Bluetooth Hearing Aids, Everything You Need To Know

Bluetooth hearing aids have been really popular over the last few years because of the extended use case they offer. 2020 was a bumper year for In The Ear Bluetooth hearing aids. In 2019, Resound introduced a Bluetooth enabled CIC (Completely In Canal) hearing aid that is both Made For iPhone and Made For Android. The device was not quite a CIC, being more ITC size, and as 2020 has progressed, that appeared to be the new standard for ITE Bluetooth hearing aids. Phonak announced the introduction of a Made For Any Phone In The Ear hearing aid which meant Bluetooth connection to any phone, in fact any Bluetooth enabled audio output device from an In the Ear hearing aid. We also saw Starkey announce the introduction of a Bluetooth enabled ITE that was both Made For iPhone and Made For Android. The Bluetooth-enabled ITE devices have remained on the larger size, manufacturers simply can't get the tech needed into anything smaller.

Although, that doesn't seem to matter to the people who want them, they understand that functionality is more important for them than discretion. Hearing aids with Bluetooth capability have caught the imagination of the buying public since they were introduced. However, often people still aren't sure what digital Bluetooth hearing devices are, whether all hearing solutions are Made For iPhone and what does Made For Android mean? Finally, what the hell is Made For Any Phone? Let's talk about hearing devices with Bluetooth.

Below you can find a detailed overview of all of the Bluetooth hearing solutions from some of the big hearing aid brands. First of all, we need to clear up some misconceptions. The concept of Bluetooth enabled hearing aids only covers hearing aids that have a direct connection to a phone for audio streaming. Originally, when people have spoken about Bluetooth hearing devices, they were talking about Made For iPhone hearing aid technology (MFI Hearing Devices). Although with the introduction of the Marvel and then the Paradise by Phonak, I think the mantle of Bluetooth hearing aids was stolen by Sonova with their Made For Any Phone devices.

Made For iPhone hearing aids were first introduced by GN Resound with their LiNX platform which was their first ever iPhone hearing aid a couple of years ago. They were quickly followed by Starkey, with their Halo Made For iPhone hearing aids. Originally, there was a limited range of MFI hearing devices from those manufacturers. That began to change a couple of years ago, most manufacturers are now offering a full range of MFI hearing aid model types including In The Ear hearing aids. Not all Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids are the same, in the next few paragraphs, I will try to explain what, is what.

So, What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth was invented in 1994; the technology allows two or more devices to transfer data wirelessly between one another in the form of radio waves, in essence, Bluetooth is a wireless radio. Bluetooth was designed to cater for a cross-platform exchange in communication between electronic devices. In essence, it was first intended to transfer data; it was designed to move files from one computing device to another. It then developed over many years and is most commonly used to transfer audio, although, up to now, it hasn't actually done that with decent quality. It can be found in many electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers. Bluetooth technology is, in fact, a wireless system of communication, a radio, which allows wireless communication between electronic devices.

Many hearing aid manufacturers saw the benefit of Bluetooth technology. However, there were drawbacks. Initially, the audio transferred wasn't very good. It was also exceptionally power-hungry. Most manufacturers went down the route of designing their own wireless transmission system. They designed streamers using in-house designed radios that allowed them to avoid the problems with Bluetooth connection. However, both Resound and Starkey stuck with Bluetooth and delivered the first direct connection Made For iPhone hearing aids. Even that approach, isn't what we would call classic Bluetooth, it is a hybrid model designed purely for connection between hearing aids and Apple products.

Do Bluetooth Hearing Aids Work With All Bluetooth Devices?

The simple answer is no, the only hearing aid models that can boast close to 100% universal wireless Bluetooth connectivity are Sonova Made For Any Phone products which include Marvel, Paradise and now Lumity hearing aids from Phonak and corresponding ranges from other Sonova brands such as Unitron and AudioNova. Many other hearing aid brands promote a wider “Bluetooth compatibility,” but this requires an intermediate streamer to receive and retransmit Bluetooth audio to the hearing aids from Bluetooth devices such as Android phones, laptops, TVs etc.

Bluetooth Compatible Hearing Aids, MFI Hearing Devices, Made For Android What's The Difference?

This distinction is less important than it once was because most of the hearing aid brands now offer direct connection, Made For iPhone hearing aids/Made For Android. However, it is still worthwhile understanding it. In the past, just because a hearing aid manufacturer had an iPhone or Android app, it didn't mean that you could stream audio from an iPhone or Android device. Many of the older wireless hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible through a streamer. Oticon's hearing aids before the Opn were Bluetooth compatible, as were Signia's and Unitron's, Phonak's and everyone else's. Most modern hearing aids are now compatible with streaming audio, but that still depends on the phone you have if you have Android.

MFI Hearing Devices MFI hearing devices or Made For iPhone hearing devices will connect directly to iPhones without the aid of an intermediary streamer for streaming audio and calls. Most modern MFI hearing aids are also Made For Android and will offer audio streaming from some Android devices. Many of the newest MFI hearing aids now also offer hands-free calls, something which was the sole purview of Sonova's system until recently.

Bluetooth Compatible Hearing Devices There aren't that many Bluetooth compatible hearing devices left, but they are not direct connection, they will need an intermediary streamer to connect to a mobile phone for streaming of audio and control with an app. They will however connect to an Android device for exactly the same function once you have a streamer.

