Bluetooth hearing aids bridge the gap between your hearing aids and other digital devices. Bluetooth lets you stream audio from Spotify or Netflix directly to your hearing aids, take phone calls and hear them through both aids, control digital assistants like Siri or your smart home through voice commands, and connect to Auracast-powered audio broadcasts in public spaces.

The best Bluetooth hearing aids work with both the iPhone and Android devices. Find our top picks below and learn which Bluetooth standards support the features you desire.

In this video, HearingTracker Audiologist Matthew Allsop explains the different types of Bluetooth connectivity available in hearing aids—including Made For iPhone (MFi), Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) for Android, Bluetooth Classic, and Bluetooth LE—the pros and cons of each including Auracast, as well as his favorite Bluetooth-compatible hearing aid models. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Best Overall: Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio

Phonak is the only hearing aid manufacturer to use classic Bluetooth, which means their hearing aids are compatible with the widest range of Bluetooth devices.

The Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio RIC delivers universal Bluetooth connectivity with groundbreaking AI-driven speech separation from noise. Bluetooth is also available in the Audéo Infinio R and CROS Infinio RICs, and a full range of Virto rechargeable in-the-ear (ITE) models. Along with the Audéo Lumity, Audéo Infinio hearing aids remain some of the most versatile Bluetooth streaming aids, offering two active Bluetooth connections and pairing capabilities for up to 8 different devices of your choosing. The Infinio line is Auracast-ready, pending a firmware update.

Like its predecessors Lumity, Marvel, and Paradise, Infinio aids also feature tap control (in 90 and 70 technology tiers), allowing you to accept/end a phone call, pause/resume streaming, and access voice assistants such as Apple’s Siri®.

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In addition to being the best Bluetooth hearing aid, the best waterproof hearing aid, and the best hearing aid for music, the Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio currently is the best hearing aid period.

For devices that lack Bluetooth connectivity, Phonak has an array of wireless accessories, including streamers, remote microphones, and a TV audio transmitter. We also recommend reading up on Roger, Phonak’s suite of wireless remote microphones for those who need extra help hearing in background noise.

Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere Pros

  • Bluetooth 5.3 for pairing up to 8 devices and connecting to 2 simultaneously
  • Hands-free calling and tap controls for managing audio streams
  • Best wireless accessories on the market and Auracast-ready
  • Top "speech in noise" scores, according to HearAdvisor's lab tests
  • IP68+ water and dust resistance

Phonak Audéo Infinio Sphere Cons

  • Initial Bluetooth pairing may be challenging
  • Auracast activation will require firmware upgrade
  • Battery life of only 16 hours max, or much less, depending on the required noise processing
  • Bulky behind-the-ear unit due to larger noise processing chip

HearingTracker Audiologist Matthew Allsop provides you with an overview of Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Runner-up: Oticon Intent

The Intent family of hearing aids uses Oticon's new Sirius chip platform. Intent builds upon the advanced features of its predecessor Oticon Real, such as Bluetooth audio streaming, access to Oticon's deep neural network (DNN) technology, and water resistance. Like Real, Oticon Intent is compatible with both Apple and Android devices for wireless streaming and two-way hands-free calling, and it's now future-proof with LE Audio and Auracast technology. On Android, the Audio Streaming for Hearing Aid (ASHA) protocol, which is available on Android 11 and up, facilitates Bluetooth connections.

For those who want to stream audio from other Bluetooth devices or access hands-free calling for incompatible Apple or Android devices, Oticon's ConnectLine and Streamer Pro deliver a solution. These connect to most TVs and other audio devices using standard cables. With the TV Adapter, stereo sound can stream directly into your hearing aids from a range of up to 45 feet. The Oticon ON app is designed to make it easy to manage Bluetooth connections.

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With Intent, Oticon introduced DNN 2.0, which enhances speech clarity in noisy environments by learning from an even more diverse range of sound inputs than its predecessor. The hearing aid features groundbreaking 4D Sensor technology, allowing it to adapt its settings based on the wearer's head and body movements, conversational activity, and acoustic environment. This promises to enhance speech comprehension by 15% in dynamic settings like restaurants.

Oticon also offers one of the best tinnitus relief solutions.

