Hearing Aid Smartphone Apps

Master your hearing aid app with expert guidance on features, setup, customization, and troubleshooting—plus privacy considerations and practical tips for daily use.

Understanding Hearing Aid Apps

Nearly all modern hearing aids manufactured since 2018 come with companion smartphone apps that connect via Bluetooth technology. These apps transform your smartphone into a sophisticated remote control and customization tool, allowing you to adjust settings, switch between listening programs, monitor device status, and access professional support—all from a device you already carry everywhere.

What apps can do for you

Hearing aid apps serve multiple functions that extend far beyond simple volume adjustments. At their core, they provide convenient control over your hearing aids without requiring you to touch the devices themselves. This discrete adjustment capability is particularly valuable in social situations where you want to make changes without drawing attention.

The real power of hearing aid apps lies in their personalization features. Most apps allow you to create custom programs for different listening environments—restaurants, concerts, outdoor settings, quiet conversations—and save these settings for future use. Some advanced apps even use GPS to remember your preferred settings for specific locations, automatically adjusting when you return to that coffee shop or your workplace.

Many apps also include health tracking features that monitor your daily hearing aid usage, physical activity levels, and even heart rate (depending on your hearing aid model). This data can help you understand your hearing patterns and demonstrate to your audiologist how you're actually using your devices in real-world situations.

Types of apps available

Hearing aid apps fall into two main categories: manufacturer-specific apps and universal assistive apps. Manufacturer apps are designed exclusively for specific hearing aid brands and offer the most comprehensive control over your devices. Popular examples include myPhonak (Phonak), Signia App (Signia), ReSound Smart 3D (ReSound), Thrive (Starkey), and Oticon Companion (Oticon). Each manufacturer designs their app to leverage the unique features of their hearing aid technology.

Universal or third-party apps don't connect directly to hearing aids but complement them by providing additional functionality. Apps like InnoCaption offer real-time captioning for phone calls, while Tunity lets you stream audio from muted televisions in public spaces directly to your smartphone. Sound Alert apps can notify you of important environmental sounds like doorbells or smoke alarms. These assistive apps work independently of your hearing aids but can significantly enhance your overall hearing experience.

Key Features and How to Use Them

Understanding your app's features helps you get the most value from your hearing aids. While specific features vary by manufacturer, most apps share common core functions that form the foundation of app-controlled hearing care.

Remote control basics

The most fundamental feature of any hearing aid app is volume control. Unlike traditional hearing aid buttons that adjust both devices together, apps typically let you control the volume of each ear independently or adjust them simultaneously. This granular control proves particularly useful if you have asymmetric hearing loss or want to fine-tune balance in specific situations.

Program switching is another essential function. Your audiologist likely programmed several listening modes into your hearing aids during your fitting—perhaps an automatic mode, a noisy environment mode, a music mode, and a telecoil mode. The app displays these programs clearly and lets you switch between them instantly. Some apps show which program is currently active on your home screen, preventing the confusion of not knowing what setting you're using.

Most apps include a mute function that temporarily silences your hearing aids with a single tap. This feature is useful for brief interruptions—answering a phone call at your desk or temporarily focusing on a task that requires quiet concentration. The app typically shows a clear visual indicator when your devices are muted so you don't forget they're turned off.

Sound customization options

Advanced apps offer sophisticated sound shaping tools that let you personalize your hearing experience beyond your audiologist's initial programming. An equalizer or sound balance control allows you to adjust the bass, middle, and treble frequencies independently. If voices sound too tinny in your current environment, you can boost the bass slightly. If music lacks clarity, you can enhance the treble.

Directional focus features, available in premium apps, let you specify which direction you want your hearing aids to prioritize. A 360-degree spatial configurator might show you a visual representation of your surroundings, allowing you to emphasize sounds from in front of you (useful in one-on-one conversations) or widen the focus to capture sounds from all directions (helpful when you're socializing in a group).

Noise reduction controls let you adjust how aggressively your hearing aids filter background noise. In very noisy environments, you might increase noise reduction to focus solely on speech. In quieter settings where you want environmental awareness, you can dial it back. Some apps describe these settings with plain language like "More Speech Focus" or "More Natural Sound" rather than technical terms.