Made For Android Hearing Aids Made For Android hearing devices up to recently were a bit of a con, they did not directly connect and you needed an intermediary streamer to stream audio and take calls. However, with the introduction of Android 10, that changed. The Made For Android system ahs gone from strength to strength since then with each Android OS upgrade. ReSound and Starkey were first to have hearing aids that connected directly to some Android phones with Android 10. Most of the manufacturers have since followed. Because Android is fragmented, it can still be hit or miss with some of the Android phones available.

Made For Any Phone This is strictly a Sonova (owners of Phonak, Unitron, Audio Nova among others)strategy and is only available in Sonova hearing aids such as the Phonak Marvel, Paradise and Lumity, Unitron aids, the Costco KS9 and KS10 etc. This strategy will connect to any mobile phone with a Bluetooth connection for audio and call streaming. In fact, this strategy will connect to almost anything that has a Bluetooth radio for audio.It is a power hungry system though, and it needs to be balanced against power consumption, especially if your hearing aids are rechargeable. Can't simply pop a battery in and keep going, you need to recharge the devices.

What are Bluetooth hearing aid streamers?

All of the hearing aid brands have Bluetooth compatible hearing aid streamers. As I said before, streamers are the unique devices built by each hearing aid manufacturer to ensure stable, low energy, wireless streaming of audio to their hearing aids. Usually with outstanding audio quality. Why would you not want them?

What Made For iPhone Hearing Aids are Available?

Initially, both iPhone hearing aids were Receiver In Canal hearing aid types. However, during the last two years, most hearing aid manufacturers have expanded their direct connection hearing aid offerings to include Behind The Ear Devices and even In The Ear hearing aids. The full line up of Bluetooth hearing aids is:

1. the ReSound Omnia range
2. the Oticon Own range (new for 2022)
3. the Phonak Lumity (new for 2022)
4. the Custom by ReSound range (new for 2022)
5. the Costco KS10 (new for 2021, now discontinued)
6. the Oticon More range (new in 2020)
7. the ReSound One (new for 2020)
8. the Phonak Paradise (new for 2020)
9. the Phonak Virto Black (new for 2020)
10. the Starkey Edge (new for 2020)
11. the Philips Hearlink range (new in 2019)
12. the Oticon Opn S range (new in 2019)
13. the Signia Styletto Connect (new in 2019)
14. the Viron range from Bernafon (new in 2019)
15. the Xperience range from Signia (new in 2019)
16. the Costco KS9 Range (new in 2019, basically a Marvel)
17. the Phonak Bolero Marvel Range (new in 2019)
18. the Unitron Discover Range (new in 2019)
19. the LiNX Quattro from Resound
20. the Phonak Audeo Marvel Range
21. the Oticon Opn range
22. the Oticon Siya range
23. the Zerena range from Bernafon
24. the Widex Evoke Fusion 2
25. the Widex Beyond Fusion
26. the LiNX 3D range from Resound
27. the Enzo 3D range from Resound
28. the Halo 2 range from Starkey
29. the Livio AI range from Starkey
30. the Pure 13 BT from Signia
31. the Nx range from Signia

What brands make MFI Hearing Aids

The thing was that MFI hearing aids caught the imagination of the broader tech community and users. They are popular hearing solutions; in fact, they seem to have seeped into the wider consciousness. Inevitably, all of the other hearing aid manufacturers began to take notice. Pretty much everyone has launched their own iPhone hearing aids. Phonak also introduced their very own system, but it is different from everyone else. The full range of brands with MFI hearing aids are:

• Philips
• Oticon
• Bernafon
• Widex
• Resound
• Starkey
• Signia
• Phonak
• Unitron

What Makes a Made For iPhone?

There is a real difference between MFI hearing aids and Made For Android, MFI hearing aids are designed to work very closely with Apple's operating system. They will connect directly to Apple Phones and iPads without the need for any intermediary device. In other words, audio from the phone or the tablet can be directly streamed to the hearing aids, that means phone calls, music, audiobooks and podcasts in stereo and to both ears. 

iPad hearing aid compatibility

Any hearing aid that is billed as Made For iPhone will be iPad compatible. But you need to ensure it is genuinely Made For iPhone like the LiNX 3D, the Halo 2, The Signia Pure BT, the Oticon Opn, the Bernafon Zerena, the Widex Beyond or the new Nx range from Signia. 

Are Bluetooth Hearing Aids Better?

Yes, I would have to say Bluetooth hearing aids are better. While the Bluetooth connectivity does not necessarily make your hearing aids perform better. One of the features of Bluetooth hearing aids is connectivity to remote microphones and mobile phones which offers real benefits. For instance, using a remote microphone in a noisy situation will let you hear your companion in a much clearer manner. Streaming audio from a mobile phone will allow you to make and receive calls easier and with more confidence that you will hear the person at the other end. All of this is delivered without you having to wear any ancillary device, just your hearing aids. The benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids include:

• Direct connection to remote microphones
• Direct connection to TV streamers
• Direct connection to iPhone hearing aids
• Stereo audio streaming for both phone calls and music or media

What Brands Have Hearing Aid Apps For Smartphones

Nearly every hearing aid manufacturer has hearing aid apps for both iPhones and Android phones. While once the iPhone hearing aid apps tended to offer more functionality than the Android hearing aid apps, that has changed. For instance, the Widex App for the Beyond, the Signia App for the Nx and the Resound App for the LiNX 3D, Quattro and One offers pretty much the same functionality across the different Smartphones.

