Hearing Aid Bluetooth Compatibility

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Greetings All

I have a Lenovo Ideapad 5 Pro-14ACN6 running WIN 11 Pro, version 22H2, December updates installed. It has a Qualcom Atheros QCA51x4 Bluetooth adapter.  The firmware is HCI 9.0, LMP 9.602.  I think I have the most recent driver installed from the Lenovo website: 10.0.0.1257, dated 2/23/2022, although the website shows a 2023 date.

Yesterday I got some Phillips Heartlink 9040 TR RIC hearing aids. that aren’t seen in Windows when I try to pair them.  An article I was looking at said that one needs a Bluetooth adapter with an LMP value of at least 11.0 for it to work.  The article fuurther stateed that Microsoft was in the process of updating the arrangement to enable compatibility.

At this point I am disappointed.  My Samsung A series phone won’t connect either.  Phillips tech support said they were incompatible.  That’s not a huge deal, but I’d really like to be able to connect to my laptop for listening to music or watching movies.  Any recommendations, as always, would be appreciated.

Casey H.

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You need a part.  (this stuff is never as easy as they make it sound).

• • You can pair your hearing aids with a Windows computer, but you need an intermediate device called the AudioClip.
  • First, pair your hearing aids with the AudioClip (see the How to pair Philips AudioClip to HearLink hearing aids video for instructions)
  • Pair your AudioClip with your Windows computer:

 

• 1. Put the AudioClip in pairing mode by pressing the On/Off and Volume Up buttons together for approx. 6 seconds
  2. On your Windows computer, open “Start/Settings/Bluetooth”. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
  3. Click “Add Bluetooth or other device”
  4. Click “Bluetooth”
  5. Select “Philips AudioClip” from the list of discovered devices to complete the pairing. The flashing blue light on the AudioClip will turn solid blue once the pairing is complete.

You can buy the Philips AudioClip where you get your hearing aids.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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Casey H

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*Philips AudioClip required for Android compatibility with some models.

Which may also solve your Android problem.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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Casey H

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Thanks Susan.  I was hoping that an updated driver or something would take care of things.  Looking a bit more closely at some of the literature, it looks like the design favors Apple products.

Casey

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Doing a little more research, I think I can make this work via a USB connected Bluetooth 5.3 adapter.  I’m trying to find one that fits USB C.  My laptop only has 2 USB A ports, and I need them both if I have my portable optical drive connected.  I could use a C to A adapter, but I’d really like to go with a small device that basically fits flush with the laptop.  The only C devices I see have antennas attached.  I don’t need range to speak of.  Hearing aids and the laptop would never be separated by more than a couple of feet.  Any recommenations would be appreciated.

Casey

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A bit more clarification.  The solution I’m thinking of is just for connecting my laptop.  I don’t really care if my phone won’t stream.

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We’re looking to connect our hands free office phone to a hearing aid for someone at the office  and it’s not obvious how to do this.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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So much for plan B.  I got a QGOO 5.3 Bluetooth Adapter and ran the installation, including disabling the onboard Qualcom device.  Not only would it not see my hearing aids, but neither would it see my bluetooth mouse.  In an attempt to make things work, I also deleted some of the pre-existing Qualcom drivers.  I finally gave up and deleted all the new stuff.  Rebooting restored all of the Qualcom items, but something was still amiss.  I never could get Bluetooth to connect to the mouse.  Eventually I restored the system from my last Macrium image, and everything is now back to normal.

On a secondary note, one of the other hearing aid brands I was considering was from Rexton. According to their literature, and unlike my Phillips product, my phone is rated compatible.  I don’t know what that might mean for a possible Windows connection, but it would seem the two manufacturers are doing at least something that is different.

I really would like to connect to both my phone and to windows.  I finish my gym workouts on a treadmill, and I need to listen to some kind of music other than what the gym speakers are pouring out.  As mentioned earlier, I also really enjoy movie watching on my laptop, so streaming from it to my aids is important.

Any ideas for a Plan C?

