At The Audiology METHOD, we recognize that connectivity features have become just as important as sound quality for many of our patients. Modern hearing aids now offer advanced wireless capabilities that allow users to stream audio directly from smartphones, TVs, and other devices. Two of the most significant developments in this area are Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast technology, which are changing how hearing aid users connect to the world around them.
Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio is the latest evolution in Bluetooth technology specifically designed for hearing aids and other audio devices. Unlike previous Bluetooth versions, LE Audio offers several advantages:
Many of the hearing aids we offer at The Audiology METHOD now come with Bluetooth LE Audio capability. This includes models from Starkey, Phonak, Widex, Oticon, and ReSound.
The transition to Bluetooth LE Audio brings several practical benefits for our patients:
Extended Battery Life: One of the biggest challenges with wireless streaming has been battery drain. Bluetooth LE Audio uses significantly less power than classic Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music, phone calls, and other audio content for longer periods without depleting your hearing aid batteries.
Improved Sound Quality: The new LC3 codec used in Bluetooth LE Audio delivers better sound quality even at lower bit rates. This means clearer phone calls and more natural-sounding music.
Multiple Connections: With Bluetooth LE Audio, your hearing aids can maintain connections to several devices simultaneously. You can seamlessly switch between your phone, tablet, and TV without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.
Auracast (formerly known as Bluetooth Audio Sharing) is perhaps the most exciting feature enabled by Bluetooth LE Audio. It allows audio sources to broadcast to an unlimited number of nearby Bluetooth receivers, including hearing aids.
Think of Auracast as a personal FM system that works with standard consumer technology. It enables:
Auracast has the potential to transform many everyday situations for people with hearing loss:
Public Spaces: Imagine walking into an airport and receiving gate announcements directly in your hearing aids, or visiting a museum and having exhibit information streamed wirelessly as you approach different displays.
Entertainment Venues: Theaters and concert venues equipped with Auracast can broadcast high-quality audio directly to your hearing aids, eliminating the need for special headsets or struggling with poor acoustics.
Educational Settings: In classrooms or lecture halls, speakers can broadcast their voice directly to students wearing Auracast-compatible hearing aids, ensuring clear reception regardless of room acoustics or background noise.
Private Listening: At home, you and family members with compatible devices can all listen to the TV at your preferred volume levels without disturbing others.
Several of the latest hearing aid models we offer at The Audiology METHOD now support Bluetooth LE Audio and are either Auracast-ready or will be with future firmware updates:
ReSound Vivia and Savi: These models feature Bluetooth LE Audio 5.2 and are fully Auracast-equipped. The ReSound Smart 3D app includes the first Auracast Assistant for hearing aids, making it easy to find and connect to available Auracast broadcasts.
Widex Allure: This platform is compatible with LE Audio and is Auracast-ready (pending a firmware update). It offers hands-free calling for iPhone users and compatible Bluetooth LE Audio phones.
Phonak Infinio: These hearing aids incorporate Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, allowing for direct connection to smartphones and other devices. The Phonak Infinio platform is designed to be future-ready for upcoming audio technologies.
Starkey Edge AI: These devices integrate the new Bluetooth Low Energy Audio streaming protocol, which uses less power and provides the next-generation connectivity standard. They're designed to pair more easily, connect more quickly, stream more robustly, and are Auracast ready.
For our patients at The Audiology METHOD, these connectivity advances offer several key benefits:
Easier Communication: Hands-free phone calls allow you to have conversations without needing to hold your phone or use speakerphone.
Better Entertainment Experiences: Direct streaming from TVs, computers, and mobile devices means you can enjoy movies, music, and podcasts with customized sound tailored to your hearing profile.
Greater Independence: Features like remote adjustments through smartphone apps give you more control over your hearing experience without requiring frequent office visits.
Future-Proof Technology: As more venues install Auracast broadcasting capabilities, your hearing aids will become more valuable and useful in a wider range of situations.
Most modern hearing aids connect to smartphones through dedicated apps that offer various features:
When you purchase hearing aids from The Audiology METHOD, Dr. Link and our team will ensure you're comfortable using these connectivity features. We'll walk you through the setup process and make sure everything is working correctly with your personal devices.
While connectivity features are impressive, they work best when your hearing aids are properly fitted to your unique hearing needs. At The Audiology METHOD, we use Real-Ear Measurement verification to ensure your hearing aids are delivering the right amount of amplification across all frequencies.
Real-Ear Measurements are the gold standard for hearing aid fitting and are essential for getting the maximum benefit from advanced features like Bluetooth streaming. This objective measurement ensures that the sound quality of streamed audio is optimized specifically for your hearing loss.
Choosing the right hearing aids with connectivity features that match your lifestyle requires professional guidance. At The Audiology METHOD, Dr. Julie Link takes the time to understand your communication needs, technological comfort level, and the devices you use regularly before recommending specific hearing aid options.
If you're interested in exploring how these new connectivity technologies can improve your hearing experience, we invite you to schedule a Communication Needs Assessment with us. During this appointment, we'll discuss your lifestyle, evaluate your hearing, and demonstrate different connectivity options so you can make an informed decision.
Contact The Audiology METHOD today at (720) 457-1763 to learn more about the latest in hearing aid connectivity and take the first step toward better hearing and seamless connection to the world around you.
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