Hearing aids have come a long way from simple amplification devices. Today's top models connect directly to your smartphone, TV, and other devices. This lets you stream calls, music, and audio right to your ears. If you're considering hearing aids or thinking about an upgrade, understanding the Bluetooth capabilities across different brands can help guide your decision.

Here's a look at how the brands we carry at Sioux Falls Audiology Associates handle Bluetooth connectivity.

Phonak Audéo Infinio: Universal Bluetooth for Any Phone

Phonak has long been known for its universal Bluetooth approach, and the Infinio platform continues that tradition. Using Bluetooth 5.3, Infinio connects directly to both iOS and Android devices without requiring a separate intermediary device, a feature that still isn't universal across all hearing aid brands.

The Infinio Sphere, the premium model in the line, uses a dual-chip system. One chip handles standard sound processing, while a second chip is dedicated entirely to AI-driven noise reduction. This means your streaming audio quality holds up even in noisy environments.

The myPhonak app lets you fine-tune settings, track health data, and make adjustments on the fly. For those who use Roger wireless microphones, RogerDirect is built in. No extra receiver is needed.

Oticon Intent: BrainHearing Meets Streaming

The Oticon Intent streams directly from both iOS and Android devices, keeping things straightforward for users regardless of which phone they carry. It connects to smartphones, tablets, TVs, and computers, and hands-free calling is supported with compatible devices.

What sets Oticon's approach apart is that its connectivity is designed to work alongside its BrainHearing technology. Rather than treating streaming audio as a separate function, the Intent is built to give your brain access to a full, balanced sound scene, whether you're on a call, watching TV, or listening to your surroundings.

The Oticon Companion app allows for volume adjustments, program changes, and bass/treble control directly from your phone. Remote fine-tuning from your audiologist is also available through TeleCare.

ReSound Vivia: AI-Powered with Auracast

The ReSound Vivia is one of the more forward-looking options when it comes to connectivity. It runs on Bluetooth LE Audio 5.2 and is fully Auracast-enabled right out of the box. No firmware update is required.

Auracast is a newer broadcast audio standard that allows public venues like theaters, airports, and places of worship to stream audio directly to compatible hearing aids. While it's still rolling out in public spaces, ReSound Vivia and its companion Savi line are among the first hearing aids fully ready to receive those broadcasts today.

For day-to-day use, Vivia streams from both iOS and Android, supports hands-free calls from compatible iOS devices, and uses the ReSound Smart 3D app for personalization. The app even includes an Auracast Assistant, a simplified tool for connecting to Auracast broadcasts with a single tap.

Starkey Omega AI: Connectivity with Health Tracking

The Starkey Omega AI uses Bluetooth LE Audio and is Auracast-ready, allowing for streaming from TVs, phones, and other devices. One practical feature is automatic reconnection with the StarLink Edge TV Streamer. The hearing aids resume streaming seamlessly after interruptions rather than requiring manual reconnection.

Beyond audio, the My Starkey app integrates generative AI tools. TeleHear AI, for example, listens to your sound concerns and makes real-time adjustments with a high degree of accuracy. The app also tracks steps, social engagement, respiratory rate, and balance, extending the role of the hearing aid well beyond sound.

Oticon Zeal: Invisible and Connected

Worth mentioning is the newer Oticon Zeal, a discreet in-the-ear style hearing aid that still delivers full Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity. This includes direct streaming for iOS and Android, Auracast access via the Oticon Companion app, and Google Fast Pair for Android users. The wrap-around antenna design is what makes reliable wireless connectivity possible in such a small device.

Which Hearing Aid Is Right for You?

Bluetooth features vary across brands, and the right fit depends on your lifestyle, the devices you use most, and your degree of hearing loss. While over-the-counter devices do offer some connectivity features, they can't be programmed to your specific hearing prescription by an audiologist, which makes a real difference in how clearly you'll hear during streaming and in everyday listening.

At Sioux Falls Audiology Associates, Dr. Mandy Rounseville-Norgaard takes the time to match each patient with the right technology for their hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget. If Bluetooth connectivity is a priority for you, we'd love to help you find the hearing aid that fits your world. Contact us or schedule an appointment at our Sioux Falls office to get started.