Most hearing aids connect to iPhones through Bluetooth, but the exact steps depend on your hearing aid model and iOS version
Your iPhone can pair with most modern hearing aids the same way it pairs with any Bluetooth device — through the Settings app. The process usually takes a few minutes and only needs to happen once. After that, your hearing aids will reconnect automatically when you turn them on near your phone.
Some hearing aids also come with their own app, which lets you adjust volume and settings directly from your phone. This is separate from the Bluetooth pairing itself. You can use your hearing aids without the app, but the app gives you more control.
The exact steps vary slightly depending on whether your hearing aids are made by ReSound, Phonak, Oticon, Widex, Signia, or another manufacturer. We'll walk through the general process first, then cover what's different for the major brands.
Key Takeaways
- Hearing aids connect to iPhones through Bluetooth in the Settings app under Accessibility, not under regular Bluetooth settings.
- You'll need to put your hearing aids into pairing mode first, which usually means holding a button on the device or using the manufacturer's app.
- After pairing once, your hearing aids will reconnect automatically whenever they're near your iPhone and turned on.
- Many hearing aid manufacturers offer their own apps that let you adjust volume and settings from your phone, separate from the basic Bluetooth connection.
- If your hearing aids won't pair, restart both devices, check that Bluetooth is on, and make sure your iOS version is current.
How to pair hearing aids through iPhone Settings
Open Settings on your iPhone and go to Accessibility. Scroll down and tap Hearing Devices. Your phone will start searching for nearby devices in pairing mode.
At the same time, put your hearing aids into pairing mode. For most models, this means holding down the button on the hearing aid itself for three to five seconds until you see a light flash or hear a tone. Some hearing aids enter pairing mode automatically when you first turn them on. Check your hearing aid manual or the manufacturer's website if you're not sure which button to hold.
Once your hearing aids are in pairing mode, your iPhone should detect them within a few seconds. Tap the name of your hearing aids when they appear on the screen. Your phone will ask you to confirm the pairing. Tap Pair, and you're done. Your hearing aids should now show as connected in the Hearing Devices menu.
Using manufacturer apps for more control
ReSound, Phonak, Oticon, Widex, and Signia all offer free apps that let you adjust volume, switch programs, and change other settings without touching your hearing aids. These apps are separate from the Bluetooth pairing — you can use your hearing aids without the app, but the app gives you more options.
Download the app for your hearing aid brand from the App Store. Open it and sign in or create an account if required. The app will guide you through connecting to your hearing aids. In most cases, you'll need to pair your hearing aids through the app the same way you did in Settings — by putting them in pairing mode and selecting them from a list.
Once the app is set up, you can adjust volume by swiping up or down on the screen, switch between different listening programs (like one for quiet environments and one for noisy restaurants), and sometimes adjust bass and treble. The app also shows your hearing aid battery level, which is useful for knowing when to charge or replace batteries.
Pairing steps for specific hearing aid brands
ReSound: Download the ReSound Smart app. Put your hearing aids in pairing mode by holding the button on the device for three seconds. Open the app, tap Add New Hearing Aids, and select your model. The app will find your hearing aids and pair them automatically.
Phonak: Download the Phonak app. Make sure Bluetooth is on in your iPhone Settings. Open the Phonak app and tap the plus icon to add new hearing aids. Put your hearing aids in pairing mode by holding the button for five seconds. The app will detect them and complete the pairing.
Oticon: Download the Oticon ON app. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices on your iPhone first and pair your hearing aids there. Then open the Oticon ON app, and it will recognize the devices you've already paired. You can also pair directly through the app by tapping the plus icon and following the prompts.
Widex: Download the Widex SmartRx app. Put your hearing aids in pairing mode by holding the button for three to four seconds. Open the app and tap the plus icon. Select your hearing aid model and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will complete the pairing.
Signia: Download the Signia app. Put your hearing aids in pairing mode by holding the button for five seconds. Open the Signia app and tap the plus icon to add new hearing aids. Select your model and follow the prompts to complete pairing.
What to do if your hearing aids won't pair
If your hearing aids don't appear when you search for them, restart both your iPhone and your hearing aids. Turn off your hearing aids completely, wait ten seconds, and turn them back on. Then go back to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices and search again.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your iPhone Settings. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and check that the toggle is green. Also check that your iOS version is current — go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. Older iOS versions sometimes have trouble pairing with newer hearing aids.
If you're using a manufacturer app, try pairing through the app instead of through Settings. Some hearing aids pair more reliably through their own app. If that doesn't work, uninstall the app, restart your phone, and reinstall it.
If your hearing aids still won't pair after trying these steps, contact your hearing aid manufacturer's support line. They can walk you through troubleshooting specific to your model. You can usually find the support number on the manufacturer's website or in the paperwork that came with your hearing aids.
How to reconnect after disconnecting
Once you've paired your hearing aids, they'll reconnect automatically whenever you turn them on near your iPhone. You don't need to do anything — just turn on your hearing aids and they'll find your phone.
If you want to disconnect your hearing aids from your iPhone temporarily, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices, tap the name of your hearing aids, and tap Forget. This removes them from your phone's memory. To reconnect later, you'll need to pair them again by putting them in pairing mode and going through the pairing process a second time.
You can also turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone to disconnect without forgetting the devices. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it off. Your hearing aids will stay paired in your phone's memory, so they'll reconnect as soon as you turn Bluetooth back on.
Using hearing aids with phone calls and audio
Once your hearing aids are paired, phone calls and audio from your iPhone will play directly through them. When someone calls, you'll hear the ringtone in your hearing aids, and the call will come through them instead of your phone's speaker. You can adjust the volume using the volume buttons on your iPhone or through the manufacturer's app.
Music, podcasts, and videos will also play through your hearing aids. If you want to switch back to your phone's speaker, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices and toggle off the option to stream audio. You can also use the Control Center — swipe down from the top of your screen and look for an audio or hearing device option to switch between your hearing aids and your phone's speaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the manufacturer's app to use my hearing aids with my iPhone?
No. Your hearing aids will work with your iPhone through basic Bluetooth pairing in Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices. The manufacturer's app is optional and gives you extra features like adjusting volume and switching programs from your phone. You can use your hearing aids without it.
Will my hearing aids drain my iPhone battery faster?
Hearing aids use very little Bluetooth power, so the impact on your iPhone battery is minimal — usually less than 5 percent per day. If you notice significant battery drain, restart both devices and check that you're running the latest iOS version.
Can I pair my hearing aids to multiple iPhones?
Yes. Most hearing aids can pair with multiple devices. Pair them to each iPhone the same way you paired the first one. Your hearing aids will remember all the devices and will connect to whichever one is closest when you turn them on.
What if my hearing aids are older and don't have Bluetooth?
Older hearing aids without built-in Bluetooth won't pair directly with your iPhone. Some manufacturers sell separate Bluetooth streamers that clip to your clothing and relay audio from your phone to your hearing aids. Ask your hearing aid provider whether a streamer is available for your model.
How do I know if my hearing aids are in pairing mode?
Most hearing aids show they're in pairing mode by flashing a light or playing a tone. Some have a small LED that blinks blue or green. Check your hearing aid manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model. If you're not sure, hold the button for five seconds and watch for a light or listen for a sound.