Universal iPhone or Android Connection
- Easy Bluetooth streaming and phone calls on iPhone and Android
- AI-powered background noise management
- Rechargeable case doubles as a remote control
- Award winning design
No Doctor's Visit and 100 Day Returns
- Bluetooth enabled and rechargeable
- 100-day risk-free trial
- Nearly invisible with a sleek design
Smallest Bluetooth-Enabled Hearing Aid
- Completely-In-Canal style comes with 2.4 GHz wireless streaming
- Works with Android and iPhone
- Custom-molded device that sits inside the ear
A Brief Bluetooth Hearing Aid History
In 1994 Jaap Haartsen and his colleagues set out to connect two nearby devices without a cord. It seems simple now, but they had no idea how to make it work.
Eventually, they devised a plan to send low-power electrical signals through the air using what they initially called "short link" radio.
They later named the technology Bluetooth and published a protocol that turned the invention into a global standard.
Over the next several years, Bluetooth spread to phones, headphones, and radios. In 2004 Starkey released the first Bluetooth hearing aid using a clunky design plugged into the bottom of a hearing device.
Bluetooth hearing aids have come a long way in the 21 years since they were first released.
Today there are dozens of powerful Bluetooth-enabled hearing devices on the market. Bluetooth connection allows for conveniences for hearing aid wearers like:
- Listening to podcasts and music directly through your hearing aids
- Connection to a hearing aid app that can control settings and volume + indicate when your battery is low
- Take phone calls without holding the phone to your ear
- Some hearing aids are using Bluetooth to experiment with fitness tracking, fall detection, and language translation
Someone buy Jaap a drink. 🍺
Most hearing aids come with Bluetooth - with two exceptions.
Over the last few years Bluetooth has become ubiquitous in premium level hearing aids.
Every leading behind-the-ear style prescription hearing aid now comes with Bluetooth, but that doesn't mean it's a guarantee. There are two notable exceptions to Bluetooth adoption:
#1. Some OTC hearing aids do not include Bluetooth.
I guess this will change over the next few years, but some OTC devices do not yet include streaming capabilities. See our complete guide to OTC hearing aids here.
#2. Invisible-style hearing aids are less likely to include Bluetooth.
The smaller a device gets and the further it sits inside your ear, the harder it is to sustain a solid audio stream. Starkey currently has the smallest Bluetooth streaming hearing aid. This graphic shows the smallest Bluetooth device in their lineup.
So let’s assume you’ve found a hearing aid that does have Bluetooth streaming. How do you know if that streaming capability is good?
How did we choose the Bluetooth hearing aids below?
Our team personally tested each of the Bluetooth hearing aids listed below. These are some of the factors we considered.
1. Phone and device compatibility. We tested products for phone compatibility. In general, leading Bluetooth phones can stream from both Android and iPhone but they are only enabled for two-way phone calls (picks up your voice) for iPhone.
Orka Two and Phonak Lumity are two notable exceptions. If you use an Android device you'll want to consider one of those two options.
2. Consistent connection. We also looked for devices that hold a steady connection with your phone as you move around your home or life.
3. We looked for outliers. Lucid Engage is one of the only OTC hearing aids that enables Bluetooth streaming and Starkey Genesis AI is the smallest Bluetooth hearing aid.
4. We also chose for variety. Everyone has different needs and preferences. We looked for hearing aids with a variety of price points and form factors.
Here are the best Bluetooth hearing aids in 2023 so far. 👇
Prefer to watch?
Watch below for a quick breakdown of the best Bluetooth options available.
#1. Orka Two
Orka Two is one of two prescription-grade hearing aids on the market that allow hands-free calling on Android phones. Other hearing aids can connect to your Android device through Google's ASHA protocol but you have to keep your phone close by to pick up your voice. Orka works around that by connecting through Universal Bluetooth 5.3.
Orka Two is one of the most exciting products to join the category in a long time. The product’s design is second to none (although only available in white), and the underlying technology is impressive. Unlike hearing aid incumbents, Orka has figured out how to use a much more powerful General Chip inside their devices (the same chip as AirPods and other consumer tech).
