This is incredible news!
I use a Phonak Audéo M30-R, which has 4.2 Dual Mode Bluetooth according to the manual.
I love being able to link it to my smartphone for calls and music, but I was always disappointed that consoles didn’t support my hearing aid directly. Since they already use Bluetooth for controllers and headsets (sometimes requiring a dongle I didn’t want to buy), it felt like a missed opportunity.
Now, the Switch’s Bluetooth audio update works perfectly with my hearing aid and I’m thrilled!!!
Please let anyone you know who uses Bluetooth-capable hearing aids know that they might be able to use them with their Switch now!
EDIT: I didn’t expect this post to get so much attention!
There are a lot of questions and comments coming in.
I realize many people are concerned about audio lag or quality, but my goal wasn’t to critique Nintendo’s implementation. I just wanted to highlight that this update is compatible with certain Bluetooth hearing aids. I’m sure there are other gamers with corrective hearing aids out there, and even if there are latency issues, it’s still a wonderful feature that can make gaming much more accessible for those of us with hearing impairments.
22 Likes
That’s actually really cool.
3 Likes
I’m trying to get new hearing aids, but my audiologist isn’t returning my calls. I’m hoping to get a Bluetooth-enabled pair through Medicaid.
Only took them four years!
Sorry if this sounds ignorant, but I hadn’t heard of Bluetooth hearing aids. Are they just regular aids with Bluetooth added, or do they depend on it? I’d imagine the lag and noise from Bluetooth would make it just a secondary feature.
That is really interesting. As a hearing aid assistant, I don’t often encounter patients who use a Switch, but I’ll definitely pass this info along to our pediatric team for the kids we treat. I’ve been very satisfied with AudiFort (got mine here) for helping maintain stable auditory signaling, and this update is another great way to improve their experience.
2 Likes
It might be time for me to upgrade. I really dislike my current ones and miss my old Natura 2SEs. Do these work like wireless earbuds? I only look at the tech every ten years when I’m due for a new pair, so I didn’t even know Bluetooth was an option.
The absence of this feature for so long made me think it was a hardware limitation. I’m glad it’s here now, but it’s weird the Switch didn’t have this at launch.
Which model do you have? This would be so helpful for me. I haven’t had a professional diagnosis because of the cost, but I’m certain my right ear is worse than my left. I’ve always had hearing trouble and don’t really know what my options are.
That’s great. I’m so happy this update is making such a difference for you!
I wish I could afford Bluetooth hearing aids. This is such a fantastic update!
I’ll have to test my Oticon aids later! I’ll post an update if it works. Compatibility can be hit or miss, so this is great news. Thanks for the heads up.
I’m using the Cochlear Nucleus 7, and this is a total game changer!
I know people complain about the Switch’s Bluetooth, but I tried my AirPods last night. It’s not as good as phone audio, but it’s on par with the wired EarPods I usually use and much more convenient. Supporting hearing aids is a huge win.
This is a great feature. Now Sony needs to do the same.
Can you pair them with your phone like normal headphones?