When you purchased your hearing aids, you invested in sophisticated medical devices containing thousands of lines of software code. Just like your smartphone or computer, that software, known as firmware, receives periodic updates from the manufacturer. These updates can genuinely enhance speech clarity, fix annoying connectivity glitches, and improve overall performance. Yet many hearing aid users remain unaware these updates exist, or feel uncertain about whether they should install them.
Understanding how firmware updates work, when to apply them, and how to do so safely can help you get the most from your investment whilst avoiding unnecessary disruption.
What Actually Changes During a Firmware Update?
Firmware sits deeper than the apps on your phone: it’s the foundational software that controls your hearing aid’s processor, wireless radios, and sound processing algorithms. When manufacturers release a hearing aid firmware update, they’re typically addressing one or more of the following:
Performance enhancements form the most common category. Manufacturers analyse real-world usage data and clinical feedback to refine how devices process speech in background noise, manage wind noise, or transition between listening environments. A firmware update might improve the accuracy of automatic programme switching or fine-tune feedback cancellation algorithms. These changes can translate into noticeably clearer speech understanding, particularly in challenging acoustic environments like restaurants or meeting rooms.
Connectivity fixes address the Bluetooth and wireless streaming issues that frustrate many modern hearing aid users. If you’ve experienced dropouts during phone calls, difficulty pairing with your iPhone or Android device, or inconsistent performance with your television streamer, a firmware update may resolve these problems. Manufacturers regularly release patches to improve compatibility with new smartphone operating systems and to strengthen wireless stability. Connectivity fixes delivered this way can resolve problems people have been putting up with for months.
Battery optimisation represents another critical area. Updates can extend how long your rechargeable hearing aids hold a charge, or reduce the drain caused by streaming audio. Battery life is a common complaint, so these improvements matter day to day.
Security patches, whilst less publicised, deserve attention. Hearing aids with wireless connectivity theoretically present a security surface, and responsible manufacturers periodically strengthen encryption and authentication protocols. Whilst actual security incidents remain extraordinarily rare, staying current reduces theoretical vulnerabilities.
Bug fixes address specific problems users have reported: a particular model freezing when switching programmes, distortion at certain volume levels, or intermittent microphone failures. These targeted repairs often go unnoticed by users who didn’t experience the original problem, but prove invaluable to those who did.
Firmware updates typically do not alter your personalised hearing prescription. Your audiologist’s careful fitting, ideally verified using real ear measurement (REM), remains intact. The update changes how the device operates at a system level, not the specific amplification values programmed for your hearing loss.
When to Update and When to Wait
The timing of a hearing aid app update or firmware installation matters more than many people realise. At The Audiology Place, we recommend a measured approach rather than installing every update immediately upon release.
Update promptly when you’re experiencing specific problems the update claims to fix, particularly connectivity issues or battery concerns. If your audiologist recommends an update during a follow-up appointment, that guidance is based on clinical judgement about your specific situation. Similarly, if you’re about to travel or attend an important event, updating a week or two beforehand allows time to address any unexpected issues whilst you’re still near your clinic.
Consider waiting if your hearing aids are working well and you have critical commitments approaching. Whilst manufacturers test updates extensively, individual responses can vary based on your specific smartphone, usage patterns, and hearing profile. If you’re preparing for an important presentation, wedding, or overseas trip, the week beforehand isn’t ideal for introducing variables. Wait until you’ve returned and have capacity to visit your audiologist if needed.
Some users adopt a “wait two weeks” rule, allowing early adopters to identify any problems before they update their own devices. This conservative approach has merit, particularly for users in remote areas where clinic access is limited.
How to Update Safely: Practical Steps
Depending on the brand and model, firmware is updated either by your audiologist using the manufacturer’s fitting software, or by you through the hearing aid app. If yours updates through the app, these steps reduce the risk of problems and make it easier to recover if something unexpected happens.
Before You Begin
Document your current settings. Open your hearing aid app and take screenshots of your volume levels, programme preferences, and any custom settings you’ve created. If your devices include personalised programmes for specific environments (your office, your car, your favourite café), note these details. Most modern apps preserve settings through updates, but having visual records provides insurance.
Charge fully or install fresh batteries. Never attempt a firmware update with low battery levels. For rechargeable hearing aids, make sure they’re fully charged. For replaceable batteries, install new ones. Losing power mid-update can damage the firmware and potentially require factory repair.
Ensure stable connectivity. Position yourself with strong Wi-Fi signal if the update downloads over the internet, and keep your smartphone close to your hearing aids throughout the process. Close other apps to prevent interruptions, and enable “Do Not Disturb” to avoid incoming calls disrupting the update.