Oticon Intent Pros

  • Features Bluetooth LE Audio with multi-point connections to select iOS and Android devices (via ASHA) and is Auracast-ready
  • Up to 23 hours of battery life and quick-charge feature
  • Second generation deep neural network (DNN 2.0) features advanced AI technology to deliver excellent speech in noise performance
  • 4D motion sensors power adaptive sound settings to enhance speech comprehension
  • IP68 moisture and dust resistant

Oticon Intent Cons

  • Bluetooth streaming only available for select Android and iOS devices
  • Accessories required for non-smartphone Bluetooth connections
  • Bulkier design than previous models
  • Single button design reduces flexibility
  • Offsite service required for battery replacement

HearingTracker Audiologist introduces you to Oticon Intent hearing aids. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Note: The Philips HearLink 9050, available at Costco, features similar technology as the Oticon Intent at a significantly lower price point. However, despite featuring Bluetooth LE Audio, it doesn't support multipoint connections, i.e. connecting to two devices simultaneously.

Best for Auracast: ReSound Nexia

The ReSound Nexia features Bluetooth LE Audio (Bluetooth 5.2), and it's the first hearing aid to employ Auracast broadcast technology; we discuss this technology in more detail below. While you can pair a Nexia hearing aid with up to eight devices, it only supports one connection at a time. Streaming from Android is accomplished using the ASHA protocol, which is available with most newer Android devices (Android 11 and up). Hands-free calling is available for the iPhone 11 and up, as well as select Android phones; check ReSound's compatibility page for more details.

Best Bluetooth Hearing Aid for Auracast
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For incompatible Bluetooth devices, ReSound offers a variety of accessories that connect its hearing aids with high-quality audio. The ReSound Phone Clip+ streams calls or audio from your Bluetooth-enabled phone. ReSound Mics can be placed on a podium, on a speaker's lapel, or on a conference table to pick up voices and stream them to your hearing aids.

And the ReSound Bluetooth TV streamer attached to the back of your TV delivers audio directly to your hearing aids. TV-Steamer+, launched with Nexia and Auracast-ready, uses Auracast to give you immediate speech clarity at preferred TV volumes through your hearing aids without disturbing anyone else in the room. Additionally, the ReSound Remote Control 2 makes it easy to adjust the volume, change programs, or switch between streaming accessories.

ReSound Nexia Pros

  • Features Bluetooth 5.2 LE Audio and Auracast
  • Supports audio streaming for iOS and Android 11+ (via ASHA), as well as hands-free calling for iPhone 11+ and select Android phones
  • New tap controls for handling audio and phone calls on the micro RIE model
  • Great selection of wireless accessories for devices that lack Bluetooth
  • Novel technology to improve hearing in noise

ReSound Nexia Cons

  • Doesn't support Bluetooth multipoint, i.e. simultaneous device connections
  • Auracast broadcasts aren't widely available yet
  • No AI features for sound processing

Learn more about ReSound Nexia hearing aids in this video by audiologist Matthew Allsop. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Best OTC: Jabra Enhance Select 500

The Jabra Enhance Select 500 offers excellent wireless connectivity through Bluetooth LE Audio. Audio streaming and hands-free calling is available on select iOS (via MFi on iOS/iPadOS 14.0+) and Android (via ASHA on Android 14+ or One UI 6.0+) devices; please check compatibility with Jabra. The hearing aid is Auracast-ready.

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For people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, self-fitted over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are an affordable alternative to prescription hearing aids. The Jabra Enhance Select 500 also offers dependable speech in noise benefits and an excellent battery life of up to 30 hours per charge. You can purchase Jabra hearing aids with an optional care package to access professional services other leading OTC devices are lacking.

Jabra Enhance Select 500 Pros

  • Auracast-ready Bluetooth LE Audio with wireless streaming and hands-free calling on select iOS and Android devices
  • Good sound quality and speech in noise performance
  • Up to 30 hours of battery life per charge
  • IP68 ingress rating for protection against moisture and dust
  • Optional care package for professional telehealth support
  • Up to three years of warranty and loss & damage protection

Jabra Enhance Select 500 Cons

  • Limited Bluetooth and app compatibility, but Jabra offers a straight-forward compatibility check

  • No Bluetooth multipoint support, i.e. only connects to one device at a time

  • Telecare services may be slow to respond

  • More expensive than most OTC hearing aids

Best Budget OTC: AirPods Pro 2

Consider the AirPods Pro 2 your best option when hearing aid features aren't your top priority. While they do offer valuable hearing health benefits, they should primarily serve you as wireless earbuds. As such, they offer excellent streaming features and sound quality.