Casey

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I tried one more thing.  I read that WIN 11 23H2 would upgrade bluetooth capability to handle this situation.  In anticipation of likely needing to restore 22H2, I went ahead and upgraded to 23H2 via install over the top.  The upgrade went without a hitch, and nothing seems hosed.  Alas my hearing aids are still undiscoverable.  Not quite sure of what to do next.

Casey

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I’ve been slammed with Microsoft’s patching issues and haven’t gotten back to this.  Let me do some investigation myself and get back to you.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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Casey H

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Casey H wrote:

Alas my hearing aids are still undiscoverable.  Not quite sure of what to do next.

Casey

Been there done that except with Windows 10 instead of 11. My hearing aids are not Phillips, they are Phonak but your Phillips is like mine. I checked your Phillips specs and it uses the same Bluetooth 5.3 I use. I use a QGOO 5.3 Bluetooth adapter that plugs into a USB port. Works great and comes with its own drivers and install instructions. Basically you need to disable the Bluetooth already on the PC so this QGOO Bluetooth adapter is the only one working on the PC. It is labeled to work with Windows 8.1/10/11 but I can only attest for Window 10. Has great range too. I got mine form Amazon (link below).

USB Bluetooth 5.3 Adapter for Desktop PC, Really Plug & Play Mini Bluetooth EDR Dongle Receiver & transmitter for Laptop Computer Headphones Keyboard Mouse Speakers Printer Windows 11/10/8.1

Also: Hearing aids are set to be discoverable for a Bluetooth only for about the first two minutes after they are turned on (Safety feature not trying to connect every time it detects a signal). So after you turn the Bluetooth adapter on be sure to turn your hearing off and then on so it will send a discovery signal and connect.

HTH, Dana:))

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Casey H

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Interesting!  The QGOO 5.3 Bluetooth Adapter you reference is the one that I bought.  I wonder what went wrong for me.  Device Manager said it was working properly, but it wouldn’t see anything, including my mouse.  Besides disabling the old adapter, I went as far as deleting all the old bluetooth stuff that was there. just in case something else was butting heads.  Do I understand you correctly that you have been able to connect your hearing aids to your PC and can do things like listen to an audio stream from something like Netflix?

Casey

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Casey H wrote:

Do I understand you correctly that you have been able to connect your hearing aids to your PC and can do things like listen to an audio stream from something like Netflix?

Yes.  I had a 4.2 Bluetooth adapter that did connect, but very poor sound quality.  I got the 5.3 and plugged it in, disabled the 4.2 adapter in Device manager, rebooted, turned my hearing aid off and then on, immediately activated Bluetooth on my PC, it found my hearing aids signal, I selected Connect and now ALL sound (music and streaming) goes to my hearing aid.  On my sound selection the hearing aid is a separate listing from my speakers.  I can easily switch between my hearing aid connected to my PC to my iPhone sitting on the desk by the PC.

I would take the hearing aid to one of their service centers personnel and have them show you how to connect..  A small device with only a couple buttons can be tricky in getting it to send a signal to be discovered.

HTH, Dana:))

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Casey H

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That’s fabulous–congratulations.  I’ll try again as my installation sequence was a bit different.  I disaabled the original adapter first, then plugged in the new adapter.  I’m also wondering if the brand of hearing aid matters.  Many are saying that the only way to do it with the HearLink 9040 aids is with the Phillips Audioclip, the item Susan pointed out above.  The item is somewhat cumbersome, however, plus it costs about $250.  Before I’d do that, I’d remove my aids and go back to my ear buds for watching movies.

Casey

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Still no luck.  Same results as initial effort.  Nothing shows up when searching for an added device.  Mouse isn’t seen either.  Re-enabling the original bluetooth adapter and rebooting restored the mouse.  I’d say it may be a hearing aid brand thing, but why won’t the new adapter pair with the mouse either.  Device Manager says the unit is working.

Casey

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Returned original purchase in exchange for same thing.  Same results.

Casey

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Not sure if this is progress or not.  After multiple attempts, WIN 11 finally saw and paired my hearing aids.  I even got a message that said, connected.  Not so however.  They are visible on the Bluetooth settings page, but they do not connect.

