Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids: How to Choose the Right Connection for Your Phone

AudiologyOctober 13, 20268 min read

The best Bluetooth hearing aids for you are the ones whose connection works with the phone, tablet or TV you actually use, inside a hearing aid that suits your hearing test results. In the Danavox catalogue, every family lists Bluetooth connectivity of some kind, but the details differ: some families add Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, some list hands-free calls only on certain iPhone models, and a few models are not wireless at all.

So the useful question is not "which hearing aid has Bluetooth?" but "which connection do I need every day, and which hearing aids that suit my hearing offer it?" This guide sets out what the catalogue publishes for each family and the questions to bring to your appointment.

What "Bluetooth hearing aids" can mean

Bluetooth in hearing aids is not one single feature. When you compare models, it helps to separate four things:

Streaming from a phone or tablet: phone calls, music, videos and voice notes sent straight to both hearing aids.
Hands-free calls: talking on the phone without holding it to your ear, with the hearing aids picking up your voice. This usually depends on the phone model and its software version.
Bluetooth LE Audio: a newer Bluetooth audio standard. It needs a compatible phone or device as well as compatible hearing aids.
Auracast: a Bluetooth broadcast audio feature. A compatible source, such as a TV streamer, can broadcast sound that compatible hearing aids receive.

A family can offer one of these without the others, which is why reading the connectivity line for each family matters more than the word "Bluetooth" on its own.

Bluetooth connectivity by Danavox family

The lines below come from the connectivity information published in our hearing aids catalogue, as provided by Danavox. Your audiologist confirms what applies to the exact model and phone you use.

KLAR

Streams calls and music from iPhone, iPad or Android.
Hands-free calls on iPhone 11 or later with iOS 15.3 or later.
Works with Auracast-enabled accessories.
Exception: the two KLAR CIC models (XC3CIC and XC4CIC) use size 10 zinc-air batteries, need a cabled fitting and are not wireless, so these streaming features do not apply to them.

BARANI

According to Danavox: "Crystal clear phone calls and streaming."
Hands-free calls from iPhone, iPad and compatible Android devices (iPhone 11 or later, iOS 15.3 or later).
Works with Auracast-enabled accessories.

Anthe

Streams calls, music and more; compatible with iPhone, iPad and Android.
Hands-free calls on iPhone 11 or later and selected iPads (iOS 15.3 or later).
Works with Auracast-enabled accessories. Anthe is a power and super power behind-the-ear family, so it is usually discussed when a test shows more significant hearing loss.

Boreal

Hands-free calls with iPhone and iPad.
Streams calls and music from iPhone, iPad or Android.
Works with Auracast-enabled accessories, named in the catalogue as TV-Streamer+ and Multi-Mic+.

Brisa

Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio. The catalogue notes that LE Audio requires Bluetooth 5.3.
Hands-free calls from iPhone, iPad and compatible Android devices.
TapControl to pick up calls on the microRIE models, with iPhone or iPad only.
Brisa also includes two CROS transmitters (XF160S-DRWC and XF177-DWC). These are transmitters for hearing loss in one ear, not hearing aids in their own right.

Astro Core

Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast broadcast audio, with a tap to connect to Auracast streams.
Hands-free calls require iPhone 11 or later with iOS 15.3 or later, or a compatible iPad.

Astro Pro

Described by Danavox as "Made for Auracast", with Bluetooth LE Audio.
The BeMore app with Auracast Assistant.
Requires iPhone 11 or later, or devices with Bluetooth 5.3 or later.
The family also includes one CROS transmitter (XG160S-DRWC), which is a transmitter, not a hearing aid.

Astro Pro SP

Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast and telecoil.
MultiConnect, which the catalogue describes as connecting two devices at the same time.
Works with TV-Streamer+ and Multi-Mic+. This family is made up of super power behind-the-ear models.

