Hearing aids and smartphone compatibility

Before you choose your next smartphone, it might be worth having a quick chat with Audiology South. You might wonder why on earth Audiology South would need to be involved in your mobile phone purchase. Well, let's dive into why a simple check-in with us could save you a lot of frustration down the road!

1. Smartphones and hearing aids: compatibility is key
   In today’s world, our smartphones are more than just devices for calling and texting—they're practically a lifeline for managing our hearing aids! Most hearing aids have Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to connect directly to your phone for calls, music, and even controlling your hearing aids through special apps. But here’s the thing: not all phones are created equal when it comes to this kind of tech.
   
   Different phone models may have varying levels of Bluetooth compatibility, and some might not be compatible with your hearing aids at all. It’s not just about whether your hearing aids are “Bluetooth-enabled”—it’s about whether your new phone will be able to pair with them smoothly. Audiology South can help guide you on what models will work best with your specific hearing aid system, making sure you don’t run into any frustrating connection issues.

2. Operating system updates and hearing aid apps
   When you switch phones, you’re also switching to a new operating system. Whether you're moving from Android to iOS or vice versa, or even just updating your current phone, this can have a direct impact on how well your hearing aid’s app functions. Apps are constantly updated to keep up with new features which is important to keep on-top of. 
   
   Audiology South can help make sure your hearing aid app is working smoothly with your new phone, and they can troubleshoot any issues you encounter during the transition. They may even have insights into which phone settings or app settings need tweaking to get everything running perfectly.

3. Sound quality and performance
   If you rely on your phone for listening to music, podcasts, or even taking calls, you’re probably also relying on it for sound quality. But here's a fact: Not every phone delivers the same sound quality, and certain models may not mesh well with hearing aids or assistive listening devices. Audiology South can offer advice on which phone models are likely to provide the best sound performance, especially if you like to stream audio directly to your hearing aids.

   Our team are also experts in fine-tuning your hearing aid settings, so they can make adjustments that complement the sound profile of your new phone. Whether it’s adjusting for background noise or enhancing specific frequencies, they’ve got the expertise to optimise your listening experience.

4. Volume control and accessibility features
   Switching to a new phone often means getting used to a new set of features and settings. Some smartphones come with accessibility features specifically designed for people with hearing loss, but not all of these features are immediately obvious. Audiology South can help you navigate these settings and ensure that your new phone has the right volume control, speech-to-text functionality, and other accessibility features that enhance your daily life.
   
   If you’re someone who uses your phone to make captions available in calls or prefers a certain volume adjustment, the Audiology South team can provide tips on how to optimise these features. Sometimes, a simple change in settings can make all the difference in how well you hear on your new device.

5. Prevention of frustration and headaches
   The last thing you want is to spend hours trying to set up your new phone only to run into frustrating compatibility issues, poor sound quality, or missed calls because your hearing aids aren’t syncing. Checking in with Audiology South before you make the change ensures you’re starting off on the right foot and avoids that "what now?" moment.
   
   Plus, if something goes wrong, Audiology South are there to help troubleshoot and make sure you're back up and running in no time.

Upgrading to a new smartphone is always an exciting experience, but if you rely on hearing aids or other assistive listening devices, it’s important to make sure your new phone is a good fit for your needs. A quick consultation with Audiology South can help ensure compatibility, optimise your sound experience, and make sure you’re getting the most out of your new tech. It’s a small step that can save you a lot of headaches and enhance your everyday phone use.