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The AirPods Pro 2 employ Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio, but don't currently support Auracast. You can use the AirPods Pro 2 for streaming audio and hands-free calling with both iOS and Android. However, you'll need an iPhone for the initial setup of its hearing aid features, putting Android users at a slight disadvantage.

AirPods Pro 2 Pros

  • One of the most affordable FDA-approved OTC hearing aids on the market
  • Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio with wireless streaming and hands-free calling on iOS and Android devices
  • Great speech in noise benefits considering the product's price point

AirPods Pro 2 Cons

  • No Auracast support to date
  • Apple Health app and hearing aid feature accessible on iPhones only
  • Limited battery life of five to six hours per charge
  • Limited lifespan of two to three years as the built-in Lithium-ion battery isn't meant to be replaced
  • No professional care option, tech support only
  • IP54 rating, which is the lowest in this list

Other Hearing Aid Brands and Vendors to Consider

You'll find Bluetooth connectivity in many modern hearing aids. Below is a summary of additional brands and vendors to consider and which products they currently offer.

Costco Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Costco, the big box retailer, has hearing centers that offer hearing tests, professional services, and affordable prices, with current prices starting at $1,599 a pair.

Costco doesn't manufacture its own hearing aids but resells products and technology from top manufacturers. Costco sells Jabra, Philips, and Rexton brand hearing aids, with models from each brand offering Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone control apps and audio streaming for Android phones and iPhones. Costco also offers a range of Bluetooth-connected accessories for each of the brands, including remote control devices, TV audio streamers, and remote microphones.

In April 2023, Costco started selling its first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid, Lexie B2 Powered by Bose, which is covered in the OTC hearing aid section below.

Starkey Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Starkey Edge AI offers iOS- and Android-compatible audio streaming, hands-free calling for iOS, wireless control with the My Starkey app (except for the IIC and CIC models), as well as hands-free 2-way audio for compatible iOS devices when using FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, etc.

With a battery life of up to 51 hours, it's one of the best rechargeable hearing aids available today.

Starkey Edge Ai Hands Free Smartphone

Using a new antenna introduced with Genesis AI, Edge AI has a range of 20-30 feet. Starkey's flagship model is also Auracast-ready, pending a firmware update. The new My Starkey app puts you in control of the hearing aid, as well as the "healthable" features found in both of its predecssors, Starkey Genesis AI and Starkey Evolv AI.

Evolv AI, introduced in August 2021, essentially offers all the Bluetooth capabilities and "healthable" features as Edge AI and Genesis AI, but uses the older Thrive app and lacks the newer and more powerful chip and sound processing capabilities.

As a leader in custom in-ear devices, Starkey offers the truly unique and tiny Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids which are some of the only full-featured devices of their size with audio streaming (for details, see this YouTube video from Matthew Allsop). Other Starkey Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids include Livio Edge AI.

Starkey's streaming accessories provide Bluetooth connections for its legacy products or when needed for non-compatible devices. The Starkey SurfLink streaming accessories provide hands-free phone calls from iPhones and Android smartphones, and audio streaming from multiple Bluetooth sources. They also feature remote microphones. And the Starkey TV accessory supports analog and digital input sources to stream audio from your TV or other audio source directly to Genesis, Evolv and Livio hearing aids.

Audiologist Matthew Allsop explains why Starkey Genesis AI really does represent something new in hearing aid technology. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Widex Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Widex MOMENT Made-for-iPhone hearing aids offer wireless connectivity with both iOS and Anroid devices. Widex says its signal processing chip set features independent channel separation with minimal-delay filters to offer clean sound even while streaming. The Widex MOMENT app lets you set up and manage your Bluetooth connections.

