Bluetooth for Hearing Aids
Bluetooth Hearing Aids & Two Way Radios
We at twowayradiocenter.com are often asked if we have Bluetooth adapters designed to connect hearing aids to two way radios. We say no because our experience tells us it has been rare for a user to have a good experience when trying to connect a hearing aid to a two way radio via a Bluetooth adapter. This article explains the most common issues we’ve experienced. Sadly, most users experience more than one of these issues because there are multiple potential failure points. If we haven’t scared you away, we’ll share some options for hearing aids and Bluetooth at the end of the article.
Manufacturers reduce audio output when an audio accessory is attached to avoid damaging users eardrums. The reduced audio output of the radio combined with the hearing loss of the user often means the user can’t hear any volume at all. Users report low or zero volume coming through their hearing aids as a result.
Hearing Aid manufacturers often require the audio go through their app before users being able to hear the audio through the earpiece. Traditionally, there has been an approved list of devices exclusive to the brand of hearing aids used. We are not aware of any brand of hearing aids who have approved a Bluetooth two way radio dongle for use.
Bluetooth and two way radios are not complimentary technologies. When you connect any device via Bluetooth there is a slight delay in the connection. The delay is typically 1-3 seconds. When someone transmits via a two way radio, the cheapest radios on the market start receiving about .5 seconds after the Push to Talk Button is activated. Users will always miss the first part of a transmission and often report missing the call in its entirety. With two way radios, you have to push the button to talk so you’ll experience challenges here too.
Bluetooth Options
Two way radio manufacturers are starting to introduce models with built in Bluetooth. There’s a catch though, most require the use of specific accessories designed for the radio model. Motorola is the worst at this with currently 3 different Bluetooth protocols in use. To use a Motorola radio with Bluetooth you’ve got pair the right Bluetooth accessory with the radio or the product doesn’t work properly, if at all. The only traditional two way radio we’ve seen connect to a third party Bluetooth device is the Hytera BD552i.
We offer Bluetooth Two Way Radio Adapters which connect most two way radios with hearing aids supporting the Bluetooth HSP (headset) profile. Bluetooth Dongles will NOT work with "streamer" style hearings aids that use the A2DP (streaming audio) profile. Contact your hearing aid manufacturer to find out which profiles are supported by your specific device. NOTE that some streamer hearing aids offer an optional Phone Clip addon which will allow them to work with HSP devices. Your Audiologist can tell you if such a device is available for your hearing aid. We do not guarantee compatibility and do not offer troubleshooting because of the number of variables we can’t control. Check out our complete selection of Bluetooth Dongles.
Common Questions About Bluetooth Dongles
Can I use the Hytera BD552i with other brands of two way radios? Yes, we can program the Hytera BD552i to work with your existing radios. Please let us know at the time of purchase if you’re planning to buy a Hytera radio to work with one of your existing radios.
Do you sell Bluetooth adapters for Retevis two way radios? We do not sell accessories for Retevis two way radios. Retevis makes cheap, poor quality radios. One Bluetooth adapter would cost more than six Retevis radios.
Do you sell Bluetooth Adapters for Midland two way radios? Midland two way radios typically use the Kenwood K-1 adapter so you can use the BT-501. Please note, we do not guarantee this information and neither will Midland.
Can I try a Bluetooth dongle before I buy it? No, but you can return it within 30 days if you can’t make it work for you. There will be a restocking fee of $15.00 if the product is returned in new condition with all packaging. There is a 50% restocking fee if the product if the product is returned with missing packaging. Product returned missing any components will be returned without a refund.
Can you help me troubleshoot the connection between my hearing aids and the Bluetooth Dongle I purchased? No, we do not provide technical support for pairing issues beyond providing pairing instructions. It is best for you to call the tech support line for your specific brand of hearing aids. Our bluetooth dongles all pair the same way and will connect to thousands of readily available bluetooth devices.