If you have Bluetooth hearing aids, you know how easy it is to make and answer calls and listen to your favorite shows, movies and music. This technology conveniently streams audio right to your hearing aids, so you have more control over your listening environment.
But what do you do if you lose connectivity or can’t pair your hearing aids to a smart device? Here are some tips to help you properly connect hearing aids to Bluetooth devices.
How to Connect Hearing Aids to Bluetooth
Here’s a step-by-step guide for connecting your hearing aids iOS and Android devices.
iOS:
- To put your hearing aids in pairing mode, open the battery compartment or, if you have rechargeable devices, put them on the charger for five to 10 seconds.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, select the Bluetooth option, and make sure the slider is switched on.
- In Settings, select the Accessibility tab and scroll down to the Hearing Devices section. Turn on the Hearing Aid Compatibility slider.
- Your hearing aid’s wireless connection should appear under the “MFi Hearing Devices” section.
- Select your devices for pairing. A checkmark should appear after completion.
Android:
- Put your hearing aids in pairing mode by opening the battery compartment. If you have rechargeable devices, place them on the charger for five to ten seconds.
- On your Android phone or smart device, tap the blue gear icon on the home screen to open your Settings app.
- Scroll to the Connected Devices section, then select “Pair new device.”
- Your hearing aids should appear on the list of available devices. If you have two hearing aids, you will need to connect one at a time.
- A beep will sound once the Bluetooth connection is complete.
Trouble Connecting to an App
Most major hearing aid manufacturers have apps that allow you to adjust your settings. You’ll need to be close to your smart device when pairing your hearing aids to an app.
Here are some steps to take if you’re struggling to connect:
- Turn off your hearing aids for a few seconds. Then, turn them on and try to reconnect. You may also need to turn the paired device on and off as well.
- Check your app settings to ensure you have the most recent version. Updates can cause problems with connectivity.
- Try unpairing and re-pairing your hearing aids to your device. You can delete or “forget” a Bluetooth connection on your phone or tablet and disconnect from a specific app, too.
Apps for Bluetooth Hearing Aids
If you don’t have the app yet, don’t worry! Below are the links to apps from various manufacturers for you to download to your iOS or Android device and to start connecting your hearing aids to Bluetooth.
iOS:
Android:
Audio Will Only Stream in One Ear
Bluetooth connections are sensitive to body movement and proximity to the source. One of your hearing aids may disconnect from your smart device if you’ve moved out of its wireless range.
- Reboot your affected hearing aid by turning it off for a few seconds then switching it back on.
- Disconnect and reconnect to the Bluetooth device or try restarting completely.
Bluetooth Interference or Feedback
Standing too close to a Wi-Fi router or other internet connection affects your hearing aid’s Bluetooth connection to smart devices. Low batteries also cause wireless connections to fade.
Move away from possible sources of interference, and be sure you have a fresh set of batteries or a complete charge before you try to re-pair your hearing aids.
Resources for Connecting Hearing Aids to Bluetooth
If your iPhone or Android mobile phone has lost connection to your hearing aids, you may contact the manufacturer’s consumer technical support line directly for assistance in reconnecting. Online Bluetooth support resources and contact phone numbers are listed below by manufacturer.
Oticon
1-855-400-9766
https://www.oticon.com/support/how-to/connect-to-wireless-accessories
Phonak
1-800-679-4871
https://www.phonak.com/us/en/support/bluetooth.html
ReSound
1-888-735-4327
https://www.resound.com/en-us/help/apps/smart
Signia/Siemens
1-800-350-6093
https://www.signiausa.com/signia-hearing-aids/apps-and-accessories/pair-center/
Starkey
1-888-481-5512
https://www.starkey.com/support
Unitron
1-866-230-0115
https://www.unitron.com/us/en_us/help-and-support.html?tabItem=consumers
Widex
1-844-497-8844
https://www.widex.com/en-us/support
The expert staff at Hearing Associates will walk you through pairing your Bluetooth hearing aids, so you can enjoy wireless connectivity. Call 888-760-2032 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.