Modern hearing aids offer much more than just improved hearing in conversation. Today's advanced devices connect wirelessly to smartphones, televisions, computers, and other audio sources, bringing sound directly to your ears with clarity and precision. These streaming capabilities have transformed how people with hearing loss experience music, phone calls, television, and other audio content.

What is Hearing Aid Streaming?

Streaming refers to the wireless transmission of audio signals directly to your hearing aids. Instead of relying on your hearing aids' microphones to pick up sound from speakers, streaming delivers the audio signal directly to your devices, resulting in clearer sound quality and better understanding.

Benefits of Streaming Technology

• Improved clarity: Direct audio streaming bypasses background noise for clearer sound
• Better phone conversations: Hear phone calls in both ears simultaneously
• Enhanced entertainment: Enjoy music, television, and movies with improved sound quality
• Greater convenience: Control volume and settings directly from your smartphone
• Reduced listening effort: Less strain when listening to audio content

Common Streaming Technologies

Bluetooth Connectivity

Most modern hearing aids utilize Bluetooth technology to connect with smartphones and other devices. The latest hearing aids offer different levels of Bluetooth functionality:

Bluetooth LE Audio

The newest Bluetooth standard is found in the latest hearing aids like Widex Allure, Starkey Edge AI, and Signia Pure Charge&Go IX. This technology:

• Uses less power than traditional Bluetooth
• Provides more stable connections
• Offers better sound quality
• Enables Auracast compatibility for public venue audio broadcasting

Made for iPhone (MFi) and Android Compatibility

Different hearing aids offer varying levels of compatibility with smartphones:

• All premium hearing aids from major manufacturers now support direct streaming to iPhones
• Many newer models support ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids) for Android devices
• Some hearing aids require an intermediary accessory for certain phones

Latest Hearing Aid Models With Advanced Streaming Features

Widex Allure

The newest flagship from Widex features their all-new W1 chip with 4 times faster processing and 4 times more memory than previous models. The Allure offers:

• Direct streaming to both Apple and Android devices
• Hands-free calling for iPhone users
• A dedicated streaming compressor for enjoying music and podcasts without distracting volume changes
• Auracast-ready connectivity (pending firmware update)
• Up to 25 hours of battery life with 7 hours of streaming

The Widex Allure app makes controlling these streaming features intuitive, with options to adjust the balance between streamed audio and environmental sounds.

Starkey Edge AI

Starkey's Edge AI represents the latest in their hearing technology with several streaming advantages:

• Integrated Bluetooth LE Audio streaming protocol
• Easier pairing and more stable connections
• Auracast-ready for future venue broadcasting
• Compatible with the My Starkey app, which now offers Apple Watch control
• Up to 51 hours of battery life, even when streaming

Signia Pure Charge&Go IX

The Signia Pure Charge&Go IX combines excellent streaming capabilities with innovative features:

• Bluetooth streaming for Apple and Android devices
• Multi-beam forming technology that helps with speech understanding even while streaming
• Signia Assistant app feature for adjusting streaming settings
• Up to 36 hours of battery life on a single charge

Streaming Accessories

While direct streaming is increasingly common, accessories can enhance the streaming experience:

TV Streamers

Devices like the Widex TV Play 2 connect to your television's audio output and stream sound directly to your hearing aids. This allows you to:

• Set your preferred volume without affecting others watching
• Enjoy clearer dialogue and reduced background noise
• Move freely around the room while maintaining sound quality

Remote Microphones

Accessories like the Widex Sound Assist can be placed near a speaker or sound source to stream audio directly to your hearing aids, helping in challenging listening situations like:

• Lectures and presentations
• Group meetings
• Conversations in noisy restaurants

Computer and Workplace Streaming

Products like the Widex SoundConnect allow for audio streaming from computers for:

• Video calls and conferences
• Multimedia presentations
• Music and entertainment

Making the Most of Your Streaming Features

Battery Considerations

Streaming features use more battery power than regular hearing aid use. Consider:

• Rechargeable hearing aids for convenience
• Models with longer battery life if you stream frequently
• Portable charging cases for on-the-go power

The Widex Allure charger offers up to 25 hours of battery life with 7 hours of streaming, while Starkey Edge AI provides up to 51 hours of use even with streaming.

Customizing Your Streaming Experience

Most hearing aids allow you to customize how streamed audio sounds:

• Adjust the mix between streamed audio and environmental sounds
• Create dedicated programs for different streaming situations
• Fine-tune bass, midrange, and treble for music and other audio

The Widex Allure app, for instance, provides easy controls for these adjustments, making it accessible even for less tech-savvy users.

Choosing the Right Streaming Solution

With the variety of streaming options available, selecting the right solution depends on your specific needs:

1. Consider your device ecosystem: iPhone users might prefer different models than Android users
2. Evaluate your streaming habits: Frequent music listeners have different needs than occasional phone callers
3. Think about your lifestyle: Active users might prioritize portable charging cases and water resistance
4. Assess your technical comfort: Some models offer simpler controls for those less comfortable with technology

Real Ear Measurement and Streaming

For optimal streaming performance, proper fitting and programming are essential. At Professional Hearing Services, we use Real Ear Measurement (REM) to verify that your hearing aids are delivering the right amplification across all frequencies, ensuring that streamed audio sounds natural and balanced.

REM helps us optimize:

• Speech clarity in streamed phone calls
• Music quality for a more enjoyable listening experience
• Volume levels that are comfortable but adequate

Mobile Audiology and Streaming Setup

Since 1992, we've provided mobile audiologist care throughout the Denver Metro area. Our mobile services include setting up and optimizing streaming features right in your home. We can:

• Connect your hearing aids to your home devices
• Program custom settings for your streaming needs
• Demonstrate how to use apps and accessories
• Make adjustments based on your home environment

Schedule a Streaming Consultation Today

As Audiologists in Lakewood, we understand how important staying connected is for our patients. Our audiologists—Dr. Jeff Baller, Dr. Mary-Todd Moseley, and Dr. Seth King—are experts in fitting and programming the latest hearing aid technology with advanced streaming features.

Whether you're looking to upgrade to devices with better connectivity or need help maximizing the streaming capabilities of your current hearing aids, we can help. Our mobile audiology services bring this expertise directly to you, making it easier than ever to enjoy the benefits of hearing aid streaming technology.

Contact us today at (303) 237-4967 to schedule a consultation and discover how modern streaming technology can enhance your hearing experience and keep you connected to the sounds and people you love.