you can stream music directly to your hearing aids. This involves pairing your Bluetooth hearing aids with your smartphone, television, computer, or tablet.
How long does the battery last when using Bluetooth?
Bluetooth streaming drains your hearing aid batteries more quickly. Without streaming, some hearing aids can last up to 30 hours on a single charge. With streaming, this battery life might be cut in half.
Are Bluetooth hearing aids worth the extra cost?
Bluetooth hearing aids can be worth the extra cost if you stream audio frequently, talk on the phone often, and want the ability to adjust your hearing aid settings on your own without a trip to the audiologist.