Hi jeff-4,
Re: "Live translation with hearing aids : Is there a way to use Apple Live Translation, but direct the output to hearing aids rather than AirPods? I wear bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, and it is awkward for me to remove them and put AirPods in my ears. "
Am no expert in this area, yet your request to the community deserves some response.
We do not know whether your hearing-aids are Made for iPhone (Mfi) compatible, and can use Apple's hearing accessibility software, or whether they must rely on bluetooth for connection and an app or firmware from the manufacturer for control. Sorry I don't know whether or not that makes a difference when it comes to using Live Translation.
You don't need AirPods to use Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps.
if the language you want is available for download, seems you would need to update your iOS version to the newest version iOS 26.0.1, and also have Apple Intelligence turned on.
However, the way I understand it, seems AirPods with the newest firmware update are needed if you want to use Live Translation with a person nearby.
There is much information available in Apple Support's online article (link below):
Translate messages, calls, and conversations on iPhone - Apple Support
Eg: says:
"Live Translation is integrated into the Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps".
and
"Live Translation uses Apple-built models that run entirely on device,"
"Note: Live Translation in Phone is available for one-on-one calls in English (UK, U.S.),
French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain)."
"Note: Apple Intelligence is not available on all iPhone models or in all languages or regions.**
To access the most recent available features, make sure you’re using
the latest version of iOS and have Apple Intelligence turned on."
"**Apple Intelligence is available in beta with support for the following languages: Chinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish. Some features may not be available in all languages or regions. "
All the best :-)