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Widex offers connectivity for non-smartphone Bluetooth devices via its range of streaming accessories. The COM-DEX streamer hangs from the neck and streams high-quality sound from any Bluetooth device to your hearing aid. It offers up to 8 hours of streaming time and comes with an optional remote mic. Other accessories for the phone, TV, and other Bluetooth devices include SoundAssist, FM+DEX, TV PLAY, and TV-DEX. The COM-DEX iPhone and Android smartphone app helps manage the Bluetooth connections.

The company's latest product, the Moment Sheer (sRIC R D) was introduced in September 2022 with a new housing design that is intended to by discreet and modern.

Moment Sheer is reviewed in this video by HearingTracker Audiologist Matthew Allsop. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Signia Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Signia Pure Charge&Go IX  and Signia Pure Charge&Go AX hearing aids offer both iOS and Android direct wireless connectivity with compatible devices. Additionally, Signia has made its Integrated Xperience (IX) product line "Auracast-ready,” meaning they are capable of receiving Auracast broadcasts with just a firmware update from the company (see Auracast section below).

Signia Pure Charge&Go IX hearing aids

The in-ear Insio Charge&Go AX ITEs offer direct audio streaming from iOS devices with the MFi hearing aid standard, as well as certain Android devices using the ASHA standard. Signia Insio AX and Pure AX hearing aids offer hands-free calling on iPhones but not Android (although you can use an accessory to gain this function).

The Signia IX family is reviewed upon their introduction in September 2023 by Audiologist Matthew Allsop.

Unitron Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Unitron, a sister company of Phonak in the Sonova group, offers universal Bluetooth connectivity in a number of product families, including its flagship product Vivante, as well as Blu, Discover Next, and Tempus. The company’s Moxi Blu runs on the Sonova PRISM (Processing Real-Time Intelligent Sound Management) chip and uses Unitron’s Integra OS signal processing system. Like Phonak Lumity and Paradise, it offers two active Bluetooth connections with pairing up to 8 different devices and includes the same tap controls. In April 2023, Unitron launched its Moxi Vivante V-R and VR-T rechargeable RIC models that also have these Bluetooth capabilities for Apple and Android.

Bluetooth Hearing Aid Costs

Premium Bluetooth hearing aids aren't inexpensive. A pair can cost anywhere from $1,399 (at Costco) to $6,000 (or more) for top-end hearing aids.

Streaming accessories cost extra, and prices vary from clinic to clinic; fortunately, to achieve wireless Bluetooth connectivity, these accessories are needed less and less. However, when needed, a clip-on streamer can easily add $500 to the cost of hearing aids. And TV streamers and remote mics can cost even more, depending on their capabilities. Some local providers do provide discounts through our hearing aid discounts program.

Alternative Bluetooth-enabled OTC Hearing Aids and Hearables

Several direct-to-consumer hearing aids available online offer Bluetooth compatibility, including over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which you can buy directly from the manufacturer or through retailers like Best Buy and Walmart.

There is also a whole world of Bluetooth-enabled earpieces, hearables, and PSAPs (personal sound amplification products) to explore. Many of them integrate high-end hearing aid technology. Often they are less expensive than prescription Bluetooth hearing aids.

HearingTracker Audiologist Matthew Allsop provides information on how to set up Apple AirPods Pro earbuds as hearing aids.

There is quite a lot of confusion about over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, and HearingTracker has recently published an updated list of FDA-registered OTC hearing aids. In a subsequent article, we've picked what we think are the Top-10 best OTC hearing aids, several of which feature Bluetooth streaming, such as the ones included below.

Sennheiser All-Day Clear and All-Day Clear Slim

Sennheiser All-Day Clear and All-Day Clear Slim OTC hearing aids are made by Sonova, the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturer and maker of Phonak and Unitron hearing aids. Using this technology, these rechargeable aids are offered online for $1400 and $1500, respectively, and provide hands-free calling and music streaming for both iOS and Android-compatible phones. Except for the slim design of the latter, they are essentially the same in terms of functionality.

Audiologist Matthew Allsop gives his initial impressions about Sennheiser All-Day Clear and All-Day Clear Slim hearing aids.

Sony CRE-E10

The Sony CRE-E10 is an impressive rechargeable OTC earbud with good sound quality for Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling for iPhones (v13.0 and higher) only. The CRE-E10 has been at the top of the HearAdvisor Leaderboard since its inception, with particularly high ratings for speech in quiet, speech in noise, and music streaming. It costs $1,099 per set.

