Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids of 2021
Top 7 Highest Ranked Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Updated August 11, 2021
Top 7 Highest Ranked Bluetooth Hearing Aids
The Top 7 Highest Ranked Bluetooth Hearing Aids
A few caveats about Bluetooth before we get to our list.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that operates on the 2.4 GHz radio frequency band. Bluetooth devices must be “paired” to each other and then “connected.” Paired devices use one or more standard “protocols” to transmit audio, data, or both.
The most common Bluetooth protocols used with hearing aids are Handset (listening and talking on the phone), Handsfree (listening and talking, voice commands and call, redial and end call commands) and A2DP (stereo music and media sound listening).
Bluetooth is generally a reliable, stable way of connecting, but there are a lot of Bluetooth devices out there. In addition, there are also a lot of non-hearing related consumer electronics that use 2.4 GHz, including WiFi and smart TVs, refrigerators, and some home security systems. In theory, these should not disrupt a paired Bluetooth connection, but in reality, you may need to periodically re-pair your hearing aids if you have a lot of these other 2.4 GHz products in your home.
Bluetooth is a “point-to-point” technology, so it only works between two specific devices. It’s not appropriate for group listening settings like lectures or houses of worship. It’s also important to understand that Bluetooth in and of itself will not help you hear better in noise unless you are using a remote microphone that connects to your hearing aids.
Bluetooth connectivity can work directly with your hearing aids or by connecting to an intermediary device called a rebroadcaster. These rebroadcasters all have different names with different providers, like the Oticon ConnectClip or the ReSound Phone Clip, so make sure to ask your hearing care professional about your options. Also, be sure to discuss how you expect to use Bluetooth, so you can select the correct combination.
How We Chose the Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids
It can be a challenge to sort through and research multiple brands and models of Bluetooth hearing aids. So, we’ve compiled a list of the top seven to help you make an informed and confident purchase. We assessed them based on several criteria, such as durability, ease of use, price, sound quality, and size. Learn more about the brands that made the top of our list!
Lively prides itself on offering high-tech, FDA-approved, Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids at a price that won’t hurt your wallet. The company’s hearing aids are made for iPhone (MFi), which means Lively’s two behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid models seamlessly connect with any iOS device. If you’re team Android, no worries! You can still connect your smartphone to your Lively hearing aid via Bluetooth technology and the mobile app. Keep in mind that Lively hearing aids are only sold online and are not custom-fit in person, so they are best for seniors with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Lively hearing aids come in seven different colors, in either a traditional battery-powered model or a rechargeable model. The rechargeable model gives wearers up to 30 hours of listening time depending on usage, so you’ll be set for the entire day. Not only do they have wireless technology, but you can make adjustments to the hearing aids with just a few taps on your smartphone. You can also reach out to a Lively audiologist, and they will make the adjustments for you remotely. Say goodbye to awkwardly fiddling behind your ear in public!
Lively is straightforward with pricing. Currently, the rechargeable model is $2,400 per pair. This is a significant saving compared to some industry leaders, which charge double the price. You purchase Lively devices online without an in-person appointment, and some seniors may enjoy the convenience of ordering hearing aids from the comfort of their home.
Lively takes the cake when it comes to simplicity and sound streaming. Its two Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids earned our applause with their affordable prices and discreet design. Lively is an ideal option for seniors looking to save money on Bluetooth hearing aids, which allow seamless listening from your mobile device. With a 100-day money-back guarantee and a three-year warranty, there isn’t much to lose when you try Lively hearing aids. For a closer look at Lively, head to our latest Lively review.
Over 500,000 Americans depend on MDHearingAid for hearing support. The company got its start over a decade ago, with the mission to improve access to affordable hearing aids. MDHearingAid has four BTE hearing aid models, but only one is Bluetooth compatible — the CORE. The CORE model is MDHearingAid’s priciest device. Still, at just under $2,000 for a pair of CORE hearing aids, these are some of the lowest-cost Bluetooth-enabled devices on our list.
