Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows two devices to communicate with each other over short distances. Many of our hearing aids include Bluetooth, or similar wireless tech, that allows you to connect your hearing aids to a number of devices – meaning you can be more connected than ever.
How does Bluetooth work?
You’ll find Bluetooth chips in hundreds of devices these days including mobile phones, computers, cameras and, of course, hearing aids. These devices contain small internal radios that use shortwave radio signals to transmit data including images, text or sound.
Unlike Wi-Fi, which is used to connect directly to the internet, Bluetooth connects one device to another usually only over a maximum of 30 feet. You’ll have one main device, for example, your mobile phone, that can be used to connect to a variety of other Bluetooth devices such as speakers and TVs.
Bluetooth accessories designed to work with hearing technology are able to connect up to seven compatible devices. For example, if you purchase a streamer you can pair with your mobile phone, computer etc.
What are Bluetooth hearing aids?
Bluetooth, or similar wireless tech, allows you to connect your hearing aids to a number of devices
Hearing aids that are not connected wirelessly cannot communicate with each other or to other devices i.e; if you made a change to the volume on one hearing aid, you’d have to do the same to the other one and they won’t link to your phone etc.
Using a combination of Bluetooth and small internal radios (known as T-coils), wireless hearing aids can talk to each other and to a range of electronic devices.
What can Bluetooth hearing aids do?
Having Bluetooth capability opens up a world of connectivity so that you can stream audio from your TV, mobile phone or music device into your hearing aids, thereby improving your sound quality.
Sometimes this connection is direct to your hearing aids, sometimes you’ll need an additional device called a ‘streamer’. The streamer works by converting Bluetooth signals into FM signals that allow you to perfectly hear phone calls, the television etc. This signal also tells the hearing aid to switch off its microphone so you’re not bombarded with sounds and can just focus on one device at a time.
Some hearing aids are known as MFIs or MFAs – made for iPhone or made for Android. This means if your smartphone device is compatible, the hearing aid will link directly to your device without the need for a streamer. This direct connectivity means you can use your hearing aids like wireless headphones to take calls and talk on the phone in busy environments, watch TV without background distraction or enjoy music while out for a walk. It means hearing aids become as much of an entertainment device as headphones do.
Please note, not all smartphones are compatible, talk to our team to find out if your phone is compatible.
What are the benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids?
Bluetooth hearing aids make lives easier for whose hearing needs a little help. Some of the main benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids include:
When it comes to settings, Bluetooth hearing aids offer high levels of personalisation. You can use apps on your mobile phone that are designed to help you hear better in many different situations. Using your smartphone (Apple, Android, Windows or others) you can fine-tune the volume, check the battery usage and other settings.
Most Bluetooth hearing aids also have a hearing aid app available to download onto your smartphone, so you can easily and discreetly adjust the settings of your hearing aids, whenever you need to.
Bluetooth hearing aids can link to your smartphone, television or other smart devices to allow you easy access to your favourite music and shows.
You can easily connect to your Apple or Android smartphone, so your hearing aids then work like wireless earphones, so you can stream sounds directly to your hearing aids*.
- Easily take phone calls
- Listen to music and podcasts
- Connect with a range of other accessories to keep you in the loop with everything you want – like a TV streamer so you can watch what you want without the need for subtitles
Some use Bluetooth connectivity to allow a direct link to a compatible Apple smart device such as an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. Others connect to Android devices, either directly or by using an accessory known as a streamer. We will be able to advise how you can
stream audio from virtually any source.
The streamers allow you to stream sound directly from your compatible television or smartphone, while you simply and discreetly control the volume.
Because your Bluetooth hearing aids are streaming directly from a smartphone, a television or similar, the sound quality is often considered to be sharper and crisper than non-Bluetooth hearing aids. Simplicity and quality, all in one.
You may prefer the convenience of rechargeable hearing aids, and many of our Bluetooth hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries included in the price.
Use your hearing aids during the day, and then when you settle down for a good night’s sleep, just pop them into their charger – when you wake up the next morning, your hearing aids will be ready to go.
Remember, if you buy hearing aids from Specsavers that are powered by single-use batteries, our price always includes four years supply of those batteries.
What are the disadvantages of Bluetooth hearing aids?
Not everyone chooses to have Bluetooth hearing aids. Some people may prefer a less technological option or something that’s easier on the wallet, and that’s fine by us. You have to be comfortable and confident using your hearing aids, or you’re less likely to use them when needed.
Battery power may drain slightly faster when Bluetooth is enabled, although you can easily recharge them using our recharging cases and will also benefit from the increased capability of these aids.
Our products range from a basic digital aid to the most sophisticated currently available and are suitable for all types of hearing loss. We’ll talk you through the different shapes of hearing aids, what type of batteries they use and how the hearing aid will suit your lifestyle and hearing needs. We will always recommend the best option for you.
You can view our full range of hearing aids, including Bluetooth models, here.
How much does a Bluetooth hearing aid cost?
Our Bluetooth hearing aids start from £495 per pair
A full hearing check and assessment 
Two digital hearing aids 
Aftercare included 
Four years’ supply of batteries* 
Choice of fitting styles 
100-day money-back guarantee**
Terms and conditions
*Excludes rechargeable hearing aids, which come with either an appropriate charger unit or rechargeable batteries
** From date of fitting.