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Bluetooth Classic®: What’s new and why now?

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Hearing aids Insights
With the recent introduction of hearing aids such as the Signia Pure Charge&Go BCT IX, Bluetooth Classic® connectivity is in the spotlight. But what sets Bluetooth Classic® apart from other Bluetooth solutions like MFi, ASHA, or Bluetooth LE Audio?

Bluetooth Classic® connectivity in hearing aids: What's new? 

Bluetooth Classic® is the Bluetooth protocol used for wireless audio and communications in countless electronic devices. The main advantage is ‘universal compatibility’: Almost any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone (whether smart or not), can connect to Bluetooth Classic® devices and transfer calls and media. 

In the past, Bluetooth Classic® required more power than newer protocols, resulting in a trade-off between compatibility, battery size, device size, and runtime. For a long time, this was a compromise Signia was not willing to make, as hearing aid wearers rely on reliable, all-day runtime. 

Signia's recent technological breakthrough, however, managed to overcome traditional challenges related to hearing aid size and battery life – which have been experienced elsewhere in the industry. 

Innovation without compromise

Hearing aids such as Signia’s Pure Charge&Go BCT IX offer the best of both worlds - the smallest Bluetooth Classic®-compatible hearing aid on the market. With remarkable sound quality, and an extensive battery life (up to 54 hours without streaming, or 36 hours including inc. 5 hours of streaming) – it far surpasses other similar solutions available on the market. This is achieved through an advanced, high-performance chip and a sleek design.

Bluetooth Classic® vs. alternative Bluetooth standards in hearing aids

Comparing protocols
Protocol Compatibility Battery life Connectivity
Bluetooth Classic® Universal – almost all Bluetooth enabled devices Very good - with Signia’s latest Pure Charge & Go BCT IX Easy pairing, single stream; hands-free, media etc.
Bluetooth LE Audio Limited (rapid growth in consumer devices) Very good Multi-device, low latency
MFi (Apple) iPhone/iPad (Apple only) Very good Direct streaming, hands-free iOS
ASHA (Android) Current Android phones Very good Direct streaming

The most important differences:

  • Bluetooth Classic®: Universal compatibility, but slightly higher power consumption (offset by Signia 's new, high-performance battery). Ideal for customers who want to stream from virtually any phone. 
  • LE Audio, MFi, ASHA: Lower power consumption, ideal for users with the latest Apple/Android devices or for those who rely on LE Audio as the future standard. 

When to recommend Bluetooth Classic®? 

  • Customers have an older mobile phone or different devices, such as a smartphone and a PC, from which they want to stream. 
  • Customers particularly value universal connectivity and are concerned about future compatibility. 

When to recommend other protocols? 

  • Customers are firmly anchored in the Apple/iOS or Android ecosystem and want advanced features (e.g., pairing different Apple devices, Apple TV, etc.).
  • Customers strive for the longest possible battery life in the smallest possible device, even if the differences are becoming increasingly smaller thanks to new, more powerful chips.
  • Customers rely on LE Audio as the future standard. 

Classic and future-ready in one

Bluetooth Classic® is "classic" because it works with almost all Bluetooth-compatible devices. Thanks to recent innovations in chips and battery technology, hearing aid wearers no longer have to compromise on size, performance, or battery life to enjoy universal connectivity. By understanding these developments, audiologists can recommend the most flexible, future-proof streaming solution for every hearing aid wearer. 

Discover the latest Bluetooth Classic® innovation with Signia Pure Charge&Go BCT IX.

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