Many hearing aids now connect directly to your iPhone and Android smartphone. The greatest benefit for the listener is that is streams phone calls directly to your hearing aids, giving you the best hearing you’ve had on the phone in years. It also allows you to listen to music, audio books, and videos in your hearing aids directly from your smartphone–basically making your hearing aids the most personalized earphones ever.
Carolina Hearing Doctors offers a wide selection of hearing aids in North Carolina. Whether you need hearing aids made for iPhone or Android, we have a device for you.
Made for iPhone or Made for Android
Made for iPhone hearing aids
iPhone-compatible hearing aids have been widely available since 2016. Over time, early issues with connectivity and app functionality have been resolved, offering a much smoother user experience today. These hearing aids connect directly to Apple iOS devices like iPhones and iPads using Apple’s proprietary “Made for iPhone” (MFi) protocol. However, they still do not support direct streaming to Apple Mac computers.
Hearing aid brands with Made for iPhone (MFi) compatibility include:
Starkey
Oticon
ReSound
Signia
Widex (newer models)
These models often offer hands-free calling, music streaming, and remote app control, but only within the Apple ecosystem.
Android-Compatible Hearing Aids
Android-compatible hearing aids have improved significantly since their introduction in 2019. These devices now support Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio or ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids), depending on the model and the smartphone. Android compatibility still varies by phone manufacturer and operating system version, but support is now widespread among newer Android phones.
Hearing aid brands with native Android streaming support include:
Phonak (via universal Bluetooth)
ReSound
Unitron
Starkey (select models)
Widex (select models)
Signia (select models)
Unlike MFi models, many Android-compatible hearing aids (especially Phonak’s) use standard Bluetooth protocols, allowing them to connect to both Android and Apple devices, including older phones, tablets, and even some laptops.
Note: While technology has matured, Android streaming can still vary in stability depending on your phone model and software version. Always check compatibility with your specific device.
Limitations of iPhone and Android Devices
As of 2025, iPhone and Android wireless streaming is available in most behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, which offer the space needed for Bluetooth antennas and batteries. These models provide the most reliable connectivity for features like hands-free calling, music streaming, and app-based control.
In-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids with wireless streaming are also available, but they tend to be larger in size. The availability of wireless features in these models depends on the anatomy of your ear, specifically whether your ear canal can accommodate the larger hardware.
While completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC) devices remain limited in wireless capabilities due to space constraints, manufacturers are making steady progress.
With ongoing advancements in miniaturized components and Bluetooth Low Energy technology, we are beginning to see early examples of smaller custom-fit devices offering limited app control or streaming support.
How To Choose The Best Hearing Aid
Choosing the best hearing aid is a personal decision, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, hearing needs, and comfort. At Carolina Hearing Doctors, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We offer a wide selection of hearing aids in Winston-Salem, NC and Clemmons, NC.
We take the time to understand your unique situation and recommend hearing solutions that fit your daily activities, budget, and preferences. Whether you need advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity or a discreet design, we’ll help you find the perfect match.
Schedule a consultation today and let us help you hear your best.
