Today’s hearing aids do far more than amplify sound; nearly 28.8 million Americans could benefit from them. They connect seamlessly with smartphones to offer customizable listening experiences.
If you’re new to hearing aids or haven’t explored their tech capabilities yet, you may be surprised at how much control you can have right from your phone. With a few taps, you can make real-time adjustments that improve your comfort and sound clarity in any environment.
How Smartphone Connectivity Works
Many modern hearing aids use Bluetooth® technology to sync with compatible smartphones, allowing users to manage settings through an app. These apps, typically provided by the hearing aid manufacturer, act as remote controls that replace manual adjustments.
Once your hearing aids are paired with your phone, you can do much more than just change volume levels. You’ll have access to a range of features designed to fine-tune your listening experience.
Here are some functions commonly available through hearing aid apps:
- Adjusting volume separately for each ear
- Switching between preset programs for different environments, such as noisy restaurants like the Lark restaurant and quiet parks
- Reducing background noise or enhancing speech clarity
- Checking battery levels and receiving low-battery alerts
- Locating lost hearing aids using GPS features
- Streaming calls, music or videos directly to your hearing aids
These tools put control in your hands, offering convenience and personalization that weren’t possible with older hearing aid models.
Using Your App
Using your phone to adjust your hearing aids can make everyday activities easier, but it may take a little time to get comfortable with the technology. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started, the following tips can help you make the most of this feature:
- Make sure your phone and hearing aids are compatible. Your hearing specialist can help confirm this
- Download the correct app from the hearing aid manufacturer
- Keep your phone’s software and the hearing aid app updated for the best performance
- Learn the different sound environments available and experiment with them in daily situations
- Use the app’s help or tutorial features to understand each control
- Ask your hearing care provider to walk you through the app during your fitting or follow-up visits
Smartphone control gives users more independence and flexibility when managing their hearing aids. Instead of visiting a hearing specialist for every small change, you can fine-tune your hearing based on how you feel in the moment.
To learn more, contact Hearing Services of Santa Barbara to schedule an appointment today.