How to choose the right Bluetooth hearing aid for your day

Connectivity is only one part of the decision. The order below keeps it in its place:

Start with your hearing test. The degree and pattern of your hearing loss decide which styles and power levels are suitable. Connectivity is then chosen among those options, not the other way round.
Check your own phone. Note its make, model and software version. Several families list hands-free calls only from iPhone 11 or later with iOS 15.3 or later, and LE Audio needs a device that supports it.
List what you stream. Calls only, or also music, video calls, audio books or TV? Someone who mainly wants clearer calls has different needs from someone who streams for hours.
Think about the TV and group settings. A TV streamer or a remote microphone may matter more to you than phone features. These accessories work "with compatible hearing aids", so check compatibility for the model you are considering.
Decide on rechargeable or batteries. Streaming uses power. Several families include rechargeable models, while others use zinc-air batteries; your audiologist can explain how this fits your routine.

Our product finder can help you shortlist families before your visit.

Accessories that add wireless options

The accessories page lists the Danavox wireless accessories. According to Danavox:

TV-Streamer 2 streams TV, computer and music systems, reconnects automatically and has a 23-foot range.
TV-Streamer+ is described as "Made for Auracast", with speech clarity at your preferred volume.
Multi-Mic+ is described as the "world's first remote mic with Auracast" and is said to extend hearing range by up to 80 feet.
Remote Control changes programs and volume, with large buttons and a lock key.

Availability and compatibility are confirmed by our team for your specific hearing aids.

Do you need Bluetooth at all?

Not everyone does. Some people mainly want to follow conversation at home and at gatherings, and rarely use the phone. For them, the technology level and fit may matter more than streaming. Many catalogue models also list a telecoil, and the US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) notes that telecoils make it easier to hear conversations over the telephone.

NIDCD also suggests bringing your mobile phone to the fitting to check that it works well with the hearing aid. That is good advice for any Bluetooth hearing aid: test calls and streaming with your own phone during the fitting rather than assuming.

Once you have your hearing aids, our article on using hearing aids with your phone, TV and accessories covers the everyday side of pairing and streaming.

What happens at the appointment

At Jordan Hearing & Speech in Bousher, Muscat, choosing a hearing aid starts with a hearing test. You do not need a referral. The audiologist then discusses the styles and technology levels that suit your results, and connectivity is matched to your phone and habits. During the Danavox hearing aid fitting, the hearing aids are programmed to your results and you are shown how to use them, including pairing where it applies. Follow-up visits are used to fine-tune the settings as you get used to them.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Danavox hearing aids have Bluetooth?

No. Every family in the catalogue lists Bluetooth connectivity, but the two KLAR CIC models are not wireless. The three CROS transmitters are not hearing aids. The connection features also differ between families, so check the exact model with your audiologist.

Will Bluetooth hearing aids work with an Android phone?

Several families list streaming from Android, and some list hands-free calls from compatible Android devices. Compatibility depends on the phone model and its software, so bring your phone to the appointment and test it.

What is the difference between LE Audio and Auracast?

LE Audio is a newer Bluetooth audio standard, and Auracast is a broadcast feature that lets a compatible source send sound to compatible hearing aids. In the catalogue, Brisa, Astro Core, Astro Pro and Astro Pro SP list both. Other families work with Auracast-enabled accessories.

Are Bluetooth hearing aids better for hearing loss?

Bluetooth does not change how well a hearing aid suits your hearing loss. That depends on the right style, power and programming from your test results. Bluetooth adds convenience for calls, media and accessories.

Book an appointment

If phone calls, music or TV matter to you, mention it when you book an appointment for a hearing test or a Danavox hearing aid fitting consultation. Bring your phone so the connection can be checked with the hearing aids that suit your results. You can also call or WhatsApp +968 9171 8373.

Sources

NIDCD (NIH) — Hearing aids
Danavox — Hearing aids
Danavox product portfolio, as published in our hearing aids catalogue on this site.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a qualified professional.

Hearing Aid Selection, Fitting, Programming & Follow-up