Who Offers In The Ear Made For iPhone Hearing Aids?

Up to 2018, GN Resound was the only hearing aid brand to offer custom Made For iPhone Hearing Aids. However, that has changed radically. Every major hearing aid brand now offer Made For iPhone custom hearing aids. There is one addendum, most of the brands are only Bluetooth enabled down to Mini-In-Canal models. It is worth mentioning also that Phonak offer a custom Made For AnyPhone hearing aid that will connect to an iPhone here as well.

Why are Made For Android Hearing Aids Different?

AS I mentioned earlier, Made for android hearing aids up to recently, have not been integrated into the Android system, the developers of Android had not invested time in hearing aid integration. That is the real difference between MFI and Made For Android, while the features are always similar, as are the apps for both operating systems. Connection to Apple is direct, connection to Android up to 2019 always needed an intermediary streamer. With the introduction of Android 10 in September 2019, that completely changed.

When can we expect Android Hearing Aid Streaming?

We have it right now if you have the right phone and hearing aids. The LiNX Quattro was the first ever Made For Android hearing aid. Starkey quickly followed by making some of their Livio devices Made For Android as well. The streaming experience is excellent and I have found it to be very solid and reliable. While initially, streaming was only available with the Pixel 3 phone range and the Samsung Galaxy S10 range, it expanded to other phones through 2020.

Which Hearing Aids Support Direct Audio Streaming From Android?

The current list includes Phonak Lumity, Phonak Marvel, Phonak Paradise, Unitron Discover, Unitron Blu,Starkey Edge, Starkey Livio, ReSound Omnia, Custom by ReSound, ReSound One, ReSound LiNX Quattro, Beltone Imagine, ReSound ENZO Q, Widex Moment, Oticon More and Oticon Own, Signia devices, modern Coselgi devices. I may have missed a few, but you get the idea right

Can you Connect Bluetooth Hearing Aids to a Computer?

While this can be done with many modern hearing aids, it is usually only through a streamer device. However, with the advent of the Made For Any Phone hearing aids from Sonova, you can now connect Sonova Made For Any Phone hearing aids direct to a computer. Phonak Marvel, Paradise, Unitron Discover and Costco KS9 hearing aids will connect to either Macs or Windows devices directly. You will be able to hear music or talk on Skype, Facebook Messenger or Google Hangouts, all without a streamer.  We expect that when the new Bluetooth standard arrives, any hearing aid equipped to handle it will be able to connect to any device with a Bluetooth audio output though.

How do You Connect Bluetooth Hearing Aids to TVs?

Most Bluetooth hearing aids (with the exception of the Sonova Made For Any Phone devices) will not connect directly to a Bluetooth enabled TV. The Phonak Marvel and Paradise and their Unitron stable mates will, but don't do it; it will eat your batteries. All Bluetooth enabled hearing aids will connect to a TV through a TV streamer. Every hearing aid brand has one, and the latest TV streamers are a direct connection device (streams TV audio direct to your hearing aids) and straightforward to set up and pair. 

How Do You Pair Bluetooth Hearing Aids to Your Phone?

The process to pair hearing aids is pretty simple, but it differs from iPhone to Android phones, so let's take a look at each one in turn. 

How Do You Pair Bluetooth Hearing Aids to Your iPhone?

The process to pair an Apple device isn't hard, you need to know where to look to do it. Usually, the app that accompanies the hearing aids will have clear instructions at first run. Pairing the hearing aids is beneficial because when you pair a Made for iPhone hearing aid to your iOS device, audio from your iOS device goes to your hearing aid. If you turn off your hearing aid, you need to reconnect it when you want to use it with your iOS device again.

To pair your hearing aid with an Apple iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Open your hearing aid's battery doors.
2. On your iOS device, tap Settings > General > Accessibility > Hearing > MFi Hearing Devices.
3. If Bluetooth is off, turn it on under Devices.
4. Close your hearing aid's battery doors. Your iOS device will search for your hearing aid.
5. Under Devices, tap the name of your hearing aid.
6. Tap Pair when you see the pairing request on the screen. If you have two hearing aids, you'll get two requests. The pairing could take up to a minute.

You can start using your hearing aid when you see it under Devices with a check mark. Control on Lock Screen will be on. Leave it on to control your hearing aid from the Lock screen (using the Accessibility Shortcut) and from Control Center.

Pairing With More Than One Apple Device

When you pair your hearing aids with more than one iOS device, the connection for your hearing aids switches from one device to the other when you use audio. The connection also switches when you receive a call on your iPhone. If you make changes to your hearing aid settings on one device, they're sent to your other iOS devices. 

To pair with a second iOS device, follow these steps:

1. Make sure all iOS devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID.
2. Follow the steps for how to pair your hearing aid above.

How Do You Pair Bluetooth Hearing Aids to an Android Device?

The process to pair an Android device is pretty simple, you need to know where to look to do it. Usually, the app that accompanies the hearing aids will have clear instructions at first run. While you won't be able to stream audio from your Android device yet, pairing the hearing aids is still beneficial. It will allow you to use the accompanying app and will give you better control over your hearing aids.

