I worked in the law enforcement profession for about 12 years. During this time, I tried multiple ways to improve my ability to hear and understand radio communications. This was always a struggle even having top of the line hearing aids. Even with the Bluetooth technology, I was never able to get a reliable and consistent connection between my radio and my hearing aids. I finally gave up my career after not being able to understand another officer giving me their location where they needed help. Hearing aids are good. But they’ll never be as good as natural hearing with the technology God gave us. I hope Bluetooth technology can get to the point that it’s truly useful in situations like I was in. I miss it. On another note, it was also very frustrating that I wasn’t able to get insurance to help with the cost of ridiculously priced hearing aids and the process required by the “hearing professionals”.

Dr. Olsen, Thanks again for all the updates! I will be quite ready for my next update in March of 2024!

I have a Phonak in the Canal Bluetooth hearing aids. Amazingly I can hear sounds from outer space. I love that I can easily hear and communicate with whatever is out there in space and not be able to to listen to my wife. Go Bluetooth!

I have Phonak hearing aids and have had Bluetooth in them for several years now that connects to ALL Bluetooth devices like TV's, PC's and ALL Bluetooth phones directly. No special extra hearing aid device or setting setting needed. I chose Phonak so I could use them with my PC and TV, etc. with NO need for another device or app setting. Just Bluetooth direct like any normal Bluetooth earbud. I tried Resound hearing aids last year but they only connected to one phone with special software needed in the hearing aid setting or their app. Phonak connects to BOTH hearing aids in each ear and has done so for years now. What Doc is talking about above is old news for Phonak hearing aids, but the updated Bluetooth will be nice. Honestly, I do not know why it took Resound so long to catch up to Phonak when ALL hearing aids should have normal Bluetooth connectivity like any other Bluetooth device or earbuds? I also fail to understand why anyone who uses Bluetooth features often on TV's, PC's and other devices chose anything other than Phonak hearing aids so they could integrate them flawlessly for years now. I suppose if you have special hearing needs and do not want TV or PC sounds in your hearing aids it would not matter. With al that said, Resound hearing aids are TOTALLY AWESOME and I would have chosen them over Phonak like my audiologist pushed on me but I wanted Bluetooth connectivity without being held back and hobbled by limited Bluetooth connectivity in Resound. I think audiologists push devices they get bigger commissions on and not the ones the patient really wants or needs? My next hearing aids may be Resound so Phonak if you are reading this, you better do something too. Competition is why we have so many great hearing aid companies to choose from and they all make great devices. But right now, Phonak is the leader in Bluetooth connectivity but once those new Resounds are released, all bets are off when it comes to Bluetooth features.

Thanks Dr. Cliff. This is fantastic news.

Thank you Dr. for all the info. Can you please let me know if any company make a Cros IIC hearing aid.

Another great video. Will this new LE technology allow the Resound HAs to connect to both my iPhone and iPad simultaneously as does my current P90Rs?

Thank you for the update. Even though I haven’t taken advantage of all the existing technology, i am excited to see that low energy Bluetooth is happening much sooner than i ever expected. I know that i can be impatient but i can’t wait until auracast is widely available and i can upgrade to newer technology.

My request is for the ability to communicate with a friend in a noisy pub by having earbuds that pair with his earbuds. We would then have a 'quiet zone' ability to converse. Imagine standing at the bar ordering drinks, he is sitting in the window across the room. I've forgotten wht he wants. I talk at normal volume asking him for an update, he can hear me perfectly and gives me the what he wants. A bluetooth radio in effect.