The chip gives them up to 1,000 times the processing power and unlocks features like AI Denoise and universal Bluetooth connection. The tradeoff is battery life - Orka Two lasts 12 hours on a single charge compared to 20-30 hours among traditional options.
Importantly, Orka’s hearing aids are built-from scratch vs. white labeled from an existing manufacturer. That means Orka can freely deliver updates to their devices over the air (similar to a software update on your phone).
- Overall notes: A hearing professional on the Orka team programs your hearing aids to match your hearing loss. The product quality and design is top-tier.
- Price: $1,899 for a pair (Orka just has one product at this time)
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth streaming to Android, iPhone, TV or Laptop, Behind The Ear Style
A compelling new entrant into the category from ex. Apple and Facebook designers
Comes with a 45 day free-return period and three year warranty
Strongest and most flexible Bluetooth connection on the market
Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
Orka only offers styles that sit behind the ear
Orka Two only comes in white at this time
#2. Phonak Audéo Lumity
Like Orka, Lumity skips special connection protocals and opts for universal Bluetooth connection. Make hands-free phone calls with both iPhone and Android devices.
Phonak Lumity hearing aids are new in August 2022 and replace the world's most popular hearing aid (Audéo Paradise).
Lumity get’s top marks from audiologists for stable Bluetooth connection, precise customization and impressive accessories like the Phonak Roger Pen.
Think of this hearing aid as the Mercedes level. High-end, built by the world's largest hearing company and packed with all the tech you could want.
- Overall Notes: Audéo Lumity is the #1 hearing aid on the market by sales volume. It offers best-in-class Bluetooth streaming, powerful sound algorithms, remote care, and an innovative ear vent. If you can swing the cost for this premium device, chances are that you'll be very happy.
- Price: The national average price for Phonak Lumity is $6,213 per pair. In my price research I found two larger providers who offer lower prices starting at $3,195/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth and hands-free calling, behind the ear style, motion sensors
- What audiologists say: “Our patients say that the sound is clear and crisp, while maintaining natural sound quality. Patients also love the unique ability to pair with almost any cell phone and take calls hands-free.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Top of the line customization, Bluetooth connection and rechargeable batteries
Enhanced background noise reduction
Highly water-resistant option available for active lifestyles
Audeo Lumity is a premium product with an average price of $3,198 - $7,000 per pair
Phonak manages sound quality in a way that can lead to a "closed off" feeling compared to Oticon or ReSound's more open sound quality
#3. Jabra Enhance Select
Jabra Enhance Select is our pick for the best overall value in the category. They deliver professional-grad hearing aids through the mail and program them using Telehealth. All three technology levels from the brand allow Bluetooth streaming.
Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids are made by the world's 4th largest hearing aid manufacturer (ReSound). Jabra Enhance (originally called Lively) made a name for itself by recreating the full-service audiology service online.
Instead of requiring you to come into their office, Jabra reduces the cost by programming remotely and shipping to your home.
All Jabra products come with a 100-day return policy and 3 years of unlimited remote care. You can find the same product for sale at a local clinic for around $4,500.
Get started by filling out Jabra's online survey via the right-hand corner of their website.
- Overall notes: If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, are on a budget, and want a hearing professional to program your hearing aids to match your hearing loss, this is one of the most compelling products on the market.
- Price: $1,395 for a pair of battery-powered - $1,695 for a pair of rechargeable, $1,995 for enhanced sound quality
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth (not hands-free), Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Their audiologists can personalize and program Jabra hearing aids in real-time; highlighting the benefits of telehealth and competent professionals.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
Comes with a 100 day free-return period
Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
#4. Starkey Genesis AI
Starkey makes the best in-the-ear hearing aid with Bluetooth. Their smallest (IIC) hearing aid does not have Bluetooth, but the next size up (CIC) is impressively close to invisible and streams to both iPhone and Android.
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Starkey Genesis AI Custom
Starkey Genesis AI Custom
Starkey is a U.S.-based manufacturer with a full line of hearing aids that includes behind the ear and in-the-ear styles. They make the list for their elite status in custom molded (nearly invisible products). If you can afford to pay medical-grade prices and want an invisible style, you won’t be disappointed by Starkey.