1. Go to the Android phone’s home screen and tap on the “Settings” icon.
2. In the settings menu, tap on the Bluetooth icon.
3. Tap on the slider button to turn Bluetooth on.
4. Open both of your hearing aid battery doors for 5 seconds then close the battery doors (this puts it into pairing mode).
5. If you have rechargeable devices with no battery door, put them in the charger for five or ten seconds and then take them out, this will put them in pairing mode
6. On the Android phone, you will now see a message, “Available Devices.” If you don't, click scan for available devices. 
7. The name of your hearing aids should appear on the screen. Tap on both of them to select and pair them.
8. A connection beep will be heard in the paired hearing aid.
9. Your Android phone should now be connected to your hearing aid.

Can You Use MFI Hearing Aids For Hands-Free Calls?

We were asked this question recently, and the answer is no, none of the Made For iPhone hearing aids can be used for genuinely hands-free calls unless you use a streamer. The only hearing aids that can be used at present for truly hands-free calls is the Phonak and Unitron Made For Any Phone hearing aids. 

What is Phonak Made For Any Phone Hearing Aids?

Phonak (one of the biggest hearing aid brands) felt some pressure from shareholders to introduce MFI hearing aids and spoke about moving forward with the devices in late 2017. The rumour mill worked hard on this one, and it said that the devices might not be just Phonak's first ever MFI technology, it was expected to be the first ever Made For Android hearing aids? That indeed proved to be the case, but it isn't quite that simple, it is, in fact, the world's first ever true Bluetooth hearing aid. While initially there were limitations with their system, the new Marvel MFA hearing aids do away with those completely. The Marvel hearing devices will connect to any Bluetooth enabled mobile phone using the Bluetooth classic protocol and stream audio and calls. More than that, it will also connect to Bluetooth enabled computers, laptops and even TVs.

Are Made For iPhone / Bluetooth Hearing Aids any Good?

I will say, that some Made For iPhone hearing aids have some problems with connectivity. They drop their connection to the phone quite a lot, therefore irritating users and causing some real problems for hearing aid manufacturers. The real issue is that Bluetooth is inherently unstable, or at least it was. It has got better, but it can still be problematic. The other factor is that the connection to the hearing aids is managed by the Apple system, which can be a bit rubbish at times.

These types of hearing aids are just getting better and the direct connection devices offer so many benefits over and above simple connection to a mobile phone. The other thing is that most of the hearing brands have moved towards these types of devices because they have been so successful. So yes, they are a good choice.

As time has passed and IOS has been updated, the problems with Made For iPhone hearing aids have receded somewhat, but still not gone away. Again, the issues here are Bluetooth, so we will probably never get away from them entirely. My thoughts on it are that the problems are worth the benefits, if however, you aren't very tech savvy, the difficulties might drive you mad. The easiest fix for all problems seems to be to forget the devices, restart your phone and then re-pair them. Generally, that fixes all issues. 

What Do Bluetooth Hearing Aids Cost?

In essence, the majority of the latest hearing aids from the big manufacturers are Bluetooth enabled. While it is true that not all of them are, many of the devices are. That basically means that Bluetooth enabled hearing aids are no more expensive than non-Bluetooth enabled devices. It is not seen as a premium type of device anymore, they have become pretty much mainstream. In many cases, we have put aggregate pricing on the hearing aid details on Know. They are based on what we can find out in each marketplace. 

We would expect most modern Bluetooth hearing aids from the leading hearing brands to retail from £800.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1000.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1000.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.

What are The Benefits of Modern Bluetooth Hearing Devices?

One of the significant benefits of modern direct connection hearing aids is the direct connection to ancillary devices. Resound has for years had hearing aid accessories that just connected directly to their hearing aids without any intermediary device. Many people love the idea of a remote microphone or TV streamer that just connects without them having to wear a streamer around their neck. I never really understood it, at least not until I used the Bernafon Zerena and the multifunctional SoundClip-A in the remote mic function. 

My experience was outstanding, the ease of use also struck me. I just had to turn it on and ask my companion to clip it to their shirt. I can see why only having to worry about one small device makes people happy. Most of the modern direct connection hearing aids now offer this function, the TV streamer and multifunction sound clip devices all seem to be made by the same manufacturer for the different brands. Resound still provides the most varied direct connection accessory range though. 

Use A Damn Streamer!

My own bias in the past has always been towards hearing aids that can connect via a streamer device. While I understood that many people felt the streamer was a pain in the ass, it still supplied an outstanding and stable connection. My attitude to that has changed as Bluetooth hearing aids evolve to offer outstanding connection and audio quality.

In finishing, Made For iPhone is pretty damn cool. However, there are some issues with dropped connections. Resound, and Starkey don't seem to have as many problems with that. With some manufacturers, it seems to be more of an issue. Although, as all of the brands get more experience with the connection it should get better. One of the leading issues though is in fact Apple. They change things, deliver upgrades, and then every hearing aid manufacturer has to run to catch up to ensure the connection is stable.

let's take a look at what is available: 

Philips Costco OticonBernafonPhonak ResoundSigniaStarkeyUnitron Widex

Philips Hearlink hearing aids

Hearlink is the name of the new hearing device range from Philips. Not the entire range will be Made For iPhone, but the three Receiver In Canal devices, the behind the ear model and one of the in the ear models will be able to directly connect to Apple products. 

