Can I Control My Hearing Aids with a Mobile App?

As our world becomes more interconnected and digitally oriented, a myriad of daily tasks and routine actions are being enhanced and simplified through mobile technology. It may come as a surprise to some, but the sphere of hearing aids is no exception. The core of this modern advancement is the ability to manage auditory assistance devices, specifically, through a smartphone application. This offers an unprecedented level of convenience and customizability for individuals with auditory impairment.

Control and Personalization

The fusion of this assistive technology with mobile apps brings a significant degree of control and personalization to users. The key idea behind this integration is the transformation of a smartphone into a remote control. With a few taps on a screen, you can adjust the settings of your device according to your specific needs, preferences, and environments.

The Jabra Enhance hearing aids models, for example, can be paired with iPhones via Bluetooth using the Jabra Enhance app.

Volume Control

Today's hearing aid technology can encompass various functionalities, and users can explore these in depth through mobile applications. A simple yet essential feature is volume control. Traditional volume controls on auditory devices can be challenging to manipulate, especially for those with dexterity issues. Having the ability to adjust the volume through a mobile app can be quite convenient. In addition, these apps often have features to adjust the balance of volume between devices if the user is using two of them.

One good example is the MDHearing app, which was developed for selected MDHearing aid models.

This app is capable of controlling the volume for the left and right earbuds, separately or both.

Personalized Sound Settings

Another critical feature is the ability to personalize sound settings. Mobile applications allow for the creation of personalized listening environments. The user can adjust the following to create the ideal listening experience:

• Bass
• Treble
• Other sound qualities

And the great thing about these settings is that you can set them for various environments like a noisy restaurant, quiet library, or a concert.

Smartphone Functions Integration

In addition, applications can also integrate with other functions of the smartphone. For example, streaming audio directly from the phone to the auditory assistance device. Whether it's music, an audiobook, a phone call, or even directions from a GPS app, the audio can be directly streamed for a clear, uninterrupted auditory experience.

Geo-Tagging

Geo-tagging is another exciting feature offered by some apps. With this, users can save their preferred settings for specific locations. The app uses the phone's GPS to identify the location, and automatically adjusts the settings when the user arrives there. This feature can be particularly useful for places frequently visited, such as home, work, or a favorite café.

Find My Device

One more remarkable feature of these apps is the 'Find My Device' functionality. If the user misplaces the auditory assistance device, the app can help locate it. Some apps even provide the last known location of the device.

Sounds familiar?

This actually works the same as the Find My Device feature of the iPhone that will help users in finding their device when they lost or misplaced it.

Compatibility Matters

Though these applications are highly useful, the implementation comes with a few considerations. One is compatibility. Not all smartphones can work with all auditory assistance devices, so it's crucial to verify that your device and phone are compatible before purchasing. Another consideration is ease of use. The application interface should be easy to navigate, especially for older adults who may be less tech-savvy. A well-designed app can be instrumental in maximizing the benefits of this integration.

Let's give an example. The Oticon app has 2 different versions: the Companion and ON, but both are compatible with a wide range of Oticon hearing aids models but with specific firmware versions:

Substantial Benefits

The marriage of mobile applications and heading aid technology is revolutionizing the way we manage auditory health. The convenience, personalization, and advanced features these apps offer significantly improve the user experience. While there are a few considerations to be mindful of, the benefits are substantial, providing users with an unprecedented level of control over their auditory experience. Indeed, the future of auditory assistance is here, and it's smarter and more personalized than ever before.