Thanks for the update about Bluetooth LE and Auracast. It's still early days, but it does look like it will be widely adopted. In particular, I hope that eventually it will be possible to stream TV audio to hearing aids without an extra streaming device. For the moment, it's really nice being able to stream cell phone audio and calls with the current BT implementation. 👏👏👏👏

I'm glad things are finally progressing. I still want the choice of hearing aids with a variety of options and if we're lucky a choice of microphone selection. Like others have said, we need consumer electronics from phones to TVs with built-in auracast so we can kick the great but overpriced Resound/Phonak/Oticon TV streamers to the curb, and we need movie theaters, performing arts centers, airports and the like to implement the broadcast equipment. It will happen, we're obviously closer than ever. Just need to wait a little bit longer.

In case someone is not aware of the iphone capabilities I want to mention that with their wireless earbuds in, the iphone can be set to ' live listen' and used to pick up sound where ever it is placed, across the room or further, depending on the bluetooth range. The phone becomes a distant microphone feeding into the earbuds. I also have a appletv+ unit that streams sound to my airpod pro 2 earbuds. I can go outside about 50ft from the house and hear the tv just like I was in front of it. The airpods do not additonally amplify sound. I have to turn mine all the way up and I find that I can understand what the people on the tv are saying much better

This could be great in cinemas and theatres.

As someone with cookie bite HL, will auracast transmit varying channels or mixes? If I'm at public theater, it be nice if the performers mics where sepearted from the orchestra or actors dialogue was somehow louder than the special effects.

It’s not the sound quality that needs significant improvement it’s the stability of signal-so there’s no drop out when the phone is in pocket or just drops out when ever it’s wants to. (I’m using Resound HA and Cochlear and iPhone )

My octicon aids recently updated so now my phone app doesn't work had to learn to do it manually ,,which is a pain ,thank goodness the TV app works had to pay extra for it!

Thank you very much for the update. It looks like the floodgates are about to open with all the other major players in the industry will be coming forward with their versions of new hearing aids with LE audio Bluetooth.

EXCELLENT!

Is this coming as an upgrade to existing hearing aids or do we have to buy new ones next year?

Things to consider... Phone compatibility is the other half of the equation. We can't have these wonderful promises of better audio if phones don't include the LC3 capability. Maybe, just maybe, some latest model iPhones do, but does the typical 2 yr old iPhone? On the Android side (which BTW as of Sept 2023 holds 70% of worldwide market share), only one Samsung model appears to use the LC3 codec. A Jan 2023 article at the Android Authority website weighs the pros and cons of Bluetooth LE Audio and advises it will be a very long time (several years) before enough of the audio world catches up for us to enjoy this new technology. When the time comes you will be able to enjoy it at the cost of new hearing aids AND new phones. Like all new technology announcements, this is far more hype than reality ... and after all, it was a sponsored video.

Would like to know if the Omnia will get an update. Just got mine from the VA and don't see them replacing the Omnia with the Nexia any time soon.

Dr. Cliff thanks for this info. When do you think Phonak or other hearing aid providers will have true Bluetooth low-power technology with good signal levels in IIC devices (the small completely in-ear largely invisible devices like the Phonak Virto Titanium series). Do you think they're coming in 2024 from Phonak or others? Or are we still a ways away due to continued limitations in Bluetooth tech or not having miniature, yet powerful enough antenna technologies?

I sure hope it sounds better than previous hearing aids. I just don't understand why there isn't a switch that let's them sound as good as a regular pair of in ear headphones. Especially considering the price!

Hope the other manufacturers pick up on this soon, as I need the really powerful hearing aid. Oh, funny caption mistake at 6:40 in your video... "I'm happy say that that weight is finally over!" That's a different type of video altogether. ;-)

Yooo LFG!! I’m excited!!! Is there anyone I can talk to more about this? I would love to learn more about what the next steps are in building this ecosystem for this and if I can be a part of it

I had a set of ReSounds with rechargeable batteries, and the Bluetooth integration was inconsistent. I exchanged those for a pair of Phonaks and they have worked flawlessly. Like you said, battery life is significantly shorter and only one hearing aid connects to my phone. I’m looking forward to seeing what the new technology can do.