Many apps let you create and save custom programs based on your adjustments. If you find a perfect combination of settings for your weekly book club, you can save it as "Book Club" and activate it with one tap next time. Apps typically allow between 5-10 custom programs, and some use descriptive icons you choose to make programs instantly recognizable.

Streaming and connectivity

Modern hearing aids serve double duty as high-quality wireless earbuds, streaming phone calls, music, podcasts, and videos directly to your ears. Your app serves as the control center for all streaming activities. When you receive a phone call, many apps display caller information and let you answer, decline, or adjust call volume without touching your phone.

For media streaming, the app typically shows what's playing, the audio source, and dedicated volume controls separate from your hearing aid's microphone volume. This dual-volume system means you can listen to music at a comfortable level while still being able to hear environmental sounds or conversations around you at a different volume level.

If you use additional streaming accessories—such as a TV streamer, remote microphone, or partner microphone—your app displays these devices and lets you activate them, adjust their volumes, and monitor their battery levels. The app shows which accessory is currently streaming and lets you switch between multiple connected devices seamlessly.

Health and usage tracking

Apps increasingly incorporate health monitoring features that provide insights into both your hearing aid usage patterns and your physical well-being. Wearing time tracking records how many hours per day you use your hearing aids, breaking down usage by listening environment (quiet, noisy, streaming, music). This data helps audiologists understand your real-world usage patterns and can motivate you to increase wearing time gradually.

Some hearing aid models include motion sensors that enable activity tracking. Your app can count steps, estimate distance walked, and track general activity levels throughout the day. This feature positions hearing aids not just as hearing devices but as wellness tools. A few advanced models even monitor heart rate, though this feature is less common.

Usage logs show detailed histories of which programs you use most frequently, when you stream content, and how often you make adjustments. If you're experiencing difficulties in certain situations, this data helps your audiologist identify patterns and make informed programming adjustments during follow-up appointments.

Remote support and tele-audiology

One of the most valuable modern app features is the ability to connect with your hearing care professional remotely. Remote support features typically fall into two categories: asynchronous adjustments and live video appointments.

Asynchronous support lets you send requests to your audiologist through the app describing issues you're experiencing ("too much whistling in my left ear" or "voices sound muffled in meetings"). Your audiologist reviews your request, makes programming adjustments, and sends the new settings to your hearing aids through the app. You can try the changes and provide feedback, creating an iterative fine-tuning process without leaving home.

Live remote appointments combine video calling with real-time hearing aid programming. You schedule an appointment through the app, connect at the designated time, and your audiologist can see and adjust your hearing aids' settings while talking with you. This feature proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to offer convenience for minor adjustments or follow-ups that don't require in-person visits.

Not all apps include remote support, and availability varies by country and practice. Check with your hearing care provider to learn whether they offer remote services and how to activate this feature in your app.

Setting Up Your App Successfully

Proper setup is crucial for a smooth experience with your hearing aid app. While specific pairing procedures vary by manufacturer and smartphone platform, understanding the general process and common requirements helps ensure successful connection.

Compatibility requirements

Before downloading your hearing aid app, verify your smartphone meets the compatibility requirements. For iPhone users, most hearing aid apps require iOS 15 or newer. Made for iPhone (MFi) hearing aids connect directly to Apple devices through the phone's Accessibility settings, offering seamless integration. Check your iPhone model and iOS version in Settings > General > About.

Android compatibility is more complex because Android phones vary widely in their Bluetooth capabilities. Most apps require Android OS 8.0 or newer and Bluetooth 4.2 or later. However, not all Android phones implement Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in the same way, which can cause compatibility issues with certain hearing aid models. Check your hearing aid manufacturer's website for a compatibility tool that lists specific phone models they've tested.

Made for Any Phone (MFAP) hearing aids represent newer technology that works with both iPhone and Android devices using a universal protocol called Bluetooth Low Energy Audio (LE Audio) or Auracast. These devices offer greater flexibility but may require pairing in multiple steps—once for app control and once for audio streaming.

Initial pairing process

The first-time pairing process differs between iPhone and Android devices, but both follow similar principles. Begin by ensuring your hearing aids are turned on and in pairing mode. For hearing aids with battery doors, open and close the doors to restart them. For rechargeable models, place them in the charger for 10 seconds, then remove them. This restart puts the devices into pairing mode, making them discoverable to your phone.