The MDHearingAid CORE is compatible with Apple and Android devices. However, you won’t be able to stream sound directly from your devices into your hearing aids like you can with some other advanced hearing aids. The CORE uses Bluetooth technology to allow wearers to adjust their hearing aid settings via the MDHearingAid mobile app. If you’re looking for a Bluetooth hearing aid with all the bells and whistles, including the ability to stream sound from your mobile devices, you’ll want to consider another provider. These hearing aids are best for older adults who have mild to moderate hearing loss and are in search of over-the-counter hearing aids at an affordable price.
As we mentioned above, the MDHearingAid CORE made our list because it is one of the most affordable, quality Bluetooth hearing aids we’ve found. Customers can purchase a pair of CORE hearing aids for just $1,919.98. Fortunately, MDHearingAid often runs sales, knocking the price of the pair down to around $1,200. The company also offers a payment plan option if smaller payments made over several months are more conducive to your budget. If you’re looking to buy a single CORE hearing aid, the cost is $959.99.Visit our MDHearingAid pricing page for a closer look at cost and how to get the best deal from this provider.
MDHearingAid offers some of the best-value over-the-counter hearing aids on the market. The Bluetooth-enabled CORE hearing aids are free of frills and allow wearers to make adjustments conveniently and discreetly via their mobile app. Since the hearing aids are not custom-fit and don’t require a visit to an audiologist, we don’t recommend them if you’re experiencing severe or profound hearing loss. But if you’re new to hearing aids and want an affordable pair for basic hearing support, MDHearingAid may be just what you need. Read our hands-on MDHearingAid review for more details on this provider.
Established in 2010, Eargo is a newer hearing aid brand, but it has quickly become one of the most desirable, thanks to quality sound and nearly invisible designs. There are a few Bluetooth-enabled models in Eargo’s product line: Eargo 5, Eargo Neo HiFi, and Eargo Neo. The catch is that Eargo hearing aids are so small, they actually don’t have Bluetooth technology built into them. Users benefit from Eargo’s Bluetooth technology in the charging case.
If you want to make adjustments to your Eargo hearing aids via the mobile app, simply place the hearing aids in the charging case. You can easily adjust your hearing aid settings via Bluetooth technology, but, unfortunately, you won’t be able to stream sound directly into your hearing aids. We think this is a fair trade-off for nearly invisible hearing aids with long battery life. In addition to Bluetooth technology and a discreet design, Eargo 5, Eargo Neo HiFi, and Eargo Neo offer sound amplification and dynamic feedback reduction. These affordable hearing aids can be purchased online and are best for those with moderate hearing loss.
Unlike many competitors in the hearing aid industry, Eargo is transparent with its pricing. In fact, you can easily find pricing information online. As of this writing, the Eargo 5 costs $2,950 per pair, Eargo Neo HiFi costs $2,500, and the Eargo Neo costs $2,000. It is possible to split the cost into monthly payments, making owning a quality hearing aid more affordable.
While Eargo hearing aids don’t have Bluetooth technology built into them, they offer discreet hearing support at a great price. Wearers can still benefit from Bluetooth technology in the charging case when they need to tweak the settings of their Eargo devices. Plus, it’s a big bonus that there’s no need to get a traditional prescription to purchase Eargo hearing aids. Last but not least, Eargo’s monthly payment plans make it feasible for people to get hearing aids without financial strain. Read our in-depth Eargo review to learn more.
Widex realizes that hearing aid technology has come a long way over the years. Nowadays, connectivity is so important because people want their hearing aids to integrate flawlessly with the technology they need and use every day in life. The company has developed several hearing aids and apps to meet this expectation.
If you are an iPhone user, you’ll be pleased to know that Widex has made “Made-for-iPhone” hearing aids such as their BEYOND and EVOKE and the newest MOMENT models so that users can enjoy direct streaming to their hearing aids. The complementing app allows full control of the hearing aid via your smartphone.
