Key Takeaways
- Many OTC hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity offer direct call and audio streaming from devices.
- Streaming features vary across different models and brands, with varying battery life and price points.
- Battery life while streaming is an essential factor to consider, with some models offering up to 24 hours of on-the-go hearing processing.
- At Nano Hearing Aids, we offer affordable OTC hearing aids for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
Why is Bluetooth Streaming Important When Selecting Your OTC Hearing Aid?
Bluetooth streaming is now available in many over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, but do you really need it? If you like listening to music on the go, definitely! Streaming functionality makes your daily communication and entertainment more accessible and inclusive.
With streaming, audio from phones, computers, and other devices is sent directly to your hearing aids, bypassing noisy environments and delivering clear sound right into your ears. This direct transmission:
- Enhances speech understanding in phone conversations, especially in noisy settings.
- Allows for personalized listening experiences with adjustable volume and settings.
- Enables enjoyment of music, TV, and phone calls with improved sound quality.
Read on to find out which popular OTC hearing aids offer this feature and what other useful features they have.
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NANO Hearing Aids are FDA-registered, Class I devices. Our OTC hearing aids are designed for individuals over 18 years of age with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. With prices starting at just $297, they offer a viable solution for those looking to improve their hearing without breaking the bank. |
4 OTC Hearing Aids with Bluetooth Streaming
Jabra Enhance Select 500
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 is notable for its discreet, comfortable BTE design and powerful hearing capabilities. The Select 500 leverages Jabra's proprietary SoundScape™ technology, which enhances speech clarity and provides a more natural listening experience by reducing background noise and improving spatial awareness. Additionally, the device features automatic adaptation to different environments.
One of the standout features of the Jabra Enhance Select 500 is its Bluetooth streaming capabilities. This allows you to connect the hearing aids directly to your smartphone for hands-free phone calls and music streaming. It's compatible with both Apple devices and most Android phones, though some older models might require an accessory. The charging case carries 3 full charges for on-the-go power.
Price: from $1,595
Battery Life: 24 hours
Features
- Bluetooth Low Energy Audio and Auracast™ broadcasting capabilities
- Hands-free calls for select Android devices
- Adjustable settings through a mobile app
- IP68 water resistance rating
Pros
- High-quality sound with advanced noise cancellation
- Portable and discreet design
Cons
- Battery life may be shorter during continuous streaming compared to other models
- Some features may require compatibility checks with specific smartphones
- Higher price
Jabra Enhance Select 500 OTC hearing aids
Nuheara IQbuds2 MAX
The Nuheara IQbuds² MAX are advanced hearing buds that combine hearing enhancement with high-fidelity audio. These buds feature Ear ID™ personalization, which tailors the hearing experience to your unique profile using a mobile app. This technology, along with active noise cancellation and situational sound controls, ensures you hear what you want in any environment.
The device comes with directional microphone technology to focus on sounds directly in front of you, making conversations clearer even in noisy environments. The intelligent tap-touch controls provide easy management of audio and hearing settings, while the sleek design ensures comfort for extended wear.
Price: $249.50 (the original price was $499)
Battery Life: up to 5 hours of Bluetooth streaming and 8 hours of hearing processing
Features
- EarID™ technology that assesses your hearing to personalize the device settings
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Convenient tap-touch controls for easy adjustments
Pros
- High-quality audio
- Advanced hearing enhancement
Cons
- Initial setup is more complex than for some other OTC models
Nuheara IQbuds2 MAX OTC hearing aids
LINK by Eargo
The LINK by Eargo combines advanced hearing enhancement with a discreet design and modern connectivity features. These hearing aids are designed to help you hear better in various situations by using Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless audio streaming and offering multiple preset programs for different environments. With its nearly invisible earbud style, LINK by Eargo ensures comfort and discretion for all-day wear, allowing you to focus on what's important without drawing attention to the device.
These hearing aids also include advanced features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Programmable Tap Touch Control. The mobile app enhances user control, offering remote adjustments and additional customizations.