On iPhone, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices. Your iPhone will automatically search for nearby hearing aids. When your devices appear under "MFi Hearing Devices," tap each one. You'll receive a pairing request for each hearing aid; tap "Pair" for both. The pairing process takes up to 60 seconds per device. Once complete, your hearing aids appear in the Hearing Devices menu with a checkmark, and you can download and open the manufacturer's app.

For Android, the process varies depending on whether you're connecting to the app or for streaming. Download the manufacturer's app first, then open it. The app will guide you through the pairing process, which typically involves going to Settings > Connected Devices > Pair New Device. Your hearing aids should appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices. Some Made for Any Phone hearing aids require a second pairing specifically for streaming—the app will guide you through this additional step if needed.

Connecting additional features

After basic pairing succeeds, take time to explore and enable additional app features. Most apps request permissions for various phone functions—location services for automatic program switching based on GPS, microphone access for hearing tests or video appointments, notification access for alerts, and camera access for remote fitting verification. Review these permission requests carefully and enable only features you plan to use.

Configure notification settings to control which alerts the app sends. You might want battery low warnings and appointment reminders but not daily usage statistics. Excessive notifications can become annoying and may drain your phone's battery unnecessarily.

If your app includes health tracking integration, connect it to your phone's native health platforms (Apple Health or Google Fit). This integration consolidates your health data in one place and may provide additional insights into relationships between physical activity and hearing aid usage patterns.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper setup, you'll occasionally encounter connectivity problems or app glitches. Most issues have straightforward solutions that don't require professional intervention.

Connection and pairing problems

If your app suddenly can't find your hearing aids, the issue usually relates to Bluetooth connectivity rather than the hearing aids themselves. Start with the simplest solution: turn Bluetooth off and back on in your phone's settings. This action refreshes your phone's Bluetooth radio and often resolves temporary connection failures.

When your hearing aids show as "connected" in Bluetooth settings but the app reports "not connected," you're experiencing a pairing desync issue. Close the app completely (not just minimizing it, but force-closing it from your phone's app switcher), wait 10 seconds, then reopen it. The app will attempt to reconnect, which usually resolves the discrepancy.

For persistent pairing failures, perform a full re-pairing sequence. This process involves "forgetting" the hearing aid pairing in your phone's Bluetooth settings, restarting your hearing aids by opening/closing battery doors or using the charger, restarting your phone, and then going through the initial pairing process again from scratch. While this seems drastic, it clears corrupted pairing data that can accumulate over time.

App crashes and freezing

Apps occasionally crash or freeze, particularly after phone operating system updates. If your app becomes unresponsive, force-close it and restart. If crashes continue, check the app store for updates—developers frequently release patches to address compatibility issues with the latest phone software.

When an app update doesn't resolve persistent crashes, try deleting the app entirely and reinstalling it. This nuclear option clears any corrupted data stored on your phone. After reinstalling, you'll need to pair your hearing aids again, but your customized programs stored in the hearing aids themselves (not the app) will remain intact.

Keep your phone's operating system current. Automatic updates to iOS or Android can occasionally cause temporary compatibility issues with hearing aid apps, but manufacturers typically release app updates within a few days to restore functionality. Check your hearing aid manufacturer's website or social media for notices about known issues with recent phone updates.

Battery drain concerns

Some users notice increased battery drain on their smartphones after installing hearing aid apps. Active Bluetooth connections consume power, particularly if the app runs constantly in the background. To manage battery impact, check your app settings for a "battery optimization" or "low power mode" option that reduces background refresh frequency.

If your hearing aid batteries drain faster after starting to use the app, examine which app features you're using. Continuous streaming from your phone consumes significantly more power than normal amplification. GPS-based automatic program switching requires location tracking, which affects both phone and hearing aid batteries. Disable features you don't actively use to extend battery life.

For rechargeable hearing aids, the app should display remaining battery life and provide usage estimates. If your batteries consistently drain faster than expected (lasting fewer than 12-16 hours per charge), contact your audiologist. The hearing aids may need recalibration, or the batteries may be nearing the end of their lifespan (typically 3-4 years for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries).

Volume or sound quality issues through the app

If adjusting volume through the app doesn't seem to change your hearing aids' output, you may have accidentally enabled "manual volume lock" in your audiologist-programmed settings. This feature prevents accidental volume changes but also overrides app controls. Check your app settings for volume control options, or contact your audiologist to verify the setting.