Still the same issue with the mouse (the only other bluetooth device I own).  I’m wondering if it might be because the mouse was previously paired with the factory bluetooth.  It’s visible in bluetooth settings, but does not connect to the new Bluetooth device, nor is it visible if I try to add a new device.  I tried uninstalling the mouse, but get a messsage saying removal of (perhaps deletion?) “failed.”  When I unplug the new adapter and re-enable factory bluetooth, the mouse connects.

Not sure of where to go next.  Perhaps a call to Rexton and see if their aids talk to Windows.

Casey

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Casey H wrote:

Not sure if this is progress or not.  After multiple attempts, WIN 11 finally saw and paired my hearing aids.  I even got a message that said, connected.  Not so however.  They are visible on the Bluetooth settings page, but they do not connect.

On my system (not Win 11)
Once connected, you click the volume icon to select the playback device (aka: which speaker to use) which the Bluetooth connected hearing aid is a choice instead of the default speakers it is set to.

Casey H wrote:

I’m wondering if it might be because the mouse was previously paired with the factory bluetooth.  It’s visible in bluetooth settings, but does not connect to the new Bluetooth device, nor is it visible if I try to add a new device.  I tried uninstalling the mouse, but get a messsage saying removal of (perhaps deletion?) “failed.”  When I unplug the new adapter and re-enable factory bluetooth, the mouse connects.

When you install the new adapter, do you go into Device Manager and disable the adapter that was there? If you don’t, the mouse will not disconnect from the old adapter to allow it to find and connect to the new adapter. In Device Manager there should be only one Bluetooth adapter that is enabled.

HTH, Dana:))

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Casey H

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I’m not seeing my hearing aids as a choice for audio output, probably because they are not connected, only paired.  I did see the option to add a sound output, so I tried adding my hearing aids from this MENU rather then.  The aids did not show up for the “search,” perhaps because they were paired elsewhere.  I tried deleting them but got the same message as when trying to delete the mouse: removal failed.  If things are compatible, this should be really easy.  I’m thinking that Phillips HearLink wants it this way.

Casey

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Learning stuff.  The way to uninstall bluetooth devices is to have the controlling adapter on.  I was able to remove the mouse after I re-enabled the onboard adapter.  I was able to remove my hearing aids if the USB adapter was on.  The remove “failed” message appeaars otherwise.

I was able to connect my hearing aids for about two seconds.  Add Bluetooth device:

Found my hearing aids, selected to connect, then got a very brief status of connected, followed by paired.

I still don’t know why the new adapter won’t connect to the mouse.  Doesn’t even see it.

Casey

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Finally figured the mouse deal.  After removing the mouse from bluetooth devices, I was subsequently unable to pair it again.  Last ditch effort, I replaced the battery.  Apparently there was enough juice to connect when paired, but not enough to pair.  I hate computers.

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Mouse issue still not explained.  Unable to pair or connect my Logitech M535 mouse to the 5.3 Bluetooth adapter.

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Does Logitech have an update for the driver for that mouse?

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Casey H

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Good point.  I’ll check and see.

Casey

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I can’t find drivers on the Logitech website.  There’s only some software that I’m not sure yet of what it does.

Casey

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This has been an interesting discussion! Manufacturers of computing hardware (computers, smart phones) seem to be trying to appeal to the aging consumer by supposedly making these things pair with hearing aids through “accessibility” settings. If you only have one such device, but end up going down the rabbit hole of accessibility settings, you may be amazed how difficult and productivity-killing every so-called “upgrade” of these settings can be, particularly for vision-impaired people.

When pairing your hearing devices with anything, the first rule of thumb (I ignored it at my peril) is to check the manufacturer’s website to ensure they will work with the hardware you want to use. I spent a pile of money because my old Google Pixel 3a was no longer getting security updates, and I selected the new Pixel phone that Google offered me in their online store. The Pixel I bought (7) happened to be just about the only Pixel phone ever made that wasn’t compatible with the sound processor of my cochlear implant! After almost a year of struggling with garbled sound and dropped calls, I gave up and bought a different Pixel. (By downgrading, and trading in my 10-month-old Pixel 7, luckily I only had to spend a couple hundred dollars.)

