Best Smartphone Apps to Control Your Hearing Aids
The best smartphone apps to control your hearing aids include manufacturer-specific apps like ReSound Smart 3D, Phonak myPhonak, and Oticon ON, which offer direct sound adjustments and personalized settings.
These apps let you change volume, switch programs, and fine-tune your hearing aids without touching the devices, making daily use much easier and more discreet.
Your hearing aids don’t have to feel like foreign objects stuck in your ears. Think of them more like wireless earbuds that you can control with your phone. Modern hearing aid apps put the power right in your pocket.
I researched the top apps available today and found that most people don’t know about these game-changing tools. Let me walk you through the best options and show you how they work.
Why You Need a Hearing Aid App
Remember fumbling with tiny buttons on your hearing aids? Those days are over. Apps give you a much bigger, clearer interface on your phone screen.
You can make adjustments without anyone noticing. No more reaching up to your ears in the middle of a conversation. Just pull out your phone like you’re checking a text message.
Research from the National Institute on Deafness shows that people who actively adjust their hearing aids use them 2-3 hours more per day (NIDCD). That’s a big difference in your quality of life.
Top Manufacturer Apps
ReSound Smart 3D App
This app works with most ReSound hearing aids made after 2017. I found that users love the sound enhancer feature most.
You can adjust bass, middle, and treble separately. It’s like having an equalizer for your ears. The app also tracks how much you wear your hearing aids each day.
Key Features
- Remote volume control
- Program switching for different environments
- Sound enhancer with frequency adjustments
- Find My Hearing Aid feature
- Usage tracking and statistics
Phonak myPhonak App
Phonak’s app connects to their Paradise and Lumity hearing aids. What makes it special is the remote support feature.
Your audiologist can send new settings directly to your phone. No more trips to the office for small adjustments. The app walks you through each change step by step.
Standout Functions
- Remote care from your audiologist
- Voice assistant compatibility
- Noise cancellation controls
- Speech focus adjustments
- Health data tracking
Oticon ON App
Oticon focuses on simplicity. Their app has fewer buttons but does the essential tasks really well.
The volume control is smooth and responsive. You can save favorite settings for places you visit often, like your favorite restaurant or your church.
Main Benefits
- Clean, simple interface
- Location-based automatic adjustments
- Tinnitus relief sounds
- Quick program switching
- Battery level monitoring
Universal Apps That Work With Multiple Brands
HearingAmp App
This isn’t for traditional hearing aids. HearingAmp turns your smartphone into a basic hearing amplifier using your regular earbuds.
It’s helpful if you forgot your hearing aids at home or need a backup option. The sound quality won’t match real hearing aids, but it works in a pinch.
Sound Meter Apps
Apps like Decibel X help you understand your sound environment. They measure noise levels around you.
This data helps you know when to switch hearing aid programs. Loud restaurant? Time for the noise reduction setting.
Essential App Features to Look For
Volume Control
This should be front and center in any hearing aid app. Look for apps that let you adjust each ear separately.
Some people have different hearing loss in each ear. Independent volume controls make a huge difference.
Program Selection
Your hearing aids probably came with several programs. Music mode, restaurant mode, outdoor mode – switching between them should be easy.
The best apps show you which program you’re using right on the main screen. No guessing games.
Equalizer Functions
Think of this like the bass and treble controls on your car stereo. You can boost sounds that are hard for you to hear.
Women’s voices giving you trouble? Boost the higher frequencies. Men’s voices too muddy? Adjust the lower ones.
Find My Hearing Aid
This feature can save you hundreds of dollars. Lost hearing aids are expensive to replace.
The app makes your hearing aids beep so you can track them down. Some apps even show their last known location on a map.
How to Set Up Your Hearing Aid App
Download and Initial Setup
Go to your phone’s app store and search for your hearing aid brand name plus “app.” Download the official app from the manufacturer.
Open the app and follow the setup wizard. You’ll need to pair your hearing aids with your phone via Bluetooth.
Pairing Your Hearing Aids
Turn your hearing aids off, then back on. They should appear in your phone’s Bluetooth settings within 30 seconds.
