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How to connect hearing aids to your TV
Quick answer: Most people use a TV streamer from their hearing aid brand. It plugs into the TV’s audio-out port (usually optical) and sends sound straight to your hearing aids. Newer hearing aids can also join an Auracast broadcast.
Last checked: 2026-10-14. Steps come from the official support pages listed at the bottom.
Option 1: Your brand’s TV streamer
Each brand sells its own box, and it usually only works with that brand:
- Phonak TV Connector: plugs into the TV with an optical (Toslink) or 3.5 mm cable and pairs automatically when your hearing aids are within about 1 meter. Range is about 15 m (50 ft).
- Oticon TV Adapter: connected and managed in the Oticon Companion app.
- ReSound TV Streamer+: connects by optical or analog cable and can broadcast Auracast audio to compatible ReSound hearing aids.
- Starkey StarLink TV Streamer: works with compatible Starkey models; Starkey lists Auracast selection in My Starkey for newer models.
Setup steps vary by model. Follow the quick-start guide in the box or the manufacturer page below.
Option 2: Auracast
Auracast is a Bluetooth LE Audio feature. A transmitter (TV, streamer, or public venue) broadcasts sound, and any number of compatible hearing aids can tune in without pairing, a bit like picking a radio station. Only newer hearing aids support it, so ask your provider whether yours do.
Option 3: No streamer
Turn on captions, sit closer, and ask your provider about a TV program on your hearing aids.
Helpful gear: Tv Streamer (link coming soon)
Affiliate placeholder. If you buy through a link like this, HearFlow may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Common questions
Do I need a special box to hear the TV through hearing aids?
Usually, yes: a TV streamer made by your hearing aid brand. Some newer hearing aids can also receive Auracast broadcasts.
What is Auracast?
A Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast feature that lets many compatible hearing aids and earbuds listen to one audio source at once without pairing.
Will a TV streamer from another brand work?
Usually not. Most TV streamers work only with the same brand's hearing aids. Check the compatibility page.
Related guides
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Official sources
- Phonak: TV Connector
- ReSound: Auracast hearing aids
- Starkey: Bluetooth and Auracast hearing aids
- Bluetooth SIG: Overview of Auracast (PDF)
- Oticon: Compatibility guide
Still stuck? Your hearing care professional can pair your hearing aids for you and update their software. See our medical disclaimer.