Widex’s hearing aids are also compatible with other mobile devices and tablets. For example, the MOMENT app is a 2.4GHz hearing aid app that enables users to personalize their listening experiences, change programs, adjust the volume, and more.
Assistive listening devices are available for those without a 2.4GHz solution. These devices provide the hearing aids a means to communicate with other audio devices for all hearing models with wireless capability. Examples of these devices include COM-DEX and CALL-DEX. COM-DEX is a hands-free device for streaming sound from mobile phones to the hearing aids. CALL-DEX is a small device for streaming conversations from the phone to the hearing aids.
Widex doesn’t give pricing information on their Bluetooth hearing aids online. Visit your local hearing center to speak with an audiologist about the cost and other Bluetooth hearing aid options that may best suit your lifestyle and needs.
Widex is applauded for carrying Bluetooth hearing aids with exemplary sound quality and a multitude of apps to help users customize hearing aids to their liking. Those who are tech-savvy will enjoy the flexibility in customization, and iPhone users can especially take advantage of the brand’s “Made-for-iPhone” Bluetooth hearing aids. As far as customer service goes, Widex provides device support over the phone. Visit our Widex review to learn more about this provider.
Signia’s Styletto Connect hearing aid fuses rechargeability and Bluetooth connectivity into one! It looks super sleek compared to other hearing aids and is ideal for people with active lifestyles. Recharge while you’re on-the-go, and stay connected with friends and family on the phone, listen to music, and watch TV via Bluetooth.
In addition to this model, Signia’s NX, X, and Styletto X series all offer Bluetooth connectivity either directly (iOS and some Android devices) or via an intermediary device called the StreamLine Mic.
With Signia’s myControl App, this model can give you enhanced hearing tailored to your lifestyle. In addition to direct streaming, it can record important environmental sounds and send them to your hearing aids.
Signia also carries other Bluetooth hearing aids, such as the Insio Nx ITC/ICE and the CROS Pure Nx. The Insio model features useful functions like sound clarity, Own Voice Processing, speech quality, and direct streaming from Bluetooth audio. Cros Pure Nx and other Cros hearing aids are great for older adults who have hearing loss in one ear.
Depending on where you shop and buy Signia’s Bluetooth hearing aids, and the features and design you choose, Signia’s pricing will vary greatly. To find out whether any of Signia’s Bluetooth hearing aids fit within your budget, go to your local hearing aid center and speak with a professional.
Signia has a comprehensive line of products and continues to push improved devices to serve people who are hard of hearing. If you are looking for a Bluetooth hearing aid that offers other important features like drowning out background noise or helping the user focus on speakers in conversations, then Signia may be a promising choice to consider! In addition to the variety of products, Signia also has many apps available to help people who are tech-savvy customize their user experience. Head to our latest Signia review for a closer look.
As a provider of Bluetooth hearing aids, Phonak offers devices that connect directly to smartphones, tablets, and TVs. The Audeo and the Naida are Bluetooth-enabled BTE hearing aids that can treat mild to profound hearing loss. That means if your hearing loss changes, you may not have to buy new hearing aids, just get an adjustment.
Additionally, a motion sensor in the Phonak Audeo and Naida allows easy pivoting between Bluetooth devices. Let’s say you’re in the kitchen cooking up a delicious breakfast and listening to your favorite music streaming into your hearing aids from your smart speaker. Then, a phone call comes in from your son. You can tap your hearing aid to connect and answer the call on your smartphone. Pretty slick!
The cost of Phonak’s Bluetooth hearing aids differs depending on where you are shopping. Want to find out whether or not Phonak’s Bluetooth devices are within your budget? Consult your local hearing provider for additional information.
Whether you use an iPhone or Android mobile device, Phonak offers a solid hearing aid solution for those seeking Bluetooth capability. The Audeo and Naida family of products offer a truly hands-free solution. The motion sensor and built-in microphone are unique features that make switching between Bluetooth devices a breeze. To learn more about this provider, read this year’s Phonak review.
