Modern hearing aids can connect wirelessly to your smartphone, so you can receive phone calls, music and other audio directly in your hearing aids. This greatly improves sound quality and makes using your phone much more comfortable. In this article we explain how to pair hearing aids with both iPhone and Android, and which extra features you can use.

Benefits of paired hearing aids

Pairing your hearing aids with your smartphone offers many benefits:

  • Direct audio streaming: Phone calls and media are streamed directly to your hearing aids
  • Better sound quality: The signal is clear and direct, without ambient noise
  • Hands-free calling: You don't have to hold the phone to your ear
  • Adjustable settings: Change the volume and programs from your phone
  • Find feature: Locate your hearing aids if you lose them
  • Health integration: Track your listening habits and hearing data

Types of hearing aid connectivity

There are several technologies that hearing aids use to connect to smartphones:

Made for iPhone (MFi)

Apple developed a standard for direct streaming together with hearing aid manufacturers. MFi hearing aids connect directly to iPhone and iPad without extra accessories.

ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids)

This is the Android equivalent of MFi. ASHA-compatible hearing aids can stream directly to Android phones running Android 10 or later.

Standard Bluetooth

Some hearing aids use regular Bluetooth technology. These work with most devices but can use more battery power.

Intermediary devices

Older hearing aids can sometimes be connected through an intermediary device (streamer) that converts the Bluetooth signal into a signal the hearing aids understand.

Pairing hearing aids with an iPhone

iPhone offers extensive support for hearing aids through the MFi standard.

Preparation

  • Make sure your iPhone has iOS 14 or later for the best compatibility
  • Check that your hearing aids are MFi-certified
  • Make sure the batteries of your hearing aids are fully charged
  • Keep your hearing aids close to your iPhone while pairing

Pairing process

  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone
  • Go to Accessibility
  • Tap Hearing Devices under the Hearing heading
  • Put your hearing aids in pairing mode according to the manufacturer's instructions
  • Wait until your hearing aids appear under MFi Hearing Devices
  • Tap the name of your hearing aids
  • Tap Pair when the request appears
  • Repeat for the second hearing aid if needed

Controlling hearing aids on iPhone

After pairing, you can control your hearing aids through:

  • Control Center: Add the hearing devices control for quick access
  • Triple-click: Set up the Accessibility Shortcut for hearing aid settings
  • Settings app: Go to Accessibility and then Hearing Devices

Live Listen

iPhone has a special feature called Live Listen:

  • Your iPhone microphone picks up sound and sends it to your hearing aids
  • Handy in noisy environments or to hear someone farther away
  • Turn it on through Control Center or the hearing aid settings

Pairing hearing aids with Android

Android supports hearing aids through ASHA on devices running Android 10 or later.

Preparation

  • Check whether your Android phone supports ASHA
  • Make sure your hearing aids are ASHA-compatible
  • Update your phone to the latest Android version
  • Make sure Bluetooth is turned on

Pairing process

  • Open the Settings app
  • Go to Connected devices or Bluetooth
  • Tap Pair new device
  • Put your hearing aids in pairing mode
  • Wait until your hearing aids appear in the list
  • Tap your hearing aids to pair them
  • Confirm the pairing request

Hearing aid settings on Android

  • Go to Settings, then Accessibility
  • Tap Hearing aids or Hearing aid support
  • Here you can adjust the volume and configure extra features

Samsung-specific features

Samsung phones offer extra hearing aid options:

  • Go to Settings, then Accessibility
  • Tap Hearing enhancements
  • Tap Hearing aid support
  • Configure audio streaming and compatibility settings

Manufacturer apps for hearing aids

Most hearing aid manufacturers offer their own apps with extra functionality:

  • Phonak myPhonak: Full control of Phonak hearing aids
  • ReSound Smart 3D: Advanced settings for ReSound hearing aids
  • Oticon ON: Control and tracking for Oticon hearing aids
  • Signia app: Adjustments for Signia hearing aids
  • Widex MOMENT: Control over Widex hearing aids

Features of manufacturer apps

  • Fine-tuning of sound settings
  • Saving favorite programs for different situations
  • Find feature to locate lost hearing aids
  • Battery status indicator
  • Contact with your hearing care professional for remote adjustments

Troubleshooting pairing problems

Sometimes pairing doesn't go smoothly. Here are solutions to common problems:

Hearing aids don't appear

  • Make sure the hearing aids are in pairing mode
  • Restart your phone and hearing aids
  • Check that the batteries are sufficiently charged
  • Keep the hearing aids within 30 centimeters of your phone

The connection drops regularly

  • Keep your phone on the same side as your hearing aid
  • Avoid interference from other Bluetooth devices
  • Update your hearing aids' firmware if available
  • Check for sources of interference such as microwaves or wireless routers

Sound quality is poor

  • Adjust the volume in your phone's settings
  • Check the audio balance between left and right
  • Clean your hearing aids according to the instructions
  • Contact your hearing care professional for adjustments

Tips for getting the most out of them

Here are tips to get the most out of your paired hearing aids:

  • Use automatic programs: Many hearing aids automatically switch to the right program
  • Set up favorites: Save preferences for common situations
  • Use the find feature: Mark the location of your hearing aids so you can find them again
  • Plan battery changes: Streaming uses more battery, so keep spare batteries handy
  • Experiment with settings: Try different configurations to discover what works best

Conclusion

Pairing your hearing aids with your smartphone opens up a world of possibilities. From direct audio streaming to advanced adjustments through apps, modern technology makes life with hearing aids more and more comfortable. Whether you use an iPhone or Android, the integration is excellent these days. Take the time to explore all the features and work with your hearing care professional to find the optimal settings for your personal situation.

Frequently asked questions

Do all hearing aids work with smartphones?

Not all hearing aids can connect directly to smartphones. You need MFi-certified hearing aids for iPhone, or ASHA-compatible hearing aids for Android. Older hearing aids can sometimes still be connected through an intermediary device. Ask your hearing care professional about the options for your specific hearing aids.

Does audio streaming reduce my hearing aids' battery life?

Yes, audio streaming uses more energy than normal use. The impact varies by hearing aid and streaming time. With rechargeable hearing aids this usually isn't a big problem if you charge them overnight. With battery-powered hearing aids, it's best to keep spare batteries handy.

Can I pair my hearing aids with multiple devices?

That depends on your hearing aids. Many modern hearing aids support multipoint connections, which let you be connected to your phone and tablet at the same time, for example. With some hearing aids you have to switch between devices manually. Check the manual of your specific hearing aids.

What is Live Listen on iPhone and how do I use it?

Live Listen uses your iPhone's microphone to pick up sound and send it directly to your hearing aids. This is handy in noisy environments or to follow a conversation farther away. Turn it on in Control Center by tapping the ear icon, or through Settings, Accessibility, Hearing Devices.