TV and Phone Streaming With Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids can send television, phone calls, music, podcasts, navigation, and video audio directly to both ears. Streaming can improve clarity because the sound travels wirelessly to the hearing aids instead of crossing the room through background noise and reverberation.

How Television Streaming Works

Most systems use a small television connector attached to the TV’s audio output. The connector sends sound directly to compatible hearing aids while allowing everyone else in the room to listen at their preferred volume. Some newer products also support Bluetooth Low Energy audio or Auracast broadcasts when the television or adapter is compatible.

Current Streaming Options From the Brands We Fit

Starkey offers TV streaming through compatible StarLink accessories. Omega AI and Edge AI also support Bluetooth Low Energy audio, and Omega AI’s Auracast assistant can help users select available Auracast broadcasts through the My Starkey app.

Phonak offers universal Bluetooth connectivity on current Infinio Ultra products along with TV Connector and Roger accessories. Phonak devices can pair with multiple Bluetooth products, making it easier to move between calls, tablets, computers, and television sound.

Signia Integrated Xperience products support different streaming standards by model, including Made for iPhone, Android ASHA, Bluetooth Low Energy audio, and Bluetooth Classic. Signia also offers StreamLine TV for compatible devices.

Why a TV Connector Can Be Better Than Turning Up the Volume

Increasing television volume does not always improve speech clarity, especially when the room is echoey or other people are talking. Direct streaming improves the signal reaching the hearing aids and lets the wearer adjust streamed sound independently.

Phone Streaming

Phone calls may stream directly to both hearing aids. Some models support hands-free calling through the hearing-aid microphones, while others still use the phone microphone for the wearer’s voice. Music and video streaming are available on many current products, but exact compatibility depends on the hearing aid and phone.

Streaming Balance Matters

During streaming, the hearing-aid microphones may remain active so the wearer can still hear people in the room. The balance between streamed audio and environmental sound can often be adjusted. Too much microphone sound can reduce television clarity; too little may make the wearer feel cut off from family.

Remote Microphones for Difficult Conversations

A remote microphone places the speaker’s voice close to the hearing aids and is often useful in restaurants, meetings, vehicles, classrooms, worship services, and large family gatherings. Phonak Roger, Starkey wireless microphones, and Signia-compatible accessories can provide more benefit than simply raising overall volume.

Common Streaming Problems

• Only one hearing aid connects
• The television connector loses power
• The phone connects for the app but not for calls
• Streaming volume is too high or low
• The hearing aids remain connected to an older device
• A phone update changes permissions or pairing

Restart the hearing aids, source device, and accessory before deleting pairings. See our troubleshooting guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can other people still hear the television?

Yes. Most TV connectors allow normal room sound and direct hearing-aid streaming at the same time.

Can I stream from a computer or tablet?

Often, yes. Compatibility and adapters vary by hearing-aid model.

Does streaming use more battery?

Yes. Long calls, television, and music streaming reduce daily runtime.

Can I hear family members while streaming TV?

Usually. The microphone-to-streaming balance can often be adjusted.

Will one accessory work with every hearing-aid brand?

No. Many accessories are brand- and generation-specific.