Connecting my hearing aids to technology

As a young adult, I’m constantly using my phone and computer to communicate and stay connected with the world, so of course I expect my hearing aids to be compatible with my technology.

Not too long ago I received new Audéo B-R hearing aids, and the transition to new hearing aids has been great. Each day I am grateful for all that they do. However, one of my main concerns when getting new hearing aids was how they would work with all the technology I use on a daily basis.

I’ve found one great solution with the Phonak ComPilot Air.

Using technology with hearing aids

Technology and hearing aids have been a constant problem throughout my life. When I first received my hearing aids when I was little, I couldn’t wear headphones or talk on the phone for a while. There was a long period of time where I couldn’t talk on the phone with my hearing aids because of the interference between my hearing aids and cell phones.  I am sure many of you remember when you used to be able to tell when someone’s cell phone was about to ring because of the buzzing noises that would go off in your hearing aid. As cool as it was to be able to predict phone calls, the repetitive buzzing noise got annoying. As time progressed it because easier to use headphones and the phone with hearing aids, but it still was difficult at times.

I have tried other devices that streamed phone calls and music into my hearing aids, but they didn’t compare to when I started using the ComPilot Air with my Audéo B-R hearing aids.

Music Streaming and Phone Calls

The ComPilot Air is extremely convenient for numerous reasons. I use it most frequently to talk on the phone and to stream music. Talking on the phone is simple because once it is paired with the Bluetooth on my phone, I can answer a call with just a simple press of the button. When someone calls me while my ComPilot Air is connected with my hearing aids, it tells me who is calling, and I can answer without having to use my phone. I can also talk on the phone without having to hold the phone in my hand thanks to the microphone that is built into the device.

It also works well to stream music, which I do often when working out. The sound to streams directly to my hearing aids and I don’t have to worry about a headphone cord, which is often bothersome during exercise. 

For instances where I don’t need to use my Com Pilot Air, my hearing aids have done well. For example, when I listened to the radio or music in my car with my old hearing aids, I would receive terrible feedback. When I listen to the radio with my Audéo B-R hearing aids, there is no feedback and the sound isn’t over-amplified. This is a relief because I no longer have to constantly take my hearing aids in and out depending on my environment.

Another place where I would take my hearing aids out because the amplification was the cinema. The first time I wore my Audéo B-R hearing aids to watch a movie in the cinema, I didn’t have any problems! The loud sound effect didn’t seem over amplified and I could hear the movie dialogue better.

Having hearing aids that are compatible with technology is amazing. My hearing aids and technology are now more connected than they ever have been.

If you have some of the same troubles I did, consider trying a streaming device that goes straight to your hearing aids. It will bring convenience to your life and keep you connected to your technological world.

Learn more about the ComPilot Air, and other Phonak accessories, here. 

• Author Details

Author Details

Kirsten Brackett

Kirsten is the managing editor of Hearing Like Me. She has a moderate hearing loss and currently wears Phonak Audéo B-R rechargeable hearing aids. Outside of working for Hearing Like Me, she can be found exploring new cities, trying out new recipes in her kitchen, or hiking. She loves learning about different cultures and languages.