The C-Pen Reader 3 has Bluetooth audio, so it pairs directly with most Bluetooth earbuds and headphones. Many hearing aids use their own streaming method rather than standard Bluetooth, so they connect through the manufacturer's streaming accessory, such as the Oticon ConnectClip or the Cochlear Phone Clip. The Reader 2 and Exam Reader 2 have a 3.5 mm headphone jack and no Bluetooth.
Which pen supports what
| Model | Wired headphones | Bluetooth audio |
|---|---|---|
| C-Pen Reader 3 | Yes, USB-C earphones included | Yes, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| C-Pen Reader 2 | Yes, 3.5 mm jack | No. A Bluetooth transmitter adaptor (not supplied) can be used |
| C-Pen Exam Reader 2 | Yes, 3.5 mm jack, earphones included | No. Use wired headphones in exams |
Pair Bluetooth earbuds or headphones with a Reader 3
- Put the earbuds or headphones into pairing mode. Check their instructions if you are not sure how.
- On the Reader 3, go to the Main menu and press the M button. This opens a quick menu showing Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and battery status.
- Open the Bluetooth setting and turn Bluetooth on.
- Search for devices and select your earbuds or headphones from the list.
- Scan a line of text to check the sound comes through.
Turn Bluetooth off when you are not using it to save battery.
Why hearing aids need a streaming accessory
Many Bluetooth hearing aids connect to phones using a special low-energy streaming method, rather than the standard Bluetooth audio that headphones use. The Reader 3 uses standard Bluetooth audio, so it reaches these hearing aids through the manufacturer's streamer. The streamer receives the sound from the pen and passes it on to the hearing aids.
Oticon hearing aids: ConnectClip
First pair the ConnectClip with the hearing aids, if it isn't paired already:
- Turn the ConnectClip off: press and hold the multi-button for about six seconds until the power light goes off.
- Turn the hearing aids off and on again. For disposable batteries, open and close the battery drawer. For rechargeable aids, hold the lower button for three seconds to turn off, then two seconds to turn on. You now have three minutes to pair.
- Turn the ConnectClip on: hold the multi-button for about three seconds until the power light is steady green. The status light blinks yellow while it searches.
- Hold the ConnectClip within 20 cm of the hearing aids. A steady yellow light means they are connected.
Then pair the ConnectClip with the Reader 3:
- Hold the multi-button and the volume-up button together for about six seconds, until the status light blinks blue. The ConnectClip stays in pairing mode for about three minutes.
- On the Reader 3, open Bluetooth settings, search for devices and select ConnectClip.
- If asked for a PIN, enter 0000.
- A steady blue light means pairing is complete.
Cochlear sound processors: Phone Clip
- Make sure the Phone Clip is paired with the sound processor, following Cochlear's instructions.
- Put the Phone Clip into pairing mode by pressing the Bluetooth pairing button under its cover.
- On the Reader 3, open Bluetooth settings, search for devices and select the Phone Clip.
- Scan a line of text to check the sound reaches the sound processor.
The Phone Clip's micro-USB port is for charging only. It does not accept a wired audio connection.
Other hearing aid brands
Most hearing aid makers offer a streaming accessory that accepts standard Bluetooth audio from TVs, computers and similar devices. If your client's hearing aids have one, it will usually work with the Reader 3 in the same way. Check with the client's audiologist before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can a C-Pen connect to Bluetooth earbuds?
The C-Pen Reader 3 pairs directly with Bluetooth earbuds and headphones. The Reader 2 and Exam Reader 2 use wired headphones, or a Bluetooth transmitter adaptor (not supplied).
Can a C-Pen stream to hearing aids?
The Reader 3 can stream to many hearing aids through the manufacturer's streaming accessory, such as the Oticon ConnectClip or the Cochlear Phone Clip. Most hearing aids cannot pair with the pen directly.
Which C-Pen is best for a student with hearing aids?
The Reader 3, because it has Bluetooth audio. For exams, the Exam Reader 2 uses wired headphones only, so check with the exam authority and the student's audiologist about how to deliver audio.
Can Bluetooth be used during exams?
The Exam Reader 2 has no Bluetooth. Students use wired headphones, or the built-in speaker in a separate room.
More C-Pen guides for schools and therapistsSetup help, exam provisions, funding and model comparisons in one place.
