How to Connect Bluetooth Hearing Aids to Your TV

This guide covers how to connect Bluetooth hearing aids to your TV, helping you enjoy watching your favourites shows again. Learn about the benefits of using Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids for clear audio, how to check device compatibility, and step-by-step instructions for pairing your hearing aids with your TV. We've also got tips for optimising battery life, troubleshooting common connection issues, and the advantages of asking for professional help. If you're dealing with hearing loss or simply seeking a better sound experience, this blog provides all the information you need for seamless audio streaming.

Enjoy TV Again With Bluetooth Hearing Aids

For many people with hearing loss in Cornwall and throughout the UK, enjoying TV shows can be a challenge. The TV might be too quiet to hear properly or so loud that it disturbs everyone else at home or even next door! Devices with Bluetooth technology offer the perfect solution to this common problem. Learn more about how hearing loss affects everyday life here.
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Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids allow audio streaming directly from your television. This direct connection cuts out any background noise and delivers clear sound directly to your ears. These hearing aids provide a personalised listening experience by allowing users to customise audio settings, enhancing speech clarity and reduce background noise. This guide will show you how to connect your device to your TV using Bluetooth, covering compatibility requirements and troubleshooting tips to help you enjoy crystal-clear sound.

Checking Compatibility: What You'll Need

Before connecting to your TV, you’ll need to check if your devices are compatible.

First, confirm if your hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled. Most hearing aids made in recent years include this functionality, but some basic models may not. Bluetooth hearing aids truly made their debut in 2014 when GN ReSound introduced the Linx model, marking a major breakthrough despite the fact that Bluetooth headsets had been around for many years prior. If you are unsure if you have Bluetooth check your manual.

Next, check if your TV supports Bluetooth audio output. Most modern Smart TVs built after 2010 include built-in Bluetooth functionality. You can usually find this information in your settings menu under audio or sound settings.
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If your Television lacks Bluetooth capability, don’t worry. Transmitters are affordable devices that connect to your TV’s audio output port and convert the signal to Bluetooth. These adapters effectively add connectivity to non-Bluetooth TVs and are widely available online or from electronics shops or online stores like Amazon. Some manufacturers have developed special TV streamers designed to work with their hearing aids. These adapters often provide better performance than standard Bluetooth connections. 

​Connecting Your Hearing Aids: Step-by-Step Guide

Once you've confirmed that your Bluetooth hearing aids and TV are compatible, you can easily connect them directly via Bluetooth to enjoy seamless audio streaming. Here's a simple guide to help you connect:

1. Prepare Your Hearing Aids
First, ensure that your hearing aids have sufficient battery life. Streaming audio via Bluetooth can drain the battery faster than usual, so it's best to start with fully charged batteries. Put your devices in "pairing mode" to make them discoverable to other Bluetooth devices. The method to do this can vary depending on the manufacturer, some devices enter pairing mode automatically when turned on, while others might require pressing specific buttons. Refer to your manual for detailed instructions, or feel free to ask your audiologist during your next visit. Consulting a qualified hearing care professional can provide specific setup assistance, ensuring the best performance for your devices.

2. Access Your TV's Bluetooth Settings
Using your remote control, navigate to your TV's settings menu and locate the Bluetooth or connectivity options. Different brands organise their menus differently, but you can usually find Bluetooth settings under "Sound," "Audio," or "Connections." Select the option to "Search" or "Pair New Device." Your TV will then start scanning for available devices nearby.

3. Complete the Pairing Process
Once your TV detects your Bluetooth hearing aids, they should appear in the list of available devices. Select your hearing aids to initiate the connection. If prompted for a PIN code, try "0000" or "1234," as these codes work for most devices, if not contact your device manufacture. Once paired, your TV's sound should stream directly to your aids.

4. Adjust Audio Settings for the Best Experience
​After connecting, take some time to fine-tune your settings for the best sound quality. Many hearing aids offer special TV programs that enhance dialogue clarity and reduce background noise, which is crucial for improving overall clarity and comfort. You can usually activate these settings through your hearing aid controls or a smartphone app if you have one. Also, explore your TV settings to adjust for any sound delay, equalizer settings, and output format. Finding the perfect combination might require some experimentation, but the improved sound quality is worth it.

​Optimising Battery Life

To maximise the longevity of your hearing aid batteries, it's crucial to understand how different connectivity options, such as Bluetooth and wireless technology, impact battery consumption. While most modern hearing aid batteries are designed to last for several days, this duration can be significantly affected by usage patterns, especially when streaming audio via Bluetooth.
Here are some effective strategies to extend battery life:

1. Adjust Audio Settings: Lowering the volume and optimising sound settings can reduce power consumption. Many hearing aids come with special TV programs that enhance speech clarity while minimising power usage.
2. Reduce Background Noise: Utilising features that cut down on ambient noise can help your device focus more on the audio signal directly from the TV, thus conserving battery life.
3. Use Power-Saving Features: Many newer hearing aids include power-saving modes. These modes automatically adjust the device's performance to use less energy without compromising sound quality.
4. Turn Off Bluetooth When Not in Use: If you’re taking a break from watching TV, disconnect the Bluetooth connection to save power. Reconnect when you’re ready to resume.
5. Consult Manufacturer Guidelines: Most hearing aid manufacturers offer specific tips and tricks for maximising battery efficiency. Review your manual or contact your hearing care provider for personalised advice.

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By following these tips, you can really boost your battery life, meaning fewer recharges and a smoother TV watching experience.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Even with proper setup, you might occasionally encounter problems:
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Sound Cutting Out: If you experience interruptions, try moving closer to the TV, as Bluetooth-enabled devices have limited range. Also check for potential interference from electronic devices like microwaves, cordless phones, or other Bluetooth devices nearby.
Pairing Problems: If your TV doesn’t detect your hearing aids, ensure they’re properly in pairing mode and close to the TV. Restarting both devices often helps. If problems continue, your hearing aids might need a firmware update.
Audio Delay: A slight delay between video and audio can occur with Bluetooth transmission. Many TVs include delay adjustment in their settings to help synchronise sound with video.
Poor Sound Quality: If audio doesn’t sound right, check your batteries, as low power affects performance. Adjusting TV audio settings—boosting mid-range frequencies often improves dialogue clarity.

​Professional Help for TV Connectivity

While many people successfully connect their hearing aids to Televisions independently, some benefit from professional assistance. At our K & M Hearing Solutions, we offer support for all aspects of hearing aid technology that we supply to our customers including TV connectivity. Our audiologists can ensure your hearing aids are properly programmed, demonstrate connection procedures, and troubleshoot persistent issues. We can also discuss upgrading options if your current hearing aids lack the connectivity features you want.

Conclusion

Connecting your hearing aids to your TV via Bluetooth is one of the best ways to improve your viewing experience if you suffer from hearing loss. The ability to receive crystal clear, sound directly to your hearing aids can change TV watching from frustrating to fantastic.
We are dedicated hearing care providers, committed to helping you cope with hearing loss, get the most from modern hearing aid technology and enjoy watching your favourite shows again. If you’re having difficulties with hearing or want to explore TV connectivity options by upgrading your hearing devices, book an appointment at our hearing clinic. 

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