ELEHEAR Beyond

Designed with good sound quality, AI-driven speech-in-noise processing, Bluetooth streaming for iOS and Android, and customizable tinnitus relief, ELEHEAR Beyond checks all the boxes for an advanced, high-quality OTC hearing aid. With a $399 price tag, it punches well above its weight and earned an "A" SoundGrade from our independent test lab, HearAdvisor.

Lucid Engage Rechargeable

Lucid is the manufacturer of Lucid hearing aids for Sam’s Club and the owner of Etymotic Research, which makes high-quality earplugs and headphones. Lucid Engage Rechargeable—which is offered online and Sam's Club—is a self-fit Receiver-In-canal (RIC) hearing aid that offers Bluetooth streaming and app-based controls for both iOS and Android devices. These OTC hearing aids go for $800 per pair, and you'll need to specify if you want Bluetooth streaming for either Android or iPhone when ordering.

Lexie B2 Powered by Bose

Available for $999, Lexie B2 Powered by Bose is one of the better OTC hearing aids. It now offers Bluetooth streaming for phone calls for compatible iPhones, although it does not support hands-free calling. These hearing aids stream phone calls for iPhones, although the audio is not designed or optimized for music or video content streaming and does not offer hands-free calling.

A introduction to the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose hearing aid by audiologist Matthew Allsop.

JLab Hear

Looking for a rechargeable OTC hearing aid with Bluetooth audio streaming functionality that won't break the bank? At $99, the JLab Hear OTC hearing aid earbuds are a great choice. These hearing aids offer wireless control and streaming for iOS and Android devices with Bluetooth 5.3. You also get hands-free calling for iPhones. The only major drawback is that JLab Hear OTCs are “instant-fit” devices that rely on preset programs instead of being tuned to your unique hearing loss as "self-fitting" OTCs.

"Made-For-iPhone" (MFi) Hearing Aids

"Made-for-iPhone" (MFi) hearing aids were first introduced in 2015 by GN ReSound and launched an entirely new era of connectivity. MFi hearing aids allow you to stream audio directly from your iPhone and iPad—no wireless streamer required. All major manufacturers now sell at least some MFi-compatible hearing aids.

Historically, one drawback of the MFi protocol is that it did not allow for two-way communication. That is, the connected device could stream to your hearing aids but the hearing aids could not send data back to the device. It was a one-way street. For hearing aid wearers, this meant no hands-free calling as the hearing aid microphones couldn’t pick up the sound of your voice and transmit back to the phone.

However, with the recent release of Bluetooth version 5.2, two-way communication is now available within the MFi protocol. Keep in mind though, that not all hearing aid manufacturers have incorporated Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3, so hands-free calling isn’t an option for every MFi hearing aid. Also, while backward compatibility is pretty broad, some advanced features of the newer Bluetooth standards—like Auracast (introduced with LE Audio)—will not function with older Bluetooth devices that lack support for these features.

And some good news for Mac computer users: in May 2023, Apple announced that MFi hearing aids would pair directly with “select Mac devices” that use the M1 chip and all devices that use the M2 and M3 chips. Previously, iPhones, iPod Touch, and iPad tablets were the only devices that could pair directly with MFi hearing aids without workarounds or accessories.

In the video below, our audiologist Matthew Allsop explains how you can take advantage of this new capability. He also explains how to disconnect your hearing aids from an Apple computer in a separate video.

HearingTracker Audiologist Matthew Allsop explains how to connect your hearing aids to an Apple Mac computer. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Using Hearing Aids With Your Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch, you can likely control some hearing aid features (e.g., volume) from it. Depending on the brand and model, you may even be able to use your hearing aid app and/or enjoy direct streaming of phone calls, music, podcasts, and videos (see video below). However, judging from hearing aid user comments on the HearingTracker Hearing Aid Forum, some hearing aids don't play well in the sandbox with Apple Watches, so you may want to do your own research if this is a major feature you wish to use. We plan to devote a dedicated page to this issue in the near future.

Here is a quick guide to pairing Phonak hearing aids with an Apple Watch by Matthew Allsop. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Android Compatible Hearing Aids

In 2018, Google finally announced a new Android streaming spec for hearing aids—Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA). The announcement from Google signaled their intention to pair hearing aids with the much larger universe of Android phones.