Five Technology Levels

The range will be available in five technology levels which is not unlike the Bernafon set up. The top three levels will have the premium features available in differing parameters. The bottom two technology levels use the same chipset but will have more basic features. The features themselves are interesting.

Key Philips Features

They say that their new entry into the hearing aid market uses two key technologies - SoundMap and SoundTie. SoundMap is the management system of the devices and creates the sound of Philips HearLink. It amplifies voices and makes them clearer in difficult environments by reducing the noise. It also ensures that the sound details are audible. SoundTie is the name of the connection technology they are using, it connects Philips HearLink hearing solutions and their users to the outside world. It makes activities like watching TV easier and more enjoyable. SoundTie also provides intelligent interaction with smartphones and helps HearLink users stay connected with distant friends and family.

ReSound One

ReSound announced the introduction of their latest Bluetooth hearing aids, the new ReSound One hearing aid platform on August 18th 2020. There is a lot of new with this platform, new features, a new chip, a new normalised sound and a breakthrough microphone placement. As with the Quattro launch, they have just introduced the Receiver In Canal hearing aids and the top two technology levels.

A Microphone in The Receiver

One of the big innovations is the new microphone placement with their M&RIE receiver. ReSound believe that with a third microphone in the ear canal that they can make use of the more natural sound cues that can be picked up there. The outer ear plays a big part in our ability to localise sound allowing us to work out where sound comes from. This plays a big part in our ability to ignore sound that we are not interested in and to focus on the sound we are.

Resound Say "The outer ear (pinna) is designed by nature to work like an acoustic antenna. It helps the brain localize and tune in to a particular sound, for example when listening to a specific voice in a crowded café. However, the most popular styles of hearing aids (Receiver-In-Ear and Behind-The-Ear models) capture sound from microphones that sit behind the ear and then approximate the effect of the pinna. The result is an averaged and incomplete reproduction of sound, making it hard for the brain to achieve its natural localization and noise-cancelling function."

ReSound say that they have worked on this for over ten years. Placing a microphone in the receiver is challenging because of the possibility of it causing feedback. ReSound has introduced a brand new feedback management system which they are calling DFS Ultra III. They have worked on this system for nearly ten years and say that the new feedback manager combined with the newly designed receivers allows them to deal with the feedback challenge.

New Directionality Modes

ReSound has also introduced two new directionality modes they are calling All Access Directionality and a user-activated Ultra focus setting. All access directionality allows you to focus on the speaker while still having access to the surrounding sound. Ultra Focus will be user-activated and it allows you to narrow the focus of the microphones in noisy situations. It will allow you to focus on the person in front of you allowing you to hear what they are saying even in a noisy sound situation. These new directionality modes will only be available in the top level of technology.

Made For iPhone, Made For Android

The ReSound ONE platform will offer connectivity options to both iOS and AndroidTM smartphones for streaming and hearing aid control.

The Hearing Aids

As I said earlier, the new One platform will be introduced with three RIC (Receiver In Canal) or as they call them Receiver In Ear devices. They will be a rechargeable aid using lithium-ion, a 312 traditional battery aid and a size 13 traditional battery aid. They have introduced a new style of casing which while similar to their old one looks a bit more angular. The rechargeable will come with the outstanding charger case that they introduced with the Quattro, which means charges on the go if you need it.

Three Technology Levels

The ReSound One platform will be available in three technology platforms, the 9, the 7 and the 5 offering a ReSound One for every pocket.

Read More About Resound Hearing Aids

Back To Brands

Virto Black

Phonak unveiled a brand new Marvel powered custom device at CES 20202 in Vegas. It is the first of the Marvel In The Ear devices to be introduced and it really is interesting. They are calling the Virto Black a stigma busting hearing aid designed to look like a hearable but offering so much more. They say "Virto Black is the world’s first custom-made hearing aid that directly streams from both iOS®, Android™, or virtually any other Bluetooth®-enabled audio device. It boasts up to 16 hearing performance features that work together to help wearers connect with everyone in their life. Meanwhile, its microprocessor chip runs five wireless protocols at the same time including Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth LE, Binaural VoiceStream Technology™, Airstream Technology™ and Roger, providing the wireless connectivity that today’s wearers expect." Let's take a look at them and what we know so far.

Part of a Wider Launch

We now know that the Virto Black is part of a wider Marvel Virto launch. The Black is just one model in a full line up of In The Ear hearing aids. They are to be launched on February 19 in the states and we assume the UK.

Fully Featured

Most of the new Marvel Virto range will come with all of the features and connectivity that we would expect from a Marvel device. Including the proprietary BVST and hands-free calls. They will also connect directly to Roger devices, giving custom hearing aid wearers their first-ever opportunity to use that astounding Roger Pen or Select. The CIC and Titanium version will not come with the Marvel connectivity, but that is to be expected.

They have also made it clear that they will use biometric calibration, the feature they introduced with Belong, to ensure the hearing devices are built with the details of your outer ear in mind.

Funny Colour?