Even with a supposedly compatible Pixel 7a Android phone, I had bluetooth pairing issues. When I transferred my data from the previous Pixel to the 7a, I deleted the two apps for the cochlear implant and hearing aid before starting the transfer, then reinstalled them on the new phone. I went through all the pairing instructions properly — so I thought. The hearing aid seemed to pair okay, but the CI sound processor didn’t. I wasn’t getting any notifications through the latter, and it kept dropping from the live bluetooth connection to the phone. I redid everything several times, changing the sequence slightly each time, to no effect. Finally, after another deletion of the app, shutdown/restart/and running through the pairing sequence again, I realized something had been missing before: there was a sort of acknowledgement sequence from the System of the phone that showed up, which I had never seen before.

If you have a desktop computer you want to pair with, of course you can’t bring it in to your audiologist or technician so they can run through the pairing sequence with you. So perhaps your best alternative is the plug-in streaming device Susan described.

With my computer, I’ve found the plug-in (mic jac) streaming device compatible with the past three laptops, for two different cochlear implant sound processors and the GN ReSound hearing aid I wear in the other ear. It’s a ~$250 device (manufactured by GN ReSound) that I’ve been using since 2016, so well worth the money spent.

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Casey H

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This has been a trying experience.  Right now, I’m waiting for the WIN 11 update, that supposedly is available in the Insider version, that features hearing aid connections.  I still don’t understand why I can’t connect with this computer.  The USB Bluetooth device I bought meets all the specs for LE and should work.  It pairs, but it doesn’t connect–at least not for longer than about two seconds.  My phone doesn’t connect either, at least not for streaming purposes.  Like yours, my phone is not listed compatible with my hearing aids.  That’s okay.  I don’t need my phone to connect (or really want it to), but my laptop is another matter.  I’ll be quite surprised if this laptop ever gets the job done.  My next one will include a demonstrated ability to connect and stream.  Thanks for the input.

Casey

 

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Casey H wrote:

I’m waiting for the WIN 11 update, that supposedly is available in the Insider version, that features hearing aid connections.

While waiting for Microsoft visit an Apple store and check your hearing aid with a MAC and an iPhone.

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Casey H

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I’m an old dog–new tricks are hard.

Casey

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Alex5723

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Tough choice : the value of hearing vs new tricks.

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Casey H

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Another reason for hesitation is my understanding that the FCC has a requirement that certain phones must pass muster.  The same requirement does not exist for computers, so newer I-Phones work, but MACs do not.  My phone is a cheap Samsung Galaxy A14.  I’m thinking of updating it, because I’m unhappy with the camera.  Whatever phone I choose will be able to connect with my hearing aids.  My PCs are a different story.  The COSTCO guy thinks it’s a hardware issue.  And maybe I just bought the wrong Bluetooth USB adapter.  My next desktop build is probably a couple years away.  Next laptop–I don’t know.  The laptop is mostly an experimental device.  I don’t keep anything important on it.  Although frustrating, the entire process has been fun because I’ve learned quite a bit.  And isn’t that the name of the game.

Casey

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Alex5723

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Philips 9040 WILL NEVER connect to a computer or untested (by Philips) android phone. Even the tested phone, you will NOT be able to stream audio or take calls WITHOUT the audio clip. You will ONLY be able to use the Philips Hearlink app. The Philips 9050 hearing aids are now available at Costco. You will need a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter. For an Android phone the phone needs to support Bluetooth 5.3. I have a Motorola G Power 5G 2024 phone that has Bluetooth 5.3, and I can take phone calls and stream audio.

BUT, the Bluetooth 5.3 adapter I bought for my laptop will not allow the hearing aids to stay connected. They pair successfully but will not connect. The adapter works fine with other devices. I could use some suggestions to geet it to work, but it’s not critical for me.

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AJ wrote:

BUT, the Bluetooth 5.3 adapter I bought for my laptop will not allow the hearing aids to stay connected. They pair successfully but will not connect. The adapter works fine with other devices. I could use some suggestions to geet it to work, but it’s not critical for me.