Flash forward to 2025, and we now have all major hearing aid manufacturers— Phonak, Starkey, Oticon, Signia, ReSound, and Widex—with Android-compatible hearing aids on the market.

One caveat to ASHA-based Android compatibility: for some hearing aids, it won’t be a truly hands-free experience. You’ll still need to talk into the phone for the caller to hear your voice. In these cases, to achieve hands-free calling with Android you’ll either need to purchase a Bluetooth streamer or pursue hearing aids that use the Bluetooth Classic Hands-Free Protocol (HFP).

While Made-for-iPhone is supported by all iOS devices (from recent years), Android ASHA is only supported on select Android phones. In general, any phone with Bluetooth 5.0+ and Android 10 (or higher) is capable of providing wireless streaming via ASHA. However, ASHA must be enabled by each phone manufacturer and service carrier, so it pays to check with your carrier about whether your specific Android model can support ASHA connectivity (see our article about how Samsung, Google Pixel, and OnePlus offer the best support). Most ASHA compatible aids also support MFi.

Universal Bluetooth Streaming

Only Sonova, the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturer, offers true, hands-free universal Bluetooth connectivity. In addition to iPhone and Android connectivity, Phonak and Unitron (owned by Sonova), offer models that provide wireless audio streaming from any Bluetooth-audio device. This is accomplished via Bluetooth Classic’s A2DP and HFP protocols for audio streaming and hands-free calling, respectively.

Sonova calls their technology “Made For All” or MFA, a tongue in cheek nod to Apple’s “Made For iPhone.” Phonak Lumity, Paradise, and Unitron Vivante and Blu are the latest Sonova products to offer MFA technology, and models from both product families support two simultaneous Bluetooth connections. Costco's now-discontinued Kirkland Signature 10.0 hearing aid, also manufactured by Sonova, offered universal Bluetooth as well.

Bluetooth LE Audio

Bluetooth Low-Energy (LE) has been used for years in hearing aids, but in 2022 the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced the completion of its long-awaited Bluetooth 5.2 standard—a new version of Bluetooth that optimizes energy efficiency and elevates sound quality across all devices using it. Bluetooth 5.3 followed which further improved efficiency and connectivity.

Importantly, Auracast is included in these new standards. Auracast enables transmitters to broadcast a Bluetooth audio signal to an unlimited number of people using their in-range compatible devices, such as headphones, earbuds and hearables, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. Because the audio is being transmitted directly from the transmitter to your audio device, you hear it in real-time, with very low latency. And because Bluetooth LE is so important, we've included a special section about it and Auracast at the bottom of this page.

Shopping for Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Shopping for a Bluetooth hearing aid can be confusing. Bluetooth- and smartphone-compatible hearing instruments come in dozens of different flavors. So knowing the basics about MFi, ASHA, Sonova’s MFA, and LE Audio can help.

Because connectivity is a sought-after feature in hearing aids, this technology is improving very quickly. The bottom line is you should talk with your hearing provider about the wireless connectivity features that are important to you prior to purchasing any devices.

And a word of caution! Some hearing aid manufacturers promote “Bluetooth compatibility,” but they require an intermediate streamer to receive and retransmit Bluetooth audio to their hearing aids from all Bluetooth devices. We talk about these streamers below.

The Latest Hearing Aid Streamers Make Bluetooth Easy

If your hearing aids don’t connect natively to your smartphone (or other Bluetooth audio device), you’ll likely need a “streamer” from the same manufacturer that produced your hearing aids. Streamers are typically purchased as an add-on accessory to hearing aids, but the good news is that today's Bluetooth streamers provide a relatively painless workaround to achieving universal Bluetooth connectivity with your hearing aids.

Hearing aid Bluetooth Streamer
Bluetooth audio may be streamed from a laptop to a pair of Widex MOMENT hearing aids through COM-DEX, an intermediary streaming device.

A streamer either hangs from your neck or clips to your clothing, and receives audio from Bluetooth-enabled phones, MP3 music players, computers, tablets and other electronic devices. Once the streamer has picked up the sound from your favorite Bluetooth-enabled audio device, it re-transmits the audio to the hearing aids, typically via a proprietary 2.4GHz radio signal.

