5 best hearing aid apps for 2022 Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe 5 of the best hearing apps for smartphonesMedically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP — By Suzy Davenport — Updated on April 13, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Hearing aid apps offer a convenient way for people to adjust their Bluetooth hearing aid settings and receive advice and support from manufacturers. Some hearing aid apps may even help amplify sound without the need for hearing aids. Share on Pinterest A quick look at the 5 best hearing aid appsBest for MDHearing CORE hearing aids: MDHearing Test and Hearing AidBest for Signia hearing aids Signia appBest for Starkey Livio hearing aids Starkey Thrive Hearing ControlBest for ReSound hearing aids ReSound SmartBest for Oticon hearing aids Oticon ONThis article discusses what hearing aid apps are, who may benefit from them, a list of these apps, and why hearing is important to health. List of products There are several hearing aid apps that individuals can use with their hearing aids. The following table provides a direct comparison between the hearing aids in this article.MDHearing Hearing Test and Hearing AidSignia appStarkey Thrive Hearing ControlReSound SmartOticon ONCompatible hearing aidsMDHearing CORESignia hearing aidsStarkey LivioReSound hearing aidsOticon hearing aidsPlatformsiOS and AndroidiOS and AndroidiOS and AndroidiOS and AndroidiOS and AndroidFeatures• free hearing test• easy-to-read format• tutorials• “find my device”• manage programs• manage audio• battery life status• automatic profile adjustment• mask mode• audio-streaming•tinnitus management• battery life status• sound enhancer adjustments• tinnitus relief•HearingFitness feature• “find my device”Pricefreefreefreefreefree Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for MDHearingAid CORE hearing aids MDHearing Hearing Test and Hearing Aid MDHearing provides nonprescription hearing aids that a person can purchase via its website. Learn more about MDHearing hearing aids here. The company offers a hearing aid app, but it is only compatible with its MdHearingAid CORE product. The app is compatible with iOS version 10 and above and Android devices with version 5 or higher. MDHearing states its app is suitable for everyone, with large text and a simple layout. There is also a tutorial section and a tool that allows a person to set personal hearing goals. This app is free to download and does not require a subscription. Other features of the MDHearing app include:free hearing testcustomizable programs for each earvolume controllistening program controlbattery level monitorremote assistance from specialiststutorial section“find my device” featureLEARN MORE Best for Signia hearing aids Signia app The Signia app is compatible with most of the company’s hearing aid devices. It is compatible with Android version 7 and higher and iOS version 11 and above. Learn more about Signia hearing aids here. The app features a Signia Assistant, which offers 24/7 support, answers common questions from users, and helps personalize settings. The Signia app is free to download and use. Other features of this app include: mask modeprogram and volume controlsound balance adjustmentbattery life statusmanaging audio streaming accessoriesvirtual appointments or texts with hearing care professionalshearing lessonsadjust tinnitus therapy signaladjust directionality of the microphoneLEARN MORE Best for Starkey Livio hearing aids Starkey Thrive Hearing Control Starkey features several apps, but its Thrive app reportedly has the most features. It is compatible with Starkey’s Livio range of hearing aids and can run on iOS 14 or higher and Android version 7 and above. Learn more about Starkey hearing aids here. Starkey states that this free app is easy to set up, use, and navigate. Features of the Starkey Thrive Hearing Control app include:volume controlsallowing users to switch between memories and programsgeotagging places, so devices automatically adjust their settings depending on locationThrive Assistant to help answer questionsmask mode to help understand those wearing masksautomatically sending fall detection alerts to a nominated contactreminderslanguage translation featuretranscription featurefind my device featureLEARN MORE Best for ReSound hearing aids ReSound Smart The Smart app by ReSound is free to download and compatible with six of ReSound’s hearing aids. Apple devices must be running on iOS 12 or later, while Android devices must be on version 8 or above. Learn more about ReSound hearing aids here. ReSound states that everything a person needs on the app is accessible via the home screen for quick and more user-friendly functioning. Other features of the ReSound Smart app include:program controlvolume control, including a mute optionsound enhancer adjustmentspersonalized settings and programsbattery life monitoringtinnitus managementsaving settings for specific locationsfind my hearing aids featureaudio streamingsupport from hearing care professionalsLEARN MORE Best for Oticon hearing aids Oticon ON Oticon’s ON app is compatible with all of the company’s Bluetooth hearing aid devices. It is available on iOS version 13 and higher and Android devices running version 8 and higher. To use this app, a person needs to create an account with Oticon and create an “If This Then That” account, which provides a third-party service that Oticon uses within the app. This app is free to download and use. Other features of the Oticon ON app include:volume and program controlaudio-streaming and streaming equalizerfind my device featureHearingFitness feature, which measures daily hearing aid usage and creates personalized goalslow battery notificationtinnitus relief featureLEARN MORE What are hearing aid apps Hearing aid apps usually connect with a range of smart devices via Bluetooth to allow individuals to control hearing aid features such as volume and sound profile