When streamed audio sounds distorted or different from environmental sounds through your hearing aids, check the app's separate streaming volume control. Most apps maintain independent volumes for streaming and microphone input. You may have the streaming volume set too high, causing distortion even though regular amplification sounds fine.

If one hearing aid consistently sounds different from the other when using the app, verify you haven't accidentally created an imbalanced custom program. Check the app's balance settings to ensure both sides are programmed similarly. If problems persist despite balanced settings, schedule an appointment with your audiologist—one hearing aid may need recalibration or repair.

Privacy and Security Considerations

As hearing aids become increasingly connected to the internet and your personal devices, privacy and data security deserve attention. Understanding what data your app collects, how it's protected, and what you can control helps you make informed decisions about your digital hearing health.

What data hearing aid apps collect

Hearing aid apps collect several categories of information. Device data includes your hearing aid's serial numbers, model information, firmware versions, battery status, and usage statistics (hours worn, programs used, environments encountered). This technical data helps manufacturers improve their products and allows audiologists to monitor your device health remotely.

Health and hearing data comprises your audiogram (hearing test results), custom program settings, and—if you've enabled health tracking features—activity levels, step counts, and heart rate measurements. Some apps store this data locally on your phone, while others sync it to manufacturer servers for backup and cross-device access.

Personal information typically includes your name, contact information, and audiologist details if you use remote support features. Apps with telehealth capabilities may collect video call recordings, chat transcripts, and support request histories. Payment information for app subscriptions or accessories is usually handled by Apple or Google's payment systems, not stored directly in the hearing aid app.

Location data is collected if you enable GPS-based features like automatic program switching or "find my hearing aid" functionality. This information may be stored locally or synced to cloud servers depending on the app's architecture.

How your data is protected

Major hearing aid manufacturers implement multiple security layers to protect your information. Data transmitted between your hearing aids, app, and manufacturer servers is typically encrypted using industry-standard protocols (128-bit or 256-bit SSL encryption). This encryption prevents unauthorized parties from intercepting your data during transmission.

Reputable manufacturers comply with healthcare data protection regulations including HIPAA (United States), GDPR (European Union), and equivalent regulations in other regions. These legal frameworks require manufacturers to implement appropriate technical safeguards, limit data access to authorized personnel, and allow you to request copies or deletion of your personal information.

Most manufacturers restrict data access to employees who need the information to provide services—typically support staff and engineers working on product improvements. Many manufacturers anonymize and aggregate user data for research purposes, removing all personally identifiable information before using it for product development or scientific studies.

Managing your privacy settings

Review your app's privacy settings to understand and control what data is collected. Most apps include a privacy or data management section where you can view what information the manufacturer stores about you. You can typically disable certain data collection features—for example, turning off usage statistics sharing while keeping remote support capabilities enabled.

Be particularly mindful of third-party app permissions. If your hearing aid app requests access to your contacts, photos, or other unrelated phone functions, question why those permissions are necessary. Legitimate hearing aid apps need access to Bluetooth, possibly location (for automatic program switching), and notifications, but rarely require access to your entire photo library or contact list.

For apps with remote support features that use video calling, understand where recordings are stored. Some apps store video call recordings on manufacturer servers for quality assurance or training purposes. If you're uncomfortable with this practice, check whether you can opt out or request that recordings be deleted after your appointment concludes.

Security risks and how to minimize them

While hearing aid cybersecurity risks are theoretical rather than documented, the potential for unauthorized access exists with any internet-connected device. Researchers have identified that Bluetooth hearing aids could theoretically be accessed by someone with physical proximity and sophisticated hacking tools, though no real-world attacks have been publicly reported.

Minimize risks by keeping both your hearing aid firmware and app updated. Manufacturers release security patches alongside feature updates, addressing vulnerabilities as they're discovered. Enable automatic updates for your hearing aid app to ensure you receive security fixes promptly.

Be cautious about connecting your hearing aids to public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks if your app syncs data over Wi-Fi. Use your cellular data connection instead when accessing remote support features from public locations like coffee shops or hotels.

If you lose your phone, most hearing aid apps don't include sensitive health information that would be immediately accessible to someone who finds your device. However, if you use remote support features that include chat histories with your audiologist discussing medical conditions, those conversations might be visible if someone unlocks your phone. Use your phone's security features (passcode, fingerprint, face recognition) to protect access to all apps, including your hearing aid app.