Hearing aid makers have started delivering Bluetooth streaming accessories that are smaller, more feature-rich, and easier to use. They provide wireless communication with all Bluetooth-enabled devices. And their associated apps work well with both iPhones and Android smartphones.

Bluetooth LE Audio: The Future of Bluetooth Hearing Aids

A new Bluetooth specification, Bluetooth 5.2, now provides higher-quality audio with less latency (delay) in wireless streaming and multichannel connectivity with multiple Bluetooth accessories. All of this is accomplished with Bluetooth LE Audio, the “next generation of Bluetooth audio,” available with Bluetooth 5.2.

Auracast to Make Bluetooth More Versatile and Accessible

In June 2022, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced the release of its new Auracast™ broadcast audio system which uses LE Audio. Auracast is designed to link Bluetooth hearing devices (including hearing aids, implants, earbuds, etc) that are Auracast-enabled to a Auracast-enabled transmitter through your Bluetooth-compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer.

So, if you’re attending a lecture, play, or ballgame, an Auracast transmitter might notify your smartphone that streaming audio is available. Then you’d use the Auracast Assistant on your phone to simply find and select that sound stream and have it paired with your Bluetooth hearing device.

Although Auracast is a brand new technology that may take some time for widespread implementation and use, it promises to expand Bluetooth’s usefulness to a much wider range of settings and situations, like airports, ticket booths, tours, personal song/audio sharing, and more.

At this writing, the only hearing aids with the Bluetooth LE 5.2 standard that enables Auracast is ReSound Nexia; however, the Signia IX, Phonak Infinio, and Starkey Edge AI hearing aids are "Auracast-ready," meaning they will just need firmware updates to accommodate the technology. We think more manufacturers will follow suit, although some (like Phonak) may opt not to adopt Auracast just yet, as the older wireless standard still affords certain competitive advantages.

Audiologist Matthew Allsop explains why Auracast is a HUGE deal for hearing aids and earphones. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

Test Results for Streamed Music Quality From the HearAdvisor Lab

We've detailed above some of the best and newest Bluetooth hearing aids. But how do hearing aids really stack up against each other in terms of audio quality when streaming music?

The HearAdvisor independent test lab has conducted tests on most of the top brands and models of hearing aids. Below are the initial fit scores on streamed music for hearing aids tested to date (January 2025) that scored ratings of 3.4 or better. The “initial fit” is how the hearing aid sounds by either following the manufacturer's instructions or the result of the hearing care provider's fitting when they're using the manufacturer's initial (first-fit) fitting algorithm. To view all of the tested hearing aid scores, visit the HearAdvisor Leaderboard, then select "Streamed Music" in the "Scores and Audio Files" section. This will also allow you to hear audio files of both the “initial fit” and “tuned fit” sound samples.

Brand/modelTypeStyleScore
Sennheiser Conversation Clear PlusHearableEarbud5.0
JLab HEAR OTCOTCEarbud4.6
Linner MarsOTCEarbud4.6
Linner Nova OTCEarbud4.5
Apple Airpods PRO 2HearableEarbud4.4
Phonak Sphere InfinioPrescriptionRIC4.3
Sony CRE-E10OTCEarbud4.2
Elehear AlphaOTCRIC4.2
Oticon RealPrescriptionRIC4.2
Phonak Audéo LumityPrescriptionRIC4.1
Audicus OMNI 2OTCRIC4.1
Hear.com Horizon Go IXPrescriptionRIC4.1
Cearvol Diamond X1OTCEarbud4.1
Oticon IntentPrescriptionRIC4.0
Starkey Edge AIPrescriptionRIC3.9
Starkey Evolv AIPrescriptionRIC3.8
Widex MomentPrescriptionRIC3.8
Elehear BeyondOTCRIC3.8
GoHearing UltraOTCRIC3.6
Signia Pure Charge&GoPrescriptionRIC3.5
Starkey Genesis AIPrescriptionRIC3.4
Sennheiser All-Day Clear SlimOTCRIC3.4
Widex Moment SmartRICPrescriptionRIC3.4

Highest ratings of Streamed Music quality for the over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription hearing aids as rated by the HearAdvisor lab (scores of 3.4 or higher). Please visit the HearAdvisor Leaderboard for the scores of other hearing aids and to listen to sound samples. *Sennheiser CCP and Apple Airpods Pro are technically "hearable" earbuds, meaning they're not an FDA-listed OTC hearing aid intended to compensate for hearing loss.