Price: $799
Battery Life: 9 hours
Features
- Advanced noise reduction technology
- Easy adjustment settings
Pros
- A virtually invisible design
- High-quality audio performance
Cons
- The small size may pose handling challenges for some individuals
LINK by Eargo rechargeable hearing aids
Nano Audacity® RIC
The Nano Audacity® RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) is designed to offer advanced hearing assistance at an affordable price. This device is crafted to improve your hearing experience with high-quality sound amplification, clarity, and user-friendly controls. Its sleek design and nearly invisible appearance ensure that you can wear it comfortably and discreetly in various settings.
With the Nano Audacity® RIC, you can enjoy better hearing in social gatherings, during phone calls, and while watching TV. It features easy volume control and multiple program settings to adapt to different listening environments, ensuring optimal hearing performance throughout the day. Directional microphone technology improves sound quality during conversations.
Price: $697
Battery Life: 3 hours in Bluetooth streaming mode, 17 hours in hearing aids mode
Features
- 3 personalized listening programs
- Directional microphone technology
- Powerful feedback cancellation
- Set of domes for a comfortable fit
- App control
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface and user-friendly controls
Cons
- Lack of advanced features
Nano Audacity® RIC OTC hearing aids
OTC Hearing Aids Feature Comparison Table
|
Model |
Price |
Battery Life |
Key Features |
|
Jabra Enhance Select 500 |
from $1,595 |
24 hours |
Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast™, mobile app control |
|
Nuheara IQbuds2 MAX |
$249.50 |
8 hours |
EarID™ technology, Active Noise Cancellation, tap-touch controls |
|
LINK by Eargo |
$799 |
9 hours |
Almost invisible design, advanced noise reduction, mobile app adjustment |
|
Nano Audacity® RIC |
$697 |
17 hours |
User-friendly controls, directional microphone technology, durable design |
Which Hearing Aid Should You Choose?
Overall, all the hearing aids described above offer excellent functionality and convenience.
The Jabra Enhance Select 500 is a popular choice for those seeking discreet and advanced hearing aids. Nuheara IQbuds2 MAX stands out for its hybrid functionality, blending the features of traditional hearing aids with those of wireless earbuds. The LINK by Eargo is designed for those who prioritize comfort and discretion.
Our Audacity® RIC hearing aid is a compelling choice for several reasons:
- It combines advanced technology with affordability, making high-quality hearing aids accessible to a broader audience.
- It features digital sound processing, which significantly enhances sound clarity and reduces background noise.
- Its discreet design ensures that it is hardly noticeable when worn, catering to users who prefer a low-profile device.
- It is user-friendly, with straightforward controls and customizable settings that allow users to tailor the hearing aid to their specific needs.
Why Nano Hearing Aids Are a Cost-Effective Choice
At Nano, we offer a range of affordable OTC hearing aids for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. By focusing on essential features that improve hearing without unnecessary extras, we are able to keep costs down while still delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly experiences. Our basic completely-in-canal model, CIC Digital 2, is currently available for $297.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can OTC Hearing Aids with Streaming Be Customized to My Hearing Loss?
Yes, many OTC hearing aids with streaming capabilities offer customization to fit your specific hearing loss profile. This is usually done through a mobile app that conducts a hearing test and adjusts the settings accordingly.
Can I Stream Music and Calls Directly to My Hearing Aid?
Yes, most OTC hearing aids with streaming capabilities allow you to stream music and calls directly to your hearing aids, turning them into personal headsets for a more immersive audio experience.
How Do I Set Up Streaming on My OTC Hearing Aid?
Setting up streaming on your OTC hearing aid is typically a straightforward process:
- Ensure your hearing aids are fully charged and turned on.
- Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone or other devices.
- Select your hearing aids from the list of available Bluetooth devices.
- Follow any additional prompts provided by your hearing aid's app or manual.
Are There Any Compatibility Issues with Certain Smartphones?
Most modern OTC hearing aids are compatible with a wide range of smartphones. However, specific features like hands-free calling may be limited to certain models or operating systems.