I have Phonak hearing aid which also operates thru a Bluetooth 5.3 OGOO adapter to the PC and Bluetooth to my iPhone. It is very sensitive about its Bluetooth connection. I have had that paired but can’t connect happen several times and have learned how to “fix” it for the moment. I’ve found the following from experience.

1) Turn the hearing aid off and then on to pair with any Bluetooth source for the first time as the hearing aid will accept new connections only for a couple minutes after powering on.
2) If paired then go to Bluetooth settings and select Connect button. If you get message that you can’t connect when it says you are Paired and the Remove device doesn’t work, then the Bluetooth is hung in a prior pairing and froze.  Best solution is to go to Device Manager, right click the Bluetooth hearing aid listed and select Uninstall device. Reboot and the adapter will reinstalled and usually connect to the hearing aid using your prior setting. At least that is what it does for me.

Hopefully Microsoft will fix this in the future (in Windows 11?) as the real problem is that the best driver for this Bluetooth device was written in 2006.

HTH, Dana:))

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Casey H

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It’s been a while since I’ve tried.  I’m probably due for another attempt.  I think what you’ve described is pretty much how I’ve proceeded in the past.

Casey

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I know this is an older thread but noticed it because I just got hearing aids. I wanted to pair them to my desktop Bluetooth for streaming, music etc..  I discussed this with the audiologist where I bought them and she told me I couldn’t do that unless I purchased an intermediary piece of hardware at an additional cost of around $200.

I asked her why and she said their Bluetooth capabilities are proprietary.  As for pairing to smartphones, she said iPhones are compatible but only some Android phones are.

I asked her if that had to do with whether or not the phone manufacturers had licensing agreements for the proprietary software and she said “yes”.  Seems the hearing aid companies are protecting revenue streams:  hardware sales and/or licensing fees — while the consumers get the short end of the stick plus all the frustrations? This should all be standardized, imho.

Win10 Pro x64 22H2, Win10 Home 22H2, Linux Mint + a cat with 'tortitude'.

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Casey H

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My experience in the past, talking to people in my Senior Living Community, I found you have to investigate ahead of time if the hearing aids you choose are compatible with whatever Operating System/device you want to pair them with.

I have Macs, iPhone, iPad, so mine fit real well with my “technosystem.” However, I did not check ahead of time if they will pair directly with my Samsung TV. I still haven’t checked. But, as it turned out, it didn’t matter because (as you probably read here) the hearing aid function solved my problem.

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Casey H

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My global research led me to Costco for my Aids.  Their available brands are somewhat limited, and I went with the Phillips HearLink.  My choice was based on what I perceived to be the best for my hearing, without regard to any ancillary capabilities.  My old Android phone (Galaxy A14) broke, and I replaced it was an S25.  It connects to my Aids, but unfortunately, the Aids still do not connect to Windows.  I try periodically to connect by disabling the onboard Bluetooth and plugging in the QGOO BT531 USB device I bought which should have the LE capability the Aids need to connect.  Results: Windows sees them, tries to connect, but cannot. I’m probably due for another attempt.   Thanks for all the great advice you give.

Casey

 

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PKCano

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Check if there is a new Windows driver for the QGOO BT531 USB device. Visit their website, probably under “Support.” Sometimes the driver MS provides doesn’t do as well as an OEM driver.

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Casey H

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Check for Phillips HearLink firmware update.

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Casey H

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After checking, my hearing aids have the latest firmware, and the BT531 appears to have the most current driver.  The QGOO website seems a bit anemic.  A search from the home page for my model # came up empty.  I had to type in the address included in the paperwork that came with the device to get to a download page.  I downloaded and installed what appeared to match the original, but hopefully it’s the most current.  I then tried to connect my aids.  They pair and then show “connecting,” but they never connect.  I’m torn between trying a different $10.00 Bluetooth 5.3 dongle and saying the heck with it.  The reason I wanted to do it in the first place was for watching movies on my laptop.  By that time in the evening, my aids have usually been removed, and it’s not that big a deal to plug in a set of ear buds.  I’ve already spent too much time messing around with this.

Casey

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Alex5723

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