Phonak have specifically picked the colour design of the Black as part of their strategy for this device, they believe if we are to beat the stigma, we need new ideas about what's acceptable. Most modern hearables come in Black, so a discreet black In The Ear device makes perfect sense within that context. They said:

"Virto Black was designed to blur the lines between a hearing aid and a hearable and help people seek treatment sooner thanks to the stylish design and innovative hearing aid technology designed to meet the needs of even severe hearing losses. A recent survey of more than 600 non-hearing aid wearers worldwide with hearing loss revealed a majority would choose Virto Black in comparison to traditional in-the-ear hearing aids.3 This was most prominent in the 18-56 age range, suggesting younger wearers may be more comfortable wearing a bold, stylish product like Virto Black in their ears."

As the rest of the Marvel In The Ear range are released, there will be more traditional colour options available. I think it will be interesting to see how well accepted the Black devices are by consumers.

Virto Black Size

It is a little hard to tell but I would imagine the devices are no bigger than a traditional half shell and probably a little smaller than that. They run on a size 312 battery. You can see in the image below that they look quite a bit smarter in the ear than many of the typical Hearables available.

On top of that, I would expect the battery life to be far better than the typical four hours that most Hearables offer. Although battery life for something like this will be interesting to see. The protocols they are running are power-hungry and we know they struggle to get much more than three to four days out of a 312 RIC.

Virto Marvel Models

The models are expected to be, a Titanium, a size 10 CIC, size 312 ITC and a larger size 13 Full Shell model. They will be available across four levels of Phonak technology. Closer to the release date we will update with images and full details.

Back To Brands

Phonak

Bolero Marvel Range

The Bolero Marvel range is the latest range of Behind The Ear hearing aids from Phonak. It consists of just two hearing aid models, The Bolero Marvel M and the Bolero Marvel PR which is a little strange. Both devices really only cover hearing losses up to moderate to severe. Phonak would usually introduce a larger range of Bolero devices includinh a device that would cover severe to profound hearing loss. This time, they haven't, I think that means that we will see the Naida Marvel range of hearing aids introduced soon.

Bolero Marvel Hearing Aid Prices

We would expect the Bolero Marvel range to be sold at prices from £800.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1000.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1000.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.

Bolero Marvel M

The Bolero Marvel M is a pretty discrete mini BTE with a multi-functional button, not unlike the button used on the Audeo. The M can be fitted with a slim tube (which you can see above) or an ear hook for traditional tubing and ear mould. The M will cover hearing losses down to 75 dB in the low to 95 dB in the high frequencies. That, of course, depends on configuration, with the slim tube fitted, that reduces to 80 to 85 dB in the high frequencies. The M has all of the features of the Marvel platform with a direct connection to any Bluetooth mobile phones and  Roger devices. However, the M does not have a telecoil onboard so a connection to a Loop System is out. The device will be available in the four levels of technology, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30

Bolero Marvel PR

The Bolero Marvel PR is slightly larger than the M, but it is still relatively discrete. It uses the same multi-functional button as the smaller M. The PR is a  lithium-ion powered rechargeable hearing aid can be fitted with a slim tube (which you can see above) or an ear hook for traditional tubing and ear mould. The PR will cover hearing losses down to 80 dB in the low to 100 dB in the high frequencies. That, of course, depends on configuration, with the slim tube fitted, that reduces to 70 in the low and 90 dB in the high frequencies.

The PR has all of the features of the Marvel platform with a direct connection to any Bluetooth mobile phones and  Roger devices. It also has a telecoil onboard so it can be used to connect to a Loop System. Phonak say that you will get a full day of use out of one charge and use time is similar to the Audeo. The device will be available in the four levels of technology, the 90, the 70, the 50 and the 30

Viron Hearing Aids

Bernafon announced the Viron in a press release on April 1st, they said "Bernafon Viron is the industry’s first True Environment Processing™ hearing aids. The new chip platform delivers super-fast sound detection and processing so that users can receive more precise information about their environment in real time. Viron also includes a newly patented feedback cancellation system and is available in a brand-new rechargeable style." Since then a couple of promotional videos have turned up online. They talk quite a bit about True Environment Processing and say it will be the closest ever processing to natural hearing they have ever produced. I am pretty interested to see what this actually means and more importantly, how it sounds. 

Four Hearing Aid Types

The Viron range will be available in four hearing aid types, three Receiver In The Ear models (one of which will be a lithium-ion powered rechargeable) and a Behind The Ear device.

Levels of Technology

The hearing aids will be initially available in the top three levels of Bernafon technology, the 9, the 7 and the 5. The range will cover hearing losses from mild to severe to profound as does their existing Zerena range.

Bernafon Viron Rechargeable hearing aid

Viron Rechargeable Hearing Aid

The Viron rechargeable hearing aid uses the new lithium-ion battery pack designed by Demant. We assume, and only assume at this stage that the battery pack will be replaceable in the clinic as is the Bernafon version.

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Read More About Oticon Hearing Aids

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Signia Made For iPhone Hearing Aids

Signia is another hearing aid brand who introduced Made For iPhone hearing aids to their line-up. They started out with the Pure Primax 13 BT which was a very interesting device and it represented some real firsts for the hearing aid industry. It was based on the Pure RIC hearing aid types. It was the first-ever Made For iPhone hearing aid that uses the sensors on the iPhone to recognise movement and adjust how the hearing aid worked. Signia expanded their Made For iPhone options across their Nx platform on which they delivered a stunning new feature called Own Voice Processing. With the recent release of their Xperience platform, they now offer that OVP experience with hearing aids that have movement sensors onboard to recognise movement and automatically adjust.

