Will my hearing aids work with my phone?
Most modern Bluetooth hearing aids work with iPhones and with many recent Android phones, but how well they work depends on the type of Bluetooth the hearing aid uses and on your phone model. Before you buy, check that the exact hearing aid model supports your exact phone — and bring your phone to your hearing aid trial so we can pair and test it with you.
Older or very basic hearing aids without Bluetooth can still be used on the phone by holding the phone near the hearing aid’s microphone.
What types of Bluetooth do hearing aids use?
Hearing aids use one or more of four Bluetooth connection types:
| Connection type | Works with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Made for iPhone (MFi) | iPhone and iPad | Calls and music stream directly; controls are built into iPhone settings. |
| ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids) | Many Android phones from Android 10 onwards | The phone itself must support ASHA — not every Android phone does. |
| Universal (classic) Bluetooth | Almost any Bluetooth phone, iPhone or Android, and many other devices | Used by Phonak and Unitron hearing aids. Allows hands-free calls. |
| Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast | Newer phones, TVs and public broadcasts | The newest standard; support in phones and hearing aids is still growing. |
A hearing aid may support more than one of these. Your audiologist will tell you which ones your shortlisted models use.
Can I take phone calls hands-free with hearing aids?
Yes, with many Bluetooth hearing aids you can take calls hands-free: the caller’s voice streams into both hearing aids and the hearing aids’ microphones pick up your voice, so the phone can stay in your pocket. Hearing aids using universal Bluetooth have offered this for several years; on other models it depends on the hearing aid and phone combination. Ask us to demonstrate it during your trial.
Will hearing aids work with my Android phone?
Hearing aids will work with your Android phone if the phone supports ASHA or LE Audio and the hearing aid does too, or if the hearing aid uses universal Bluetooth. Some low-cost Android phones do not support ASHA. If your phone does not, choose a hearing aid with universal Bluetooth, or use a small streaming accessory that connects the phone to the hearing aids.
Do I need a smartphone to use hearing aids?
No. You do not need a smartphone to use hearing aids. Hearing aids work on their own; the phone only adds extras such as streaming calls and music and adjusting the volume from an app. Many hearing aids also have a button on the hearing aid itself, or a small remote control.
What can a hearing aid app do?
A hearing aid app lets you adjust volume, change listening programmes, check the battery level and, on many models, receive remote fine-tuning from your audiologist without visiting the clinic. Each brand has its own app — for example myPhonak for Phonak, the Signia app for Signia and ReSound Smart 3D for ReSound. Apps are free.
Can I watch TV through my hearing aids?
Yes. You can stream TV sound directly into your hearing aids using a small TV connector (TV streamer) from the same brand as your hearing aids, connected to the TV. The TV volume for everyone else stays normal. Newer TVs with Auracast may in future connect directly.
Does streaming drain the hearing aid battery faster?
Yes. Streaming calls, music or TV uses more power than normal listening. Rechargeable hearing aids usually still last a full day with a few hours of streaming; heavy streamers may need a quick top-up charge. Battery hearing aids need battery changes more often if you stream a lot.
How do I check if a hearing aid will work with my phone?
To check if a hearing aid will work with your phone:
- Note your phone’s exact model and software version (Settings → About phone).
- Check the hearing aid maker’s compatibility list — every major brand publishes one on its website.
- Test it during your trial. At Fairfield we pair the hearing aids with your phone, make a test call and set up the app with you.
See our Bluetooth hearing aids page and the price list for models with Bluetooth, or book a free hearing test to try them.