programs. A person who uses a hearing aid may use different programs when they are in different environments, such as a quiet room or a stadium. Apps can also indicate to a person the battery life of the hearing aids. As the hearing aid devices usually connect to the app via Bluetooth, the apps can also connect directly to compatible devices such as televisions, computers, and phones. People can also use some apps to contact a hearing care professional directly. Other hearing aid apps, such as amplifier apps, may help individuals who believe they have a form of hearing loss. A person can use their earphones or headphones with these apps to pick up and amplify sounds. However, people should not use these apps as a replacement for hearing aids. Amplifiers make noises louder, while audiologists program hearing aids to suit each individual. Amplifiers may be more suitable for those who require louder noises during recreational activities, such as birdwatching. Apple products also have hearing accessibility features, having worked with hearing aid manufacturers to create Made for iPhone hearing aids. They may also include a feature where individuals upload their audiograms or undergo a series of hearing tests to turn certain headphones into hearing aids. People can download hearing aid apps directly from Google Play or the App Store. The app will provide instructions on connecting any compatible devices and setting the app up for use. Who may benefit from hearing aid apps A hearing aid user with a compatible smartphone may benefit from these apps, as they can use them to adjust hearing aid volume and other settings. Additionally, apps can allow people to use their hearing aid as phone receivers, while others can amend hearing programs through the app. However, if a hearing aid user does not have a smartphone, they will not be able to use a hearing aid app. Additionally, many apps require a particular smartphone software version, meaning certain older smartphone models are not compatible with some apps. Hearing and health The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that over 5% of the world’s population is affected by disabling hearing loss. Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound and can be present in one ear or both. Research shows that adults with hearing loss may experience social isolation, depression, difficulties forming relationships with other people, and restricted career choices. With this in mind, it is vital to protect hearing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend people take the following measure to reduce the risk of hearing loss:avoiding noisy placesusing protective hearing devices when in loud environmentskeeping the volume down when listening through earbuds or headphoneshaving regular check-ups with a doctor Individuals should consult a doctor for hearing loss if they experience the following symptoms:having difficulty hearing over the phonefinding it difficult to follow conversations when two or more people are talkinghaving to ask people to repeat what they are sayingneeding to turn up the TV to a higher volume than normalfinding it difficult to hear if there is background noisehearing another person’s speech as a mumbleringing in the earsexperiencing hypersensitivity to sound If a person does have hearing loss, there are various hearing aid devices available that are suitable for most levels and types of hearing loss. Learn more about the different types of hearing aids here. Summary Various hearing aid apps are available to download on a person’s smartphone. Most hearing aid suppliers have their own versions of apps that are compatible with their hearing aid devices. Features on hearing aid apps vary, so a person may wish to consider all brands and features before purchasing a hearing aid device. Please note: Medical News Today does not imply warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any of these applications. These apps have not been evaluated for medical accuracy by Medical News Today. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them unless otherwise indicated. Last medically reviewed on May 9, 2021Uncategorized 3 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Davis, A. C., et al. (2019). Hearing loss: Rising prevalence and impact.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6796666Deafness and hearing loss. (2021).https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-lossHearing loss: A common problem for older adults. (2018).https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adultsFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP — By Suzy Davenport — Updated on April 13, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageTypes of hearing aids: What to knowMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT There are many different types of hearing aids, including digital, analog, behind-the-ear, in-ear, and more. Learn more about the types of hearing…READ MOREMDHearingAid review: What to knowMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI MDHearingAid get mostly positive reviews online. Learn about MDHearingAid, including the products they offer, and the link between hearing aids and…READ MORESignia hearing aids: Services, products, and availabilityMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Signia offer a range of hearing aids in the U.S. They also offer accessories and apps to use with their products. Learn more about Signia hearing aids…READ MOREStarkey hearing aids: What to knowMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI Starkey is a hearing aid brand that offers a range of products and services. Learn about Starkey's reputation, products, alternatives, and more here.READ MOREWhat to know about ReSound hearing aidsMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI ReSound sells a variety of hearing aids, some of which have technological enhancement. Here, learn about the options, how to make an order, and…READ MORE