Multiple Models, Three Levels of Tech, One New Platform

Initially, when Signia introduced their new Nx platform there were just three models available across three levels of technology. As is the norm with their tech levels naming system, the levels are the premium 7, the mid-range 5 and the entry-level 3. The models themselves were two Receiver In Canal devices and a BTE. They have since expanded that range to include a completely new type of device called a Slim RIC and they have added custom models. The initial Slim RIC the Styletto was not Bluetooth enabled, however, in March 2019, the introduced the Styletto Connect which is. The larger of their custom In The Ear models are also Bluetooth hearing aids.

With the launch of the Xperience, Signia has introduced just two models across three levels of technology. Again, the levels of technology are named the 7, the 5 and the 3. Let's take a look at the Xperience and then the Nx.

Xperience Hearing Aids

Signia has launched a brand new platform that they are calling the Xperience range. The platform has several new features which many are excited about already. I myself have tried the Signia Pure 312 7 Xperience and I was very impressed with the devices, their new Own Voice Processing feature and the new access to sounds all around me. Let's take a look at both the devices and the features on offer.

New Model Designs, New App

The Xperience platform offers the new Pure 312 X (with optional T-Coil) and rechargeable Pure Charge&Go X hearing aids in three levels of technology. It also brings brand-new, all-in-one smartphone app offering greater convenience for users.

Those Motion Sensors

They say that the new platform introduces the world’s first combination of advanced acoustic sensors with a built-in motion sensor. The hearing aids will be used to provide a more complete analysis of the wearer’s dynamic soundscape. They say that the new system will allow for automatic adjustments between sounds in front of and all around the wearer for a more personalized listening experience. In essence, they are saying that they use the motion sensors along with their new analysis system to give users more access to the sounds around them without compromising on clarity.

Signia say the three key features of YourSound technology are:

• Acoustic-motion sensors for a complete analysis of each wearer’s dynamic soundscape
• Dynamic Soundscape Processing for natural sound and speech from any direction, in any situation – even when moving
• Own Voice Processing (OVP™) for a natural sounding own voice

New Chipset, Smaller & More Powerful

The new Signia Xperience chip includes 80% more transistors and seven times the memory of the previous Signia Nx chip, while also being 60% smaller. As a result, the first two hearing aids on the platform, the Pure® 312 X and the Pure® Charge&Go X, are smaller yet more powerful than their predecessors.

Pure 312 X

The new Pure 312 X offers a brand new design with a rocker switch powered by a 312 battery and an optional T-Coil.  The receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid also has Bluetooth® connectivity for effortless streaming of phone calls, music, and TV audio. The optional telecoil will be delivered in the next month or so and it is an inspired design.

While Signia has a fascinating add on telecoil that lives in a battery door, they have now designed a hearing aid case that has the telecoil built into it. It will simply be a case, of changing the case (see what I did there?). Anyway, I think it is inspired. If you purchase a 312 X and then decide at a later stage that you would like to sample the delights of modern induction loops, you simply get a new case put on your existing hearing aid.

Pure Charge&Go X

The Pure Charge&Go X will be available in November 2019, it is a lithium-ion powered rechargeable RIC with Bluetooth connectivity. Signia say that the devices have 20% more charging capacity and are 16% smaller than the previous Pure Charge&Go Nx. It adds up to a svelte and discrete device that offers better battery life even with streaming. Signia have introduced a new inductive charger with a lid to protect the hearing aids as they charge, something that many people had complained about. The charger also works as a dehumidifier and is designed to fit custom ear molds.

The New App

The new Signia app combines three existing Signia apps into one unified easy to use app that should meet user’s needs, including:

• Providing wearers with direct support from a hearing care professional
• Remote control so the wearer can personalize their hearing experience
• Easy management of streaming accessories to fully enjoy phone calls, music, and TV

Pure 13 NX

This device is an updated version of their Pure 13 BT, it offers the new system which separately processes the wearer’s own voice. It comes with superior connectivity with direct streaming and the myControl App. The hearing aid has a rocker switch which allows programme changes and volume changes. It is IP68 rated and can be fitted with the four levels of receiver power making it suitable for most hearing losses.Signia say that users will enjoy the longest wearing time in its class while streaming. It also has access to the full live remote support via TeleCare 3.0.

Pure 312 Nx

This device is a very svelte Pure (RIC) device using a 312 battery, again it offers the new system which separately processes the wearer’s own voice. The hearing aid has a rocker switch which allows programme changes and volume changes. It is IP68 rated. It can also be fitted with the four levels of receiver making it suitable for most hearing losses. It comes with superior connectivity with direct streaming and the myControl App. It also has access to the full live remote support via TeleCare 3.0.

Motion 13 Nx

This device is a BTE device using a 13 battery, again it offers the new system which separately processes the wearer’s own voice. It also comes with superior connectivity with direct streaming and the myControl App. It also has access to the full live remote support via TeleCare 3.0. The device also offers the rocker switch for programme and volume control changes. This is a pretty versatile device which offers a telecoil option with the simple switching of the battery door. The device is IP67 rated for dust and moisture. 