Will LE Bluetooth be available for Android as well, and when? Some people don't use iPhones because they cost too much. You shouldn't have to change phones to have a hearing aid.

Will the LEA Bluetooth be compatible with existing BT technologies? IOW, when I get HA with this technology, will I still be able to stream from my current phone, tablet etc?

Does this apply to my new Phonak L90 lite I have just purchased. I think so

Great to hear! Now the question is how long before Phonak, Cochlear, Advanced Bionics and friends will all have this feature. Question- what about unilateral losses... will it be able to connect to a hearing aid AND ear bud/headphone simultaneously, or is it only if both devices are the same (Resound) hearing aids?

I believe that as of today Bluetooth Classic is still the best option in a hearing aids because it works with literally everything. It's old technology and has a lot of problems but has availability everywhere. Bluetooth LE only works well with Apple iPhones (which I will never own). The question is, will the new Bluetooth Audio LE and Auracast be widely available before i die of old age? We already been waiting several years after the specs were published by the SIG and even earbud manufacturers (including Apple) aren't using it yet. Congratulations to Resound for leading the charge.

Is LE available in any of the Phonak hearing aids?

Love this technology I have it really helps a lot

What about latency? Will LE Audio latency be low enough to for example use when playing an electronic piano?

Thanks for the update. I just upgraded to the Philips Hearlinks which have bluetooth though possibly not LE. When streaming my wife complains that she can hear my music or podcasts from my ears because it's so loud and my reaction is that it's at the volume I need. She argues that this loud volume will make my hearing worse. Thoughts?

Problem is that the hearing aid manufacturers chose to create their own codecs in the first place for protectional reasons instead of complying with existing standards.

When do you think it will come out

My Rexton aids that I bought 3 years ago uses Bluetooth LE.

LE Audio looks interesting but I am annoyed that I still cant find any headphones devices that support it. Hopefully a lot of LE Audio (LC3 codec) devices come out in the near future.

Either it’s an idea or not, but since Bluetooth, technology et making it possible for advancements in hearing aids. It’d be cool that we can have a to do at home kit and app that does the rest! Like ordering headphones but hearing aids!

Can this replace telecoil technology?

What would be really phenomenal is if they made this available as a firmware update to the existing Resound One or Jabra hearing aids.... Realistically though, hearing aids make a very poor listening device for hi fi audio. Therefore I have high end ear buds for when I want to listen to music or watch TV. I prefer my Ear buds for phone calls, again the speaker and microphones are superior to what is available in hearing aids. My hearing aids are only reproducing sound frequencies where my hearing is deficit, whereas the ear buds provide a full frequency soundscape. Most buds now include a rudimentary "fitting program" which can accommodate for mild hearing loss, thus giving me the best of both worlds. You would almost think that there has to come a point when hearing aids and ear buds technologies have to cross over.

Maybe some day these hearing aids will work seamlessly in all aspects with Android phones somehow.

what if your sitting on the couch with family streaming a football game into your hearing aids and your family is trying to say something to you,,you wont be able to hear them unless it typically streams in mono leaving one aid open for communication.. might be nice using this with a cell phone if you can choose a stereo option and also work with android phones

As I understand it, Bluetooth LE was not made for iPhone. The iPhone was the first to implement it. If it had been made for iPhone, Apple would have insisted on some sort of exclusivity agreement.

Any thoughts on when LE Bluetooth will be available from other large hearing aid manufacturers?

Now Apple just needs to release the codec for LE Bluetooth-- Pixel and Galaxy A23 already have it. Nonetheless I still love my Nexias!!!!

Sounds like an interesting upgrade. Imagine AMC, Regal and other movie theaters offering this technology for those with hearing aids

So for this to work I'm going to need a new phone, Laptop, tablet that has Bluetooth LE or is it a Software Update for my existing equipment. It sounds like one will need new hardware so no need to get new hearing aides until I at least get a new phone.

It might be nice to know that Bluetooth is a Dutch invention from Jaap Haartsen working at Ericsson at the time.