One apparent trend from the table above is that earbud-style hearing aids generally score higher for streamed music. That's because earbuds tend to seal off the ear canal completely (i.e., creating a "closed fitting"), allowing only the sound processed by the hearing aid to enter the ear canal. In contrast, the popular receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices generally allow external sounds to pass through the ear tip or vented dome (an "open fitting" or "vented fitting") in addition to the sound processed by the hearing aid, mixing them together in the ear canal. This can reduce the sound quality of streamed music but can significantly enhance the perception of the user's own voice while allowing for more natural low-frequency sounds.

So, the above table is useful if streamed audio is extremely important to you. However, most hearing aid users place a premium on top-notch performance in speech in quiet and speech in noise (a weak spot for Linner OTC hearing aids), as well as specific hearing aid features (e.g., rechargeability, user controls, etc.)—so please keep all these factors in mind!

For a more comprehensive look at the products, see our Best Hearing Aids and Best OTC Hearing Aids pages. You may also be interested in our Best Hearing Aids for Music page.

Audiologist Matthew Allsop offers tips for using hearing aids for musicians and music lovers. Closed captions are available on this video. If you are using a mobile phone, please enable captions clicking on the gear icon.

The Bottom Line

As much as we love Bluetooth technology at Hearing Tracker, it is only one of many variables to consider when purchasing hearing devices. Remember, hearing aids need to function as hearing aids first and foremost, and a local hearing health professional can provide guidance on what hearing aid options may be appropriate for you (given your unique hearing needs).

Bluetooth Hearing Aid FAQ

Prices range from $1,399 to more than $6,000 per pair, depending on the specific model. Bluetooth connectivity has quickly become a standard “must-have” feature, and is now widely available—even in lower-tier models.

The majority of hearing aid manufacturers offer products that are iOS and Android compatible with select smartphone models. To connect to other Bluetooth devices, you’ll need to purchase a Bluetooth streamer accessory or look at newer products from Phonak and Unitron, which offer direct streaming from any Bluetooth audio device.

MFi hearing aids are natively compatible with most iOS devices, like iPhones and iPads. Most MFi hearing aids may achieve Bluetooth connectivity with a broader range of devices using an intermediary accessory. In some cases they may also be natively compatible with Android devices, but this varies by manufacturer and Android device.

All of the major hearing aid manufacturers offer at least one product with Android compatibility. Among the popular models include Phonak Infinio, Oticon Real, Oticon Zircon, Starkey Edge AI, ReSound Nexia, Widex Moment, and Signia IX.

A streamer either hangs from your neck or clips to your clothing, and receives audio from Bluetooth-enabled phones, MP3 music players, computers, tablets and other electronic devices. Once the streamer has picked up the sound from the Bluetooth-device, it re-transmits the audio to the hearing aids, typically via a proprietary 2.4GHz radio signal. Streamers are usually used when your hearing aids don’t support direct connectivity with Bluetooth devices.

No hearing aids will stream directly from Apple TV. However, there are several ways to accomplish this. You could use a personal loop system (either installed in your home or hard-wired to where you're sitting (cushion loop), or you could use a Bluetooth TV streamer from the hearing aid manufacturer.

Yes, you can use headphones while wearing hearing aids. This can be useful if you'd like to connect to a device that isn't supported by your hearing aids. For example, some Bluetooth hearing aids can only stream music from iOS, but not from Android, or vice versa. Using Bluetooth headphones with your hearing aids also lets you access features like active noise cancelling (ANC). Read our guide on using hearing aids with headphones to find out which types of headphones are suitable for your type of hearing aid.

Based on what we know today, it's highly unlikely.

Both the FDA and FCC regulate the amount of allowable radiation in wireless devices, including hearing aids, with health concerns at the forefront. In fact, one of the main reasons why wireless hearing aids are classified as Class 2 medical devices is this regulation.