Why App Updates Matter for Hearing Aids
Hearing aid app updates are not just cosmetic changes — they often include important improvements.
- Bug fixes that resolve Bluetooth connection drops or pairing failures
- Compatibility updates that ensure the app works correctly with the latest iPhone and Android operating system versions
- New sound programs or streaming improvements that enhance audio quality
- Security patches that protect your personal health data stored in the app
- Firmware updates for the hearing aids themselves, which are often delivered through the app
Tip: If your hearing aids have been behaving strangely — dropping connection, not responding to volume changes, or sounding different than usual — an outdated app is one of the first things to check.
How to Update a Hearing Aid App on iPhone
Updating any app on an iPhone follows the same process, regardless of the brand.
- 1Open the App Store on your iPhone (the blue icon with a white letter "A").
- 2Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen.
- 3Scroll down to the "Available Updates" section. If your hearing aid app has an update available, it will appear here with an "Update" button next to it.
- 4Tap "Update" next to your hearing aid app to install the latest version. You can also tap "Update All" to update all apps at once.
- 5Wait for the update to download and install. The app icon will show a progress circle while it installs.
- 6Once the update is complete, open the app and reconnect your hearing aids if prompted.
Tip: To turn on automatic updates so you never have to do this manually: go to Settings → App Store → toggle on "App Updates." Your apps will update automatically overnight when your phone is charging and connected to Wi-Fi.
How to Update a Hearing Aid App on Android
The process is slightly different on Android but equally straightforward.
- 1Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone (the colorful triangle icon).
- 2Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- 3Tap "Manage apps and device."
- 4Tap "Updates available" to see a list of apps with pending updates.
- 5Find your hearing aid app in the list and tap "Update" next to it, or tap "Update all" to update everything at once.
- 6Once the update finishes, open the app and verify your hearing aids are still connected.
Tip: On Android, you can enable automatic updates by going to Google Play Store → tap your profile → Settings → Network Preferences → Auto-update apps → select "Over Wi-Fi only."
Updating the Most Popular Hearing Aid Apps
Here is a quick reference for the major hearing aid brands and their companion apps.
- Phonak — myPhonak app (iPhone and Android). Also check for hearing aid firmware updates within the app under Settings → Hearing Aid Updates.
- Oticon — Oticon ON app (iPhone and Android). Firmware updates for the hearing aids are delivered through the app automatically when connected.
- Starkey — Thrive Hearing Control app (iPhone and Android). Starkey also offers the My Starkey app for newer models.
- ReSound — ReSound Smart 3D app or ReSound Smart app depending on your model (iPhone and Android).
- Widex — Widex Moment app or Widex Evoke app depending on your hearing aid model.
- Signia — Signia app (iPhone and Android). Older models may use the Signia Touch Control app.
What to Do if the App Will Not Update
If the update button is grayed out or the update fails to install, try these steps.
- Check your phone's storage — if your phone is nearly full, there may not be enough space to download the update. Free up storage and try again.
- Check your internet connection — app updates require a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Make sure you are connected.
- Restart your phone — a simple restart clears temporary issues that can block updates.
- Check your phone's operating system version — some hearing aid apps require a minimum iOS or Android version. If your phone's operating system is very old, you may need to update it first (Settings → General → Software Update on iPhone; Settings → Software Update on Android).
- Delete and reinstall the app — if the update continues to fail, delete the app and download it fresh from the App Store or Google Play. Your hearing aid settings are usually stored in the cloud or on the hearing aids themselves and will restore when you log back in.