Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Meta description: Discover how Bluetooth impacts hearing aid battery life, why Phonak’s Bluetooth Classic uses more power, and expert tips to extend usage without sacrificing sound quality.
As an expert audiologist, one of the most frequent concerns I hear from patients is about hearing aid battery longevity. Users understandably want to maximize performance while minimizing the need for recharging or replacing batteries. One major culprit in rapid battery drain is Bluetooth streaming—particularly when used continuously for calls, TV, or music.
Bluetooth: Powerful Yet Power-Hungry
Bluetooth technology has transformed hearing aid use by enabling direct streaming from smartphones, computers, and televisions. This connectivity offers high-quality sound and convenience, but it comes at a cost—Bluetooth streaming is the biggest drain on hearing aid batteries. In particular, Phonak models using Bluetooth Classic experience higher drain than brands using Bluetooth Low Energy (LE).
Bluetooth Classic provides universal pairing with nearly any device, but this compatibility requires more power. Bluetooth LE, used by most other manufacturers, transmits data in short bursts, reducing power consumption.
Related reading: Help for rechargeable batteries draining too fast
Bluetooth Battery Drain: Real-World Data
| Usage Condition | Battery Discharge Rate (%/hour) | Estimated Battery Life |
|---|---|---|
| No Bluetooth streaming | 1.96% | ≈ 51 hours |
| With Bluetooth streaming | 3.4% | ≈ 29.4 hours |
For example, the Starkey Genesis RT uses just 1.96% battery per hour without Bluetooth streaming. When streaming, that rises to 3.4%—a 73% increase in power usage. If your hearing aid’s battery capacity is smaller than the Genesis RT’s, constant streaming could mean your device won’t last the entire day without recharging.
For zinc-air battery users, streaming can cut usage time dramatically. A size 312 battery that normally lasts 6–7 days may only last 4 days with regular streaming.
Reducing Bluetooth Battery Drain: Use TV Streamers
One practical way to reduce battery drain is to use a TV streamer instead of pairing directly via Bluetooth. Most major hearing aid brands make their own TV streaming accessories that use 2.4GHz proprietary wireless technology, which is much more energy-efficient than Bluetooth.
Not only do TV streamers extend battery life, they also provide more stable connections and often better audio quality than direct Bluetooth TV pairing. This means you can enjoy long movie marathons without worrying about your hearing aids powering down mid-scene.
Final Thoughts
Bluetooth streaming is an incredible feature for hearing aid users, but it’s important to understand its effect on battery life. By choosing when and how to stream—such as using TV streamers for entertainment—you can strike the right balance between convenience and battery preservation. Always consult your audiologist for personalized settings and accessories that maximize your device’s performance.
Streaming convenience comes with the cost of reduced battery life—but accessories and settings can help you strike a better balance. For more ways to optimize your tech setup, visit our ultimate guide to hearing aid accessories and tech.