Technology is changing quickly, and today's hearing aids can do much more than simply make sounds louder. The latest Philips HearLink hearing aids are designed to help you stay connected to the people and devices that are part of everyday life. Whether you're talking on the phone, watching a video on your tablet, joining a video call on your computer, or listening to music, new wireless technologies can make these experiences easier and more enjoyable.

One of the most important developments behind these improvements is Bluetooth^® Low Energy (LE) Audio. While the name may sound technical, the benefits are simple: better sound quality, more reliable connections, and improved support for modern devices.

What Is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is the wireless technology that allows devices to communicate without cables. It enables your hearing aids to connect with smartphones, tablets, computers, televisions, and other electronic devices. Through Bluetooth, sound can be sent directly from a device to your hearing aids.

For example, Bluetooth allows you to:

• Hear phone calls directly through your hearing aids
• Listen to music and podcasts without headphones
• Watch videos on a tablet with audio streamed directly to your ears
• Participate in video calls on a computer
• Enjoy clearer sound from compatible devices

Over the years, Bluetooth technology has continued to improve. One of the newest advancements is Bluetooth LE Audio.

What does "LE" mean?

"LE" stands for Low Energy. As the name suggests, Bluetooth Low Energy was designed to use power more efficiently than earlier Bluetooth technologies. This efficiency helps devices maintain wireless connections while using less battery power.

For hearing aid users, this is especially important. Hearing aids are very small devices that must balance advanced technology with all-day battery performance. Bluetooth LE Audio was developed with wearables and hearing devices in mind, helping provide high-quality audio while operating efficiently and supporting reliable performance throughout the day.

What is Bluetooth LE Audio?

Bluetooth LE Audio is the latest generation of Bluetooth audio technology. It builds upon Bluetooth Low Energy and introduces new features that improve how sound is streamed between devices and hearing aids.

Think of it as an upgraded version of Bluetooth specifically designed for modern audio experiences. With Bluetooth LE Audio, compatible Philips HearLink hearing aids can receive high-quality audio directly from supported devices. This can include:

• Phone calls
• Video calls
• Music
• Podcasts
• Audiobooks
• Streaming video audio

The technology is designed to deliver a smooth listening experience while supporting modern communication needs.

Benefits for smartphones

Many hearing aid users rely on their smartphones throughout the day. Bluetooth LE Audio helps make these interactions more seamless and convenient.

When paired with compatible devices, users can enjoy direct audio streaming from their phones to their hearing aids. Instead of holding a phone to one ear or struggling to hear in noisy places, sound can be delivered directly to both hearing aids. It also supports hands-free calls, as the hearing aid microphone picks up your voice, so you don’t have to hold the phone in your hand.

This can improve experiences such as:

• Talking with family and friends
• Listening to voicemail messages
• Watching videos on social media
• Streaming music and podcasts
• Following navigation directions while traveling

Many users find that streaming sound directly to their hearing aids can make conversations and media easier to understand, while hands-free phone and video calls add greater convenience and ease to everyday communication.

Benefits for tablets

Tablets have become popular tools for entertainment, communication, and staying informed. Whether you're reading, watching videos, attending virtual appointments, or connecting with grandchildren through video chat, Bluetooth LE Audio can enhance the experience.

Direct streaming means audio can be heard clearly without increasing the volume for everyone else in the room. This can make listening feel more comfortable and better tailored to your hearing needs.

Benefits for PCs and laptops

Computers are increasingly used for video meetings, telehealth appointments, online classes, and staying in touch with friends and family.

Bluetooth LE Audio allows compatible hearing aids to function much like a wireless headset. Audio from a PC can stream directly into the hearing aids, and users can enjoy clearer participation in online conversations and video calls.

For many people, this means:

• Easier participation in Zoom or Teams meetings
• Better understanding during telehealth appointments
• More enjoyable video watching
• Improved listening when using online services and applications

Click the link below to check if our hearing aids work with your smart devices:

https://www.hearingsolutions.philips.com/en-us/support/compatibility-guide

What if my device doesn't support LE Audio?

Not every smartphone, tablet, or computer currently supports Bluetooth LE Audio. Fortunately, Philips offers a solution called the Easy LE Adapter.

The Easy LE Adapter is a small accessory that plugs into the USB-C port of compatible Android™ phones, tablets, and computers. It allows devices that do not have built-in LE Audio support to take advantage of Bluetooth LE Audio features.

With the Easy LE Adapter, users can enjoy:

• High-quality audio streaming
• Music and podcast listening
• Video audio streaming
• Hands-free phone calls
• Hands-free video calls
• Direct connectivity with LE Audio-compatible hearing aids

In simple terms, the adapter helps bridge the gap between today's hearing aid technology and devices that may not yet support the latest Bluetooth standard.

The Easy LE Adapter is manufactured by Minami Acoustics Limited.

Designed to help you stay connected

The goal of Bluetooth LE Audio is not to add complexity. It's to make everyday connections easier. Many people use multiple devices throughout the day. A smartphone may be used for calls, a tablet for entertainment, and a computer for appointments or communication. Bluetooth LE Audio helps bring those experiences together by making it easier to hear audio directly through your hearing aids.

Instead of worrying about headphones, speaker volume, or missing important parts of conversations, your hearing aids can become an extension of the devices you already use every day.

The bottom line

Bluetooth Low Energy Audio is the newest generation of Bluetooth technology available in the latest Philips HearLink hearing aids. It provides an efficient and high-quality way to stream sound from smartphones, tablets, and computers directly to your hearing aids.

For users with devices that do not yet support LE Audio, the Easy LE Adapter can provide many of the same advantages by enabling high-quality streaming and hands-free communication through compatible USB-C devices.

The result is simple: clearer connections, more convenience, and more ways to enjoy conversations, entertainment, and communication through the hearing aids you wear every day.

When to seek help

If you or a loved one experience any issues or have questions about your hearing, please do not hesitate to reach out to your hearing care specialist for support.

Find a hearing center near you!

https://www.hearingsolutions.philips.com/en-us/find-hearing-center

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