Maximizing Your App's Potential

Beyond basic usage, several strategies help you extract maximum value from your hearing aid app and integrate it seamlessly into your daily routine.

Creating and organizing custom programs

Take time to create custom programs for your most common listening situations rather than constantly making manual adjustments. Identify 3-5 environments where your default settings don't work optimally—perhaps your workplace, your weekly book club, your favorite restaurant, outdoor activities, or watching television at home.

When you find yourself repeatedly making the same adjustments in a particular environment, save those settings as a custom program. Give it a clear, memorable name and—if your app allows—assign a recognizable icon. A visual symbol helps you quickly identify the right program without reading text, particularly useful when you need to make changes discretely during conversations.

Experiment with different settings in each program. Your "Restaurant" program might emphasize speech focus and increase noise reduction, while your "Music" program might reduce noise processing to preserve sound quality and broaden directional focus. Your "Reading" program might lower overall volume to minimize distractions. There's no wrong way to customize—the best settings are the ones that work for your specific needs.

Use your app's program statistics to identify which programs you use most frequently. If you never activate your "Outdoor" program, delete it and create something more useful. Your app typically limits you to 5-10 custom programs, so prioritize the situations you encounter regularly.

Leveraging location-based features

If your app includes GPS-based automatic program switching (sometimes called "geotagging" or "location memory"), enable this feature for locations you visit regularly. The first time you're at your workplace and manually select your "Work" program, the app can remember that location. The next time you arrive at work, the app automatically activates that program without any action from you.

This automation eliminates the need to remember to switch programs when you arrive at familiar places. You can set automatic programs for your home, office, favorite coffee shop, church, gym, or any location you visit regularly. Some apps remember dozens of locations, creating a personalized hearing map tailored to your life.

Be thoughtful about which locations deserve automatic programs. You probably want your home, workplace, and a few regular social venues programmed, but automating your grocery store or gas station may be unnecessary. Too many automatic locations can cause your hearing aids to switch programs frequently as you move through your day, which might be more disruptive than helpful.

Integrating the app into your routine

Place your hearing aid app on your phone's home screen for easy access. You shouldn't need to search through folders when you need to make a quick adjustment in a noisy restaurant or answer a phone call. Some apps offer home screen widgets that provide one-tap access to common functions like program switching or volume control.

Develop a habit of checking your app's battery indicator each morning, similar to checking your phone's battery level. This simple check prevents unexpected hearing aid battery failures during your day. If you use rechargeable hearing aids, the app's battery forecast feature can tell you whether you have enough charge for your planned activities.

Schedule regular times to review your usage statistics—perhaps weekly or monthly. These statistics reveal patterns you might not notice consciously. If you discover you rarely use your hearing aids on weekends, investigate why. Are you avoiding them because they're uncomfortable, or because you genuinely don't need them in your typical weekend activities? This self-awareness helps you address issues proactively and discusses them productively with your audiologist.

Use reminder features if your app includes them. Many apps can remind you to clean your hearing aids, change wax filters, or schedule follow-up appointments. These automated reminders help you maintain your devices properly without relying on memory.

Working effectively with remote support

When using remote support features, prepare for your virtual appointment just as you would for an in-person visit. Before requesting remote adjustments, spend a few days documenting specific situations where your hearing aids aren't performing optimally. Rather than general complaints ("everything sounds bad"), provide specific details: "In my morning team meetings with 8 people around a conference table, voices sound muffled and I can't distinguish who's speaking."

If your app allows you to send written requests for adjustments, include the program you were using, the environment, and what you hoped to hear differently. This detailed information helps your audiologist make targeted adjustments rather than broad changes that might negatively affect performance in other situations.

During live remote appointments, find a quiet location with good internet connectivity. Have a family member or friend available to help if needed—they can speak to test voice clarity or help position your phone's camera to show your hearing aids. Don't try to conduct remote appointments while driving, at work, or in noisy environments where you can't focus on the adjustment process.

After receiving remote adjustments, use your hearing aids in the situations where you were experiencing problems before evaluating the changes. Your audiologist's adjustments are hypotheses based on your description; they need your real-world feedback to refine the programming further. Many apps allow you to rate adjustments and provide additional feedback, creating an iterative improvement process.