Since I have BiCros HA that also uses LE Bluetooth I’m not hopeful they’ll be able to make both work together.

Is the sound better with this BT technology? The current sound in my Oticons is terrrible sound quality. Cheap BT ear buds are way better. Thanks for sharing this info!

AT $3 grand per hearing aid, they'd better be good.

Actually believe it or not Samsung already has a similar feature called music share same premise with sharing audio only one one phone though

With any Bluetooth headphones and live listen on your iPhone turned on, you can already do this. These just sound like headphones.

All resound had to do now is to get Apple Watch working without the iPhone close by and let the hearing aids go straight to the Watch ultra 2

Do you think that Phonak will use this type of bluetooth low-energy in the near future?

Will 2024 hearing aids be able to update their software the new blutooth

Good luck finding a public facility broadcasting in BT.

Let us know when it is available for Android. Always apple, when 65% of phones are android

I’m told I need hearing aids, but can’t afford them. Jabra, Bose, or one of the other earbud manufacturers need to put their capabilities toward making hearing aids as well. That way we should be able to pay 1/4 or even less than Resound and other hearing aids manufacturers.

Shucks. I hoped you were going to talk about Auracast.

The first ha with le audio were the signia ix. The fact that you don't even mention them shows how mutch you are not prepared or (more likely) how you would say anything for the sponsor money. 💸

Please tell me one practical use for sharing what I’m hearing with other hearing aid wearers? And what scenario on earth will I ever be around someone wearing hearing aids and say hey, let’s share this ?! The only thing that could ever come out of what you’re describing as someone having their hearing aids hacked, and having their privacy compromised More nightmares ahead, brought to you by the hearing aid industry

No history of bluetooth is complete without mentioning Hedy Lamarr.

If you jump a little higher you might take off! 😁

But Samsung phones seem to refuse to incorporate the LE audio technology so they are having trouble getting the devices to all agree to use this tech.

Nice shirt, but i am not keen on all these new hearing aid updates which most people in the world cannot afford, Where will it end ?i ask myself.

I would be happy if they were affordable. Then Bluetooth capable. The VA gave me hearing aids, but they are cr*p. I can’t afford to spend thousands.

I look forward to the day when Apple Watch supports made-for-iPhone hearing aids.

Cliff, I want to believe you in this video. You seem likable. But audio quality sucks in hearing aids compared to AirPods (and those aren’t even very good compared to other wireless earbuds). Why is that? Hearing aids have cost me $7,000 to $10,000. That’s just wrong. I have had Phonak and now Resound. AirPods Pro cost me something like $300. You know what the cases are like for those hearing aids compared to the AirPods. Why would I take them out? Because sometimes my environment gets too loud. I am starting to get off track. My main question is about sound quality vs. price. Something is way off and it feels like a scam. Please offer some advice.

As the king LeBreon James said when he won his first championship, "It's about damn time!" I am ready to ditch my hearing aids for this technology

Very very great 👍🏻 history of Bluetooth invention by Viking and I love U.S. history and world history growing up as a little kid in public schools kindergarten through highschool and college. Thank you Dr.Cliff AuD Professional Audiologist ‼️💓 and happy Merry Christmas Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem Jerusalem Israel. 🇺🇲⚖️⛪🎄🛐✝️🕎✡️ And Happy New Year 2024 . 123123 hey Dr. Cliff guess what ? On December 31 is the last time it matches numbers in orders 12-31-2023 = 123123 ‼️🇺🇲

why buy expensive hearing aids to get bluetooth. I've got that with my AirPods

Here’s a thought. How bout making some hearing aids that actually help people hear better instead of this gimmicky BT crap. An algorithm that better distinguishes audible frequencies from background noise would be a great start. Couldn’t care less about BT streaming my tv.

Seems more like they screwed the poach at lunch. I can't find any users that are having positive experiences with LE