Starkey offers several popular models of Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. These include the Livio family and Picasso hearing aids. Starkey’s Livio Edge AI is the top of the line when it comes to technology and even has a “mask mode.” Wearers can turn on the mask mode via their mobile phone to make it easier to hear people wearing masks.
Fall detection, activity tracking, language translation, and a caregiver app are all available features of Starkey’s latest artificial intelligence hearing aids. It is like a medical alert system, activity tracker, and hearing aid all rolled into one! Additionally, caregivers can stay in the loop with notifications sent straight to their smartphone if their loved one experiences a fall.
Similar to most hearing aid brands, Starkey does not sell their Bluetooth hearing aids directly on the company website, so you won’t find Starkey prices listed online. The best way to go about purchasing Starkey’s devices is visiting the closest distributor or audiology center to inquire about pricing, product details, and possible financing plans available.
Hailing from an extensive history of innovation and success in the hearing aid industry, Starkey continues to enhance hearing experiences around the world with a wide variety of high-tech hearing aid solutions. Enjoy the sounds of the world clearly with Starkey’s Bluetooth hearing aids. Check out our Starkey review to learn more.
Bluetooth is today’s cutting edge technology – not only for hearing aids, but for modern-day devices like smartphones, smartwatches, televisions, audio players, and even Bluetooth medical alert devices, you name it! Bluetooth has elevated the hearing aid industry by providing a more seamless and convenient user experience. Stay connected with your friends and family, while enjoying music or your favorite TV shows without the need to ever remove your hearing aids.
Streaming via Bluetooth has many perks. Here are just a few:
Not only can Bluetooth hearing aids help you process sounds and voices around you, but they also allow you to enjoy music and your favorite shows. There is no need to replace hearing aids with a set of wireless earbuds – Bluetooth hearing aids can act as both! Bluetooth hearing aids can also be personalized to suit the wearer’s lifestyle and needs. For example, volume can be easily controlled by the streamer or the hearing aids, depending on the manufacturer’s design. Over time, settings can be honed to perfectly match the user’s preferences.
Since Bluetooth is an electronics industry standard protocol, the functionality is pretty uniform from one device to another. Bluetooth connection is always secure with no interference. When shopping for a Bluetooth hearing aid, it’s a good idea to also consider other features that may be important to you, such as Tinnitus masking, feedback cancellation, background noise reduction, and/or speech enhancement, depending on your needs.
Bluetooth hearing aids can be connected to various devices so that you can conveniently switch between them as needed. For example, if you are watching a movie on your laptop, you can have the hearing aids connected to that device. If in the middle of the movie, you receive an incoming phone call, you can pause the audio from your laptop and connect the hearing aids to your smartphone to accept the call. The specific limitations and processes for this differ by manufacturer and model. If this kind of listening is important to you, be sure to ask your hearing care professional to demonstrate how this works and whether or not the hearing aids in question are compatible with your devices.
If you choose a Bluetooth hearing aid that is small or invisible, it may be hard to control settings such as volume on the device itself. The great news is that these days, it is pretty common for hearing aids to come equipped for you to adjust controls remotely from the streamer. Typically, you do this through a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. This wireless technology makes adjusting your hearing aids quick and discreet.
Much of today’s technology offers Bluetooth connectivity, so it’s a no-brainer to invest in Bluetooth hearing aids if you regularly use other devices like a smartphone or tablet. If you are still unsure which Bluetooth hearing aid is best for you and your lifestyle after exploring options online, reach out to an audiologist or hearing professional nearby to get additional feedback and guidance. For more information on other hearing aid options, you can also check out our list of the best hearing aids for seniors in 2021.
As a practicing audiologist since the 1990’s, Brad Ingrao, AuD has fitted thousands of hearing aids to seniors and people of all ages. Brad is the Official Audiologist for the International Committee on Sports for the Deaf and a well-known speaker. Dr…. Learn More About Brad Ingrao