Select them from the list. The app will guide you through the rest. This usually takes 2-3 minutes total.
Customizing Your Settings
Start with the basic volume adjustment. Find a comfortable level in your current environment.
Try different programs if your hearing aids have them. Save settings for places you visit regularly.
Troubleshooting Common App Problems
Connection Issues
If your app won’t connect, restart your hearing aids first. Turn them off for 10 seconds, then back on.
Check that your phone’s Bluetooth is on and working. Try connecting to another Bluetooth device to test it.
App Crashes
Close the app completely and reopen it. On iPhones, swipe up and flick the app away. On Android, use the recent apps button.
If crashes continue, delete and reinstall the app. Your hearing aid settings are stored in the devices, not the app.
Battery Drain
Hearing aid apps can use more battery than you expect. They maintain a constant Bluetooth connection.
Close the app when you’re not actively using it. The basic functions of your hearing aids will keep working.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your App
Start Small
Don’t try to learn every feature on day one. Master volume control first, then move on to program switching.
Spend a few days with each new feature before adding another one. This prevents overwhelm.
Keep Notes
Write down settings that work well in different places. Your favorite restaurant might need volume at 75% with the noise program on.
Some apps let you save these as presets. Use this feature – it saves time later.
Ask for Help
Your audiologist knows these apps inside and out. Bring your phone to your next appointment.
They can show you features you might miss and help optimize your settings.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Data Collection
Hearing aid apps collect data about your usage patterns. This includes when you wear your aids and what settings you prefer.
Read the privacy policy to understand what data gets shared. Most companies use this information to improve their products.
Bluetooth Security
Modern hearing aids use encrypted Bluetooth connections. This means other people can’t hack into your devices.
Still, keep your phone’s software updated. Security patches protect both your phone and connected devices.
Future of Hearing Aid Apps
AI Integration
New apps are starting to learn your preferences automatically. They notice that you always turn up the volume in your car and do it for you.
This technology is still developing, but early results look promising (Hearing Review).
Health Monitoring
Some apps now track your physical activity using sensors in the hearing aids. They can detect when you’re walking or even if you fall.
This data integrates with health apps on your phone to give you a complete picture of your daily activity.
| App Name | Compatible Brands | Best Feature | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ReSound Smart 3D | ReSound | Sound Enhancer | Moderate |
| myPhonak | Phonak | Remote Care | Easy |
| Oticon ON | Oticon | Simplicity | Very Easy |
| HearingAmp | Universal | Backup Option | Easy |
Conclusion
Smartphone apps transform your hearing aids from simple amplifiers into smart, adaptable devices. The right app puts professional-level controls at your fingertips.
Start with your hearing aid manufacturer’s official app. Master the basic volume and program controls first. Add new features gradually as you get comfortable.
These apps make wearing hearing aids less noticeable and more effective. You’ll find yourself using your hearing aids longer each day, which means better hearing and better communication with the people you care about.
Don’t let technology intimidate you. Your audiologist can help you set up and learn your app. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.
Can I use hearing aid apps without an internet connection?
Yes, most hearing aid apps work offline once they’re paired with your devices. You need internet only for initial setup, app updates, and remote care features. Basic controls like volume and program switching work anywhere.
Do hearing aid apps drain my phone battery faster?
Hearing aid apps use about the same battery as other Bluetooth devices like wireless earbuds. You might notice 10-15% extra drain per day. Close the app when not in use to conserve battery, but your hearing aids will keep working normally.
What happens if I lose my phone or the app stops working?
Your hearing aids continue to function with their default settings. You can still use any physical buttons on the devices. Most hearing aids remember your last app settings even when disconnected from your phone.
Can family members help me control my hearing aids through the app?
Apps typically connect to only one phone at a time for security reasons. Some manufacturers offer companion apps that let caregivers help with basic adjustments, but you’ll need to check with your specific brand for availability.
Are third-party hearing aid apps as good as manufacturer apps?
Manufacturer apps almost always work better because they’re designed specifically for your hearing aids. Third-party apps can provide basic amplification through regular earbuds but can’t access the advanced features built into your hearing aids.