Starkey is known for intelligent features like fitness tracking, a virtual assistant, and the smallest Bluetooth hearing aid on the market.
- Overall Notes: Starkey Genesis AI is broadly considered the best for custom mold hearing aids. If you want a custom mold, and lead an active lifestyle, this product is a great choice.
- Price: The national average price for Starkey Evolv Custom hearing aids is $6,443 per pair. Our research indicates that you can get Starkey Custom devices for as low as $3,198 for a pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Full range of styles and features including Bluetooth, rechargeability, and fitness tracking for larger devices.
- What audiologists say: “Starkey has been making the smallest and best custom hearing aids for decades. Genesis AI is currently the smallest custom device on the market with Bluetooth streaming capabilities.” - Ramsay Poindexter, AuD
Smallest models are almost entirely invisible
Starkey is a leader in comfortable custom molded products
Larger sizes come with Bluetooth streaming and rechargeable batteries
This is a premium device which costs $3,000-$7,000 per pair
Custom molds require additional lead time and replacement time
The smallest version of Starkey Genesis AI customs are not Bluetooth enabled or rechargeable
#5. Sony CRE-E10
Sony entered the hearing health space in 2022 with this earbud-style OTC hearing aid. We love the sound quality of this product. CRE-E10 only streams to iOS devices.
Sony teamed up with WS Audiology (the second-largest hearing company in the world) to co-create its products. Sony's CRE-E10 is slightly larger than CRE-C10 but comes with a slick headphone-like design, rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming (currently only available for iOS).
This hearing aid offers prescription-grade sound quality controlled through your smartphone at home (no doctor involved). Sony's hearing aids were released in mid-October and reviews have been glowing. We expect CRE-E10 to be a leading consideration among people looking for a headphone/hearing aid hybrid.
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Sony hearing aids online (likely coming to brick-and-mortar stores soon)
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you'll download the Sony Hearing Control app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ Use the app to make real-time volume and sound quality adjustments.
✔️ If you need customer support, you can contact Sony's customer service team. - Price: $1,399 on Amazon
- Features: Self-fit using an app, Bluetooth streaming enabled for iPhone, stylish earbud design.
Rechargeable
Modern design
Self-fit at home
Not compatible with Android
More visible than smaller options
Likely less comfortable for all-day wear
That's all for now, folks.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to the best Bluetooth hearing aids available. We update this page regularly and will be back with new models as they come.
We created this site to make finding hearing products and care more accessible.
Use the shop tab to compare all the leading products on the market (with prices), or check your hearing with our 5-minute hearing test.
If you have questions, you can email our team at any time [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Auracast is an exciting Bluetooth protocol that will likely replace standard Bluetooth over the next several years. Right now, there are no hearing aids that operate with Auracast. This is about infrastructure and it will take 2-5 years for phones, TVs, and public spaces to build in Auracast broadcast capability. You can read more about Auracasthere.
You can read some excellent research here, but the short answer is yes, hearing aids with Bluetooth are very safe. The power the devices emit is around one-thousandth as powerful as we receive when talking on the phone.
Most premium hearing aids allow you to connect to at least two devices (i.e., computer and Phone). Phonak Lumity allows a connection to up to four devices. Many people have trouble switching back and forth between devices, so you might consider a multi-mic accessory if you'll need to seamlessly move between devices throughout the day.
Note that if you have two pairs of hearing aids and use an iPhone, you'll need to "forget" one device under the accessibility settings section before you can pair a new device.
To use the Made for iPhone hearing devices, you need one of these models:
- iPhone 5 or later
- iPad Pro (all models)
- iPad Air (all models)
- iPad (4th generation) or later
- iPad mini (all models)
To use Android for Bluetooth streaming it is recommended that your phone use OS 11 or later. You can find out your version number through the following steps.
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Near the bottom, tap About phone. Android version.
- Find your "Android version," "Android security update," and "Build number."
This is a great question. Streaming sound quality will rely less on your hearing aids and more on the style of dome or earmold that you wear. Sound is typically richer when your ear is fully sealed. Open-fit hearing aids (with a small rubber dome) typically sound clear but somewhat tinny. Streaming through custom earmolds will sound more like a pair of traditional headphones.