Bluetooth Hearing Aids

• Made for iPhone (MFi): Devices labeled “MFi” pair directly with iOS accessibility settings. This direct connection provides reliable streaming and controls within your iPhone’s settings—no extra accessories needed for most core features.


• Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA): ASHA is a direct-streaming system for many newer Android phones (generally Android 10+ with Bluetooth 5.0). It allows compatible devices to send audio straight to hearing aids. Not all Android phones support ASHA, so always verify compatibility.


• LE Audio and Auracast™: These emerging standards will offer even better audio quality, improved battery life, and new capabilities. Auracast will eventually let you “tune in” to public audio broadcasts—like airport announcements or TV sound in public spaces—directly through your hearing aids. While still rolling out, choosing a hearing aid that is Auracast-ready can help future-proof your investment.

3. App-Based Personalization

Most Bluetooth hearing aids can be controlled through a companion smartphone app. These apps often let you:

• Adjust volume and sound balance
• Switch between listening programs (e.g., “Restaurant,” “TV,” “Outdoors,” “Music”)
• Fine-tune noise reduction and microphone focus
• Change which direction the microphones prioritize (e.g., in front of you)

Your phone essentially becomes a discreet remote control for your hearing aids.

Pairing with iPhones is usually straightforward because Apple maintains strict standards for MFi hearing devices.

• Compatibility: Many modern hearing aids are MFi certified.
• Requirements: Most work with iPhone 5 or newer (and many iPads), offering direct streaming of calls, music, and system sounds.

Android devices vary more, so it’s important to confirm details.

• ASHA compatibility: Make sure both your hearing aids and your phone support ASHA. Many newer mid-range and high-end Android phones do; some budget models may not.
• Alternative protocols: Some hearing aids use Bluetooth profiles that emulate standard headsets. This can allow broader compatibility, though sometimes with reduced functionality compared to ASHA or MFi.

Connecting hearing aids to computers can be trickier.

• Direct connection: Only certain hearing aids can pair directly with laptops/desktops via Bluetooth.
• Intermediary devices: Many systems work best with a dedicated accessory (such as a USB dongle or TV/PC streamer) to ensure stable audio for video calls or streaming.

• Battery type: Streaming uses more power. Rechargeable models are convenient for frequent streaming, while disposable-battery models may require more frequent changes.
• Multi-point connectivity: Some devices can maintain connections to two devices at once (e.g., your phone and tablet) for smoother switching.
• Streaming stability: User reviews and professional feedback can reveal whether a particular model has frequent dropouts or strong, consistent connections.
• Companion app quality: A reliable, user-friendly app (like Beltone’s HearMax™ app) makes it easier to get the most from your Bluetooth features.

• Make sure your hearing aids are fully charged or have fresh batteries.
• Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone.
• Keep your hearing aids and phone close together during pairing.
• To enable pairing mode, restart your hearing aids:
  • Rechargeable models: Place them in the charger for a few seconds, then remove them.
  • Battery-powered models: Open and close the battery door.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap Accessibility.
3. Under “Hearing,” select Hearing Devices.
4. Restart your hearing aids to put them in pairing mode.
5. Wait a few seconds for your hearing aids to appear under “MFi Hearing Devices.”
6. Tap the name of your hearing aids.
7. Tap Pair on the pop-up. If you wear two hearing aids, you may need to tap Pair twice.

Once paired, you can manage microphone, streaming, and preset options in both the app and your iPhone settings.

Menu names may vary by manufacturer, but the process is similar:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Connected devices or Connections, then Bluetooth.
3. Restart your hearing aids to put them in pairing mode.
4. Select Pair new device (or similar).
5. Choose your hearing aids from the list.

In some cases, it’s easier to install the manufacturer’s companion app first and follow its on-screen instructions for pairing.

If your hearing aids came with a TV adapter:

1. Plug the TV streamer into a power outlet and connect its audio cable to your TV’s audio output.
2. Put your hearing aids into pairing mode and place them near the TV streamer.
3. Press the streamer’s pairing button; indicator lights usually change when pairing is complete.
4. To listen, switch your hearing aids to the “TV” or “streamer” program using your app or the button on your devices.

Problem: Background noise makes it hard to hear the person across the table.

Solution: Use your app to switch to a “Restaurant” or “Noise” program, adjust microphone focus toward the person you’re speaking with, or use a remote microphone accessory placed near them to stream their voice directly to your hearing aids.

Problem: Engine or road noise drowns out radio, podcasts, or calls.

Solution: Stream audio directly from your phone to your hearing aids for clearer sound. For calls, use hands-free features so you can keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Problem: The TV volume that works for you is too loud for others.

Solution: Use a TV streamer or compatible TV to send audio directly to your hearing aids, allowing you to listen at your ideal volume while others use the speakers at a comfortable level.

Try this:

• Turn Bluetooth off on your phone, wait about 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
• Restart both hearing aids.
• If that fails, “Forget” or remove the hearing aids in your Bluetooth settings, then repeat the pairing process.

Possible causes: Wireless interference or physical obstructions (e.g., your phone in a back pocket far from the hearing aids).

Solution: Move your phone closer to your body’s midline or to a front pocket. Check whether other Bluetooth devices nearby are interrupting the connection.

Context: Continuous or frequent streaming uses more power.

Solution:

• Carry spare batteries, or place rechargeables in the charger for short top-ups when possible.
• Ensure your hearing aids aren’t stuck in a streaming mode once you’re done with calls or media.

Solutions:

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics to adjust or disable certain system sounds. You can also use the side switch to mute alerts temporarily.
• On Android: In Bluetooth or app settings, choose which notifications are streamed, or use Do Not Disturb mode when needed.

Try this:

• Close and reopen the app.
• Toggle Bluetooth off and back on.
• Check if the hearing aids are connected to another device already (e.g., a tablet or second phone) and disconnect them there before reconnecting.

• Protect from moisture: Use a drying kit or dehumidifier at night, especially if you live in a humid climate or sweat frequently.
• Clean charging contacts: For rechargeable devices, gently keep charging contacts free of debris so they charge consistently.
• Keep firmware up to date: Ask your hearing care professional about software updates—especially after phone operating system updates—to maintain compatibility and performance.

• Fitted and programmed by a licensed hearing care professional.
• Often include advanced features, stronger support for complex hearing losses, and comprehensive follow-up care.
• Higher up-front cost, but typically bundled with professional services and adjustments.

• Available directly online or in stores for adults with perceived mild hearing loss.
• Generally lower cost than prescription devices.
• Setup and troubleshooting are primarily your responsibility; Bluetooth reliability and feature quality can vary.