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Enjoy Clearer TV Sound with Hearing Aid Connectivity

A hearing aid TV streamer enhances your movie and show experience. Let’see explore how.
Last update on Sep, 01, 2025

Pairing your hearing aids to your TV makes it easier for you to watch your favorite shows and movies at a more comfortable volume. With 30 million people in the U.S. experiencing hearing loss in both ears, hearing the TV with hearing aids is a challenge for many. [1]

Fortunately, if you have Bluetooth® enabled hearing aids, you can connect to your TV. Let’s examine how a TV connector for hearing aids works and explore a few different options for listening to your favorite programs. 

Hearing Aid Compatibility

When watching TV, hearing aids will only be compatible if they have Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The good news is that, according to data from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, Inc., more than 80% of hearing aids currently use a form of Bluetooth. [2]

Now, very few hearing aids connect directly to your television. They’ll have to be Phonak hearing aids and you'll need to have a smart TV.

Wondering how to get Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids that connect with your smart TV? Use Amplifon’s Clinic Locator to find an audiologist who can help answer your questions and get you set up. 

How to Connect Hearing Aids to TV via Bluetooth

Hearing aids can be paired with your TV through a direct Bluetooth connection or with the help of a hearing aid TV adapter or streamer.

Bluetooth hearing aids are typically optimized for smartphones, which use a different frequency than most TVs. This means your hearing aids will connect to an iPhone or Android seamlessly, but you may experience pairing issues or audio lag when connecting to a TV.

On the other hand, TV streamers are specifically designed to create an audio connection between your hearing aids and your TV. This device allows you to make a connection if your TV doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth capabilities. Even if you have a Smart TV, an adapter can be easier to use with current Bluetooth technology, while providing better sound quality.

It’s worth noting that a TV streamer is an additional hearing aid accessory, so additional out-of-pocket expenses may apply.

Below, we’ll explore how to set up Bluetooth pairing and TV adapters for your hearing aids. Keep in mind that because every hearing aid and TV is different, the instructions for your specific devices may vary. 

How to Set Up Direct Pairing

For direct-pairing TV hearing aid devices with Bluetooth, you need a Smart TV.

  1. Set your hearing aids to “pairing mode.” You can refer to your user manual for specific instructions, but this typically involves powering the device off and on or opening the battery cover.
  2. Make sure you’re near your TV. Bluetooth devices need to be within range of each other to establish a connection.
  3. Navigate your TV settings. Use the remote control to access the settings, and select “sound output” or “audio devices” to find the Bluetooth menu.
  4. Scan for devices. Once you’re in the Bluetooth menu, select the option to search for new devices. Select your device from the list to begin pairing.
  5. Test the connection. Play your TV to confirm that the connection has been made.
  6. Enjoy your favorite shows and movies.

Using a TV Adapter: General Tips

A TV adapter is just one of many hearing aid accessories designed to improve your experience. Here are general tips for setting up your TV adapter:

  1. Plug in the adapter. Connect the TV streamer to a power source.
  2. Connect the adapter to your TV. Use the optical or RCA audio cable that came with your device to plug it into the “audio out” port on your TV.
  3. Pair your hearing aids. Use the pairing button on the TV streamer to connect it to your hearing aids. The device should come with detailed pairing instructions.
  4. Fine-tune the audio. One of the benefits of a TV adapter is that it tends to have more advanced features for equalizing the audio and controlling the volume. 

Reconnect with your favorite movies and shows

For individuals with hearing loss, connecting hearing aids to a TV can dramatically improve your experience when watching movies and shows. Not only do Bluetooth hearing aids for a TV improve your experience watching programs, but they also allow you to watch your favorite programs at a volume that’s comfortable for others in your home.

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Sources

1. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. “Quick Statistics About Hearing, Balance, & Dizziness.” Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing

2. Federal Register. “Achieving 100% Wireless Handset Model Hearing Aid Compatibility.” Retrieved from https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-00414/p-63

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