Is your home one of the many American households waging a volume war? Does someone in your home need the volume to be excessively loud? For those with hearing loss, modern technology offers solutions that can transform a person’s daily life. Today’s hearing aids do much more than amplify sound — they wirelessly connect to phones, TVs and even tablets and computers to stream audio/
Why Hearing Aid Connectivity Matters
Navigating volume discrepancies can create real challenges in homes where someone has hearing loss. When one person requires significantly higher volume levels, it often leads to frustration for everyone involved. Some families end up watching television in separate rooms just to find a comfortable listening experience.
Modern hearing aids effectively address this problem. Among other improvements over older models, modern hearing aids allow users to adjust their personal volume without affecting what others hear while also delivering clearer sound quality through direct audio streaming.
How to Connect Hearing Aids to Your TV
Being able to connect to a television through a hearing aid can dramatically improve the experience for users.There are two primary methods to establish this connection: Bluetooth and TV streamers.
For those with newer televisions featuring Bluetooth capabilities and compatible hearing aids, direct connection is possible. The process begins by activating the Bluetooth feature on your hearing aids, which might require using the manufacturer’s app. Next, access your television’s settings menu to locate the Bluetooth connection options. Pair your healing aid to the television. Once connected, users are able to stream directly to their hearing aids while the TV speakers function normally for others in the room.
Alternatively, older televisions without Bluetooth or for hearing aids lacking direct compatibility, TV streamers provide an excellent solution. These devices connect to the television’s audio output ports and pair with your hearing aids. The key advantage to these devices is independent volume control, allowing users to listen at their preferred volume while others can experience more normal levels.
How to Connect Hearing Aids to Your Phone
Smartphone connectivity allows hearing aid users to take calls and enjoy audio content with sound delivered directly to their devices. The connection process varies between iPhone and Android devices.
For iPhone Users:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone
- Tap on Accessibility
- Select Hearing Devices
- Turn on Bluetooth if it isn’t already on
- Make sure your hearing aids are turned on and close to your phone
- Your iPhone will search for your hearing aids
- When they appear in the list, tap on their name
- Follow any pairing requests that appear
- Once connected, you can adjust settings by returning to the Hearing Devices menu
For Android Users:
- Go to Settings on your Android phone
- Tap on Connected Devices or Bluetooth
- Turn on Bluetooth if it isn’t already on
- Tap on “Pair new device“
- Make sure your hearing aids are turned on and in pairing mode
- When your hearing aids appear in the list, tap on their name
- Follow any pairing requests that appear
- Download your hearing aid manufacturer’s app for additional controls
- After pairing, users can stream phone calls, music, podcasts and even navigation directly to their hearing aids. There are also a variety of apps available that can help provide convenient ways to adjust basic settings without needing to touch the hearing aids themselves.
How to Connect Hearing Aids to Your iPad or Tablet
Tablet connectivity follows similar principles to smartphone connections, with slight variations based on operating system.
For iPad Users:
- Go to Settings on your iPad
- Tap on Accessibility
- Select Hearing Devices
- Turn on Bluetooth if it isn’t already on
- Make sure your hearing aids are turned on and near your iPad
- Your iPad will search for your hearing aids
- When they appear, tap on their name
- Accept any pairing requests
- Once connected, you can adjust volume and settings in the Hearing Devices menu
For Android Tablet Users:
- Go to Settings on your tablet
- Select Connected Devices or Bluetooth
- Turn on Bluetooth if it isn’t already on
- Tap “Pair new device“
- Make sure your hearing aids are in pairing mode
- Select your hearing aids when they appear in the list
- Follow any pairing prompts
- Use your hearing aid manufacturer’s app for additional controls
If you use video calling, being able to connect via your tablet can make conversations with friends and family much clearer and natural. This can significantly reduce listening fatigue during extended calls or viewing sessions.
Addressing Common Connection Challenges
Connection difficulties typically stem from a few common issues. One common challenge can be easily addressed by ensuring your hearing aids are charged before attempting the pairing process. Confirm that Bluetooth functionality is active on both the hearing aids and the device you’re connecting to.
Sometimes closing and reopening manufacturer apps can resolve connection issues. Additionally, turning hearing aids off and back on may reset their connection. Bluetooth typically functions within approximately 30 feet, so maintaining appropriate proximity is also important.
If problems persist, our team of hearing specialists can help provide personalized troubleshooting for any persistent connection problems.
Exploring Discreet Hearing Aid Options
Many people express concerns about the visibility of their hearing aids while still wanting all of the same features. Fortunately, advancements in hearing and connection technology have made remarkably discreet options with the same functionality more widely available.
Some hearing aid models sit completely within the ear canal, making them nearly invisible during normal interactions. Lyric hearing aids represent one example of ultra-discreet technology and are placed within the ear canal by a hearing specialist. These devices are designed to be worn continuously for extended periods of time.
While Lyric devices may not offer the same direct Bluetooth connectivity as other models, they exemplify how discretion and functionality can coexist in modern hearing technology.
Traditional behind-the-ear devices have also evolved substantially, becoming much smaller and far less noticeable while still offering advanced connectivity. Many contemporary hearing aids come in color options designed to blend with hair or skin tones, reducing their visibility even when viewed directly.
Benefits Beyond Entertainment
Connected hearing aids provide users advantages well beyond consuming media. From a safety perspective, hearing important alerts directly through hearing aids ensures important notifications aren’t missed.
Connected hearing technology enhances accessibility across computers and other digital communication platforms, allowing users to participate more fully in virtual spaces. Perhaps most significantly, these devices offer personalization capabilities, enabling users to create customized settings for different environments and situations.
Experience Connected Hearing with Colorado Ear Care
If you’re struggling with hearing loss or finding it difficult to enjoy your favorite shows and calls, our team can help. Our hearing specialists understand the challenges of hearing loss and can guide you through the options for connected hearing aids that match your lifestyle needs and preferences.
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With appropriate technology, people with hearing loss can maintain connections to the sounds, media and conversations that matter most to them. Don’t wait – the right hearing care professional can make all the difference in your experience with connected hearing technology. We’re committed to helping you hear your best and stay connected to what matters most.
Contact us today to discover how modern hearing aid technology can transform your daily life.