The perfect couple: Your hearing aid and smartphone

Every day, everywhere you go, you carry around a hi-def camera, a TV, a radio, a computer, an entire library, and a telephone, all at once. Yes – your smartphone is an incredible feat of technology.

If you suffer from hearing loss, a smartphone combined with a hearing aid can transform your world. Maybe you’ve started to turn up the radio in the car, or you’re now relying on subtitles to enjoy your favourite TV programme. Hearing aids are smarter than ever before.

Hearing aids that are even better with a smartphone

Oticon Opn

The world’s first internet-connected hearing aid – so you won’t be surprised to learn that it connects to your smartphone. Read more about the Oticon Opn.

ReSound LiNX2

ReSound created the first ‘Made for iPhone’ hearing aid, so they know what they’re talking about when it comes to smartphone connectivity. Read more about the ReSound LiNX2.

Mobile connectivity

So why all the fuss about linking your hearing aid to a smartphone? Let’s take Oticon Opn hearing aids as an example: Oticon ON app lets you access a world of entertainment at the touch of a button. You can stream audio from one compatible device directly into your ear, at the volume that’s right for you.

From TV to radio and even in the car, you have control. And it lets you adjust settings without having to faff about with fiddly buttons and switches on your hearing aid.

Hearing aids for iPhone and Android

Not having an iPhone doesn’t mean you’re missing out on the era of mobile connectivity either. There are many other devices on the market, including Phonak’s Audeo B-Direct, which are compatible with Android smartphones like Samsung’s Galaxy series.

How hearing aids and smartphones talk to each other

Perhaps the only technology to be named after a Norse king, Bluetooth is a form of wireless connection – think of it like a short-range, less energy intensive version of Wi-Fi. Hearing aids with Bluetooth can connect to your smartphone and other personal devices.

This is because it creates a personalised listening experience. The audio can be streamed straight to your ears and can match the personal settings of your hearing aids. And if you’re a music buff you can transform your hearing aids into your very own wireless earphones.

You can even decide whether you want to stream audio to just one hearing aid or both.

Hearing care

If you’d like more information on the type of hearing aid that’s right for you, or you’d like to book a free hearing assessment, then talk to our friendly team of Leightons experts on 0800 40 20 20. You can also pop into your nearest Leightons branch or book an appointment online.