Android Compatible Hearing Aids from OnlineHearing

In the age of smartphones and smart homes, it should come as no surprise that even hearing aids can be smart. The newest hearing aids connect to the user's phone, enabling them to directly listen to content on the device with ease. These hearing aids may be compatible with Android or iOS, or both.

Hearing aid technology has been compatible with iPhones for several years, but Google's development of native hearing aid support means that people who use Android smartphones now have the option of compatible hearing aids without needing an intermediary device as well. Google calls this Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids or ASHA. Manufacturers can reference the specifications published by Google to ensure that hearing aids are compatible with Android smartphones. The first directly compatible hearing aids announced were the Linx Quattro and Belton Amaze hearing aids.

This is all thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, which has previously been used to share files and data or control devices remotely and now connects wireless headphones to smartphones and other devices. Android compatible hearing aids connect to a smartphone in the same way as Bluetooth headphones.

Benefits of Smart Hearing Aids

A compatible hearing aid provides functions such as streaming calls directly to the hearing aid and playing audio from media or GPS apps. However, smart hearing aids offer convenience for those who suffer from hearing loss even when content isn't on their phones.

For example, some compatible hearing aids allow the user to connect to TV streamers, remote microphones, and other accessories. And modern hearing aids have apps that can adjust the left and right hearing aid individually, find a lost hearing aid, check the battery level, and switch between programs or memories offered by the provider.

Additionally, some third-party apps can interface with the hearing aid to provide closed captioning for phone calls, play audio from live television, and notify wearers to doorbells, alarms, and other alerts.

While not every hearing aid has all of these functions and compatibility with third-party apps isn't a guarantee, smartphones expand the function of hearing aids exponentially.

Android Compatible Hearing Aids

The following hearing aid manufacturers offer Android-compatible hearing aids:

• TruHearing Flyte
• Oticon
• Phonak
• ReSound
• Beltone
• Starkey
• Widex

Hearing aid wearers should consider which features they would like when purchasing an Android compatible hearing aid. Consumers should also check that the hearing aids they want to use are compatible with their phone operating system as well as Bluetooth version. Older phones, for instance, may not be compatible with newer hearing aids. A little research prepares that consumers get the most bang for their buck.

At OnlineHearing, we offer an impressive variety of Phonak hearing aids that are compatible with Android phones as well as other devices that use the Android platform. These sleek hearing aids offer high quality and ease of use, and many are compatible with iPhone products as well as with Android devices.

Contact us if you have any questions about which is right for you, or if you need compatibility information. We’re here to help you get the best hearing aid for your needs.