5 of the Best Hearing Aid Apps for Your Smartphone

Modern hearing aids offer an incredible degree of convenience ― and one of the ways they achieve this is via smartphone apps.

Whether fine-tuning your settings, connecting to your smart home, or making a phone call, there's a lot you can do with just a hearing aid and your smartphone. Hearing aid functionality has evolved in leaps and bounds over the years, owing at least in part to smartphone apps. What do hearing aid apps do? These apps provide a range of functionality, including: 

• Directly connecting the user with an audiologist

• Configuring preset sound profiles for different environments

• Controlling hearing aid volume

• Sound amplification for ordinary headphones/earbuds

• Monitoring battery life

• Configuring smart home connectivity

As you might expect, whether you are using Android or iOS, you have nearly as many options for hearing aid applications as you do for smart hearing aids. That is why we have compiled a list of some of the best apps that you should check out. Note that many of these hearing aid apps are designed to be paired with a specific manufacturer's hearing aids. 

myPhonak

Available on: Android, iOS

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Select Phonak hearing aids

Billing itself as a powerful remote control for your hearing aids, myPhonak lets you adjust everything from volume to noise reduction to microphone direction. Hearing aids can also be adjusted in real time by a Phonak support professional. Other features that you may be interested in include: 

• Custom hearing programs

• Auto On 

• Tap control configuration

• Hearing tasks to assist with acclimatization to new hearing aids

   

ReSound

Available on: Android, iOS

Cost: Free

Compatibility: ReSound ONE, LINX Quattro, LINX D, ENZO 3D, ENZO Q, or Key

There are two things that distinguish ReSound from the other apps we have discussed so far. First, it comes with a built-in sound generator to help with tinnitus management. It is also designed so that all functionality is available directly from the home screen, with no need for additional menus.

You can also use the app to adjust the volume of ReSound accessories, locate your hearing aid, and set location-specific custom profiles. 

Oticon ON

Available on: Android, iOS

Cost: Free, but requires an Oticon account and an If This Then That account. 

Compatibility: Any Bluetooth-capable Oticon Hearing Aid

Oticon ON's claim to fame involves the Internet of Things. All the standard functionality you would expect is there, including the capacity to fine-tune your volume controls. However, Oticon ON sets itself apart in its ability to pair and manage multiple wireless accessories and even connect your hearing aid to the Internet of Things. 

Oticon ON is also compatible with Oticon's other app, HearingFitness, which is effectively a fitness tracker for your ears.

Signia

Available on: Android, iOS

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Most Signia hearing aids

In addition to comprehensive remote control capability and battery life monitoring, Signia's app also supports users of its hearing aids with the Signia Assistant. Billed by Signia as the world's first deep neural network for hearing aids, the Assistant helps both audiologists and patients ensure a better overall experience. The app is also capable of scheduling online appointments with hearing care experts. 

Signia's app is also one of many solutions to feature a new Mask Mode, which makes it easier to hear people wearing face masks. 

Starkey Thrive

Available on:  Android, iOS

Cost: Free to download, in-app purchases

Compatibility: Starkey Livio hearing aids

Much like Signia, Starkey's Thrive Hearing Control app provides much more than remote volume control. Supported by Starkey's own AI assistant, Thrive Hearing Control provides features such as activity tracking, translate/transcribe, and mask mode. It also allows you to geotag locations so that your hearing aid automatically adjusts its settings. 

The above list is by no means comprehensive. There are many other excellent hearing aid apps ― and smart hearing aids to go with them. That said, if you are looking into a new hearing aid yourself, hopefully, this is enough to get you started. Browse our vast collection of hearing aids from top brands available in the market today. You can also use our hearing aid comparison tool to help you choose the right hearing aids to fit your needs and lifestyle.