The New Stuff

OVP, Own Voice Processing

Signia have made a very big deal of the OVP or Own Voice Processing, in essence, this is the first ever device to process the user's own voice differently from everything else. In fact, they have dedicated a completely separate processor on the platform to facilitate that. They say that the strategy will increase the acceptance of a user's own voice dramatically. For new users of hearing aids the sound quality of their own voice can be off-putting, but it is usually something that they get used to. However, as Signia point out, used to does not mean happy with. This system promises to deal with the issue.

Direct Connection

They have expanded their Bluetooth system across this range, offering direct connection with the RICs and the BTE. Their original offering, the Pure 13 BT was well received, the system was innovative in that it used the sensors on the iPhone to assess the forward movement of a user. This allowed the hearing aids to change how they were processing sound. This system and feature set has now been expanded across the new range. The new range also offers new direct connection accessories. 

Telecare 3.0

This is a really interesting development, Signia has made the Telecare service a live service. They were initially the first to offer Telecare with a limited fine-tuning option although Resound quickly followed with the launch of the LiNX 3D and their Remote Assist which had more functionality. Signia though quickly expanded that fine-tuning option and added video calling to the system. Now they have enabled full live remote tuning with video support which is a pretty huge breakthrough.

The new service means that you can set-up a video call with your hearing professional and explain the issue you are having in the situation you are having it in. While you are connected, your hearing professional can tweak your hearing aid’s settings live and you can quickly assess if they are better.

So for the first time ever, it’s possible to have for a provider to fine-tune your hearing aids while you are in the listening environments that matter to you. It will be interesting to see how many providers offer and use the service. It will also be interesting to see how it is offered. 

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Starkey Edge AI

A Rechargeable Bluetooth In The Ear Hearing Aid

Since lithium-ion rechargeable hearing aids exploded onto the scene in 2016 many people have wondered if the technology would transfer to In The Ear (ITE) hearing aids. While thee have been plenty of rumours about the different hearing aid brands working on the devices, up to now, we haven't seen any introduced. In February 2020, that will all change with the introduction of the new Starkey Edge AI range. For the first time, we have a lithium-ion powered rechargeable Bluetooth ITE.

In The Canal?

The device is really more of a half-shell device than an In The Canal hearing aid. That is also going to depend on the size of the ear canal and ear. It is a dual-mic custom device with a push button. The faceplate is raised in the middle with the charging contacts. While the image shows a black device, it will be available in the more traditional colours as well.

Made For iPhone, Made For Android

The devices are Bluetooth enabled and will offer a direct connection to both iPhones and some Android 10 phones. That means direct audio streaming and call audio from those phones without any intermediary streamers.

Lithium-ion Powered

Making a custom hearing aid rechargeable has been technically difficult, the main issue has really how are you going to charge it. Obviously, Starkey has solved the issue and this will be the first-ever lithium-ion powered custom hearing aid. They say the lithium-ion cell will give you 23 hours of battery life between charges. 

Blurring The Lines

Starkey has been blurring the lines between Hearables and Hearing Aids for a while now. The introduction of the lithium-ion powered Bluetooth ITE (In The Ear) device certainly does that. In fact, I think it is the first device from the hearing aid industry that can be firmly called a Hearable. 

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Starkey

Halo 2 Hearing Aids

The Halo 2™ is Starkey's latest wireless hearing solution with their all new Synergy® platform. Synergy is the only platform to feature quad core twin compressor technology and the first to provide supreme precision for audibility and the ultimate optimisation for listening enjoyment. Synergy, in combination with Acuity OS, their new high-definition operating system, enables speech and sounds like music to be processed uniquely for the first time ever.

Delivering advancing speech audibility and listening enjoyment of music in all environments. So, I have never been mad about Starkey, don't really like them as a company. However, I have been wearing a set of Starkey Halo 2 recently and I have to say I am impressed. More on that later. 

Synergy also incorporates 900sync Technology, our patient preferred wireless technology, delivering a pristine audio experience that is made to aid unilateral loss with our new Halo 2 CROS System as well as improve phone understanding with our new ear-to-ear phone streaming.

Technology Levels

The Halo 2 is available in three levels of technology

You Can Read About The Premium i2400 Here

You Can Read About The Advanced i2000 Here

The Standard i1600 

We would expect the range to be sold at prices from £1200.00 to £2200.00 in the UK depending on the Practice and location. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from €1400.00 to €3000.00 in Ireland. We would expect the range to be sold at prices from $1400.00 to $3200.00 in the USA.

Let's Talk Styles

The Halo 2 range comes in two styles

Starkey Halo 2 RIC 13

Wireless RIC (receiver-in-canal) device, small, ultra discreet but powerful hearing solution. With push button and multiflex tinnitus therapy (size 13 battery). A relatively discreet option that offers good battery life from the size 13 battery. Here's the full Android compatibility list: Compatible with Google Nexus™ 6P, Google Nexus™ 5X, Samsung Galaxy S® 7 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S® 7, Samsung Galaxy S® 6 Edge Plus, Samsung Galaxy S® 6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S® 6, Samsung Galaxy S® 5, Samsung Galaxy S® 4, Samsung Galaxy Note® 5, Samsung Galaxy Note® 4, Samsung Galaxy Note® 3, HTC One® M8 and HTC One® M7. And for Apple users, here's the Apple compatibility list: iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini 3, iPad mini with Retina display, iPad mini, iPod touch (5th generation) and Apple Watch. Use of Apple Watch requires iPhone 5 or later.