Allow sufficient time. Updates can take a while, and some take longer than others. Don’t start an update when you’re rushing out the door or have an appointment looming.
During the Update
Follow the app’s instructions precisely. Don’t touch your hearing aids, remove them from your ears, or close the app whilst the update is installing. You’ll typically see a progress bar: resist the temptation to multitask with your phone during this time.
Most apps will install updates to both hearing aids sequentially. The process may seem to pause or slow at certain points; this is normal. Don’t attempt to restart or cancel unless the app explicitly offers that option.
After Installation
Once the update completes, test systematically. Verify that your hearing aids pair correctly with your phone, check that your volume settings match your screenshots, and confirm your custom programmes remain intact. Stream a phone call and some music to test connectivity stability.
Wear your devices in several typical environments over the next few days (home, work, a café, outdoors) and notice whether clarity, comfort, and automatic adjustments are working as expected. Some users report an immediate improvement, whilst others need a few days to adapt to subtle processing changes.
Pairing and Connectivity After Updates
Occasionally, a hearing aid firmware update will require you to re-pair your devices with your smartphone or other accessories. This is particularly common when updates specifically address Bluetooth stability.
If your hearing aids don’t automatically reconnect after updating, “forget” the devices in your phone’s Bluetooth settings, then follow your manufacturer’s pairing procedure from scratch. This creates a fresh connection with the updated firmware. If you use other streaming accessories (a TV streamer, remote microphone or partner microphone), you may need to re-pair these as well.
Should you experience persistent pairing problems, don’t repeatedly attempt the process. After two unsuccessful attempts, contact your audiologist.
Special Considerations for Carers and Parents
If you manage hearing aids for an ageing parent, a child, or someone else who relies on your support, firmware updates require additional attention.
Coordinate timing carefully. Update when you can monitor the wearer for several days afterward. For children, avoid updating immediately before school holidays when you won’t receive teacher feedback, or right before important exams when they need optimal, predictable performance.
Communicate changes. Even if the update seems invisible to you, the wearer may notice subtle differences in sound quality or automatic behaviour. Prepare them that things might sound slightly different for a few days whilst they adapt. For children too young to articulate changes, watch for signs of discomfort or reluctance to wear their devices.
Keep independent records. Carers should maintain their own notes about settings and performance, separate from the app. Include details like “works well in the car” or “struggles at swimming lessons”: contextual information that helps you assess whether performance changes after an update.
When to Contact Your Audiologist
Most firmware updates proceed smoothly, but certain situations warrant professional assistance. Contact your audiologist if:
- Your hearing aids won’t power on after an update
- You notice significant changes in sound quality, particularly distortion, reduced clarity, or uncomfortable loudness
- Connectivity problems persist despite re-pairing
- Your custom programmes have disappeared or behave differently
- You experience new feedback (whistling) that wasn’t present before
- Battery life has noticeably decreased rather than improved
Our guide to troubleshooting hearing aids covers other common problems.
Your audiologist can verify your fitting using Real Ear Measurement, confirm the firmware installed correctly, check for corrupted settings, and adjust your settings if needed. At The Audiology Place, we always prefer to assess post-update concerns in person rather than troubleshoot complex issues remotely.
Independent Transparency and Brand-Agnostic Perspective
The Audiology Place maintains independence from hearing aid manufacturers, which allows us to offer candid guidance about firmware updates. Not every update delivers meaningful improvements for every user, and we’ve occasionally seen updates that created new problems whilst solving others.
We recommend updates based on clinical evidence and your individual circumstances, not because a manufacturer encourages adoption. If we believe waiting serves your interests better than updating immediately, we’ll say so clearly. Our brand-agnostic approach means we’re evaluating firmware changes across multiple manufacturers and can identify patterns, both positive and concerning, that individual users might miss.
The Bottom Line
Hearing aid firmware updates offer genuine benefits: clearer speech understanding, more reliable connectivity, better battery life, and resolved bugs. Staying reasonably current helps you access these improvements and maintains compatibility with evolving smartphone technology.
However, updates warrant a thoughtful approach rather than reflexive installation. Update when you have time to monitor results, back up your settings beforehand, follow the installation process carefully, and don’t hesitate to contact your audiologist if something seems wrong.
For most users, firmware updates represent a low-risk opportunity to enhance devices you already own. The key is approaching them with appropriate preparation and realistic expectations: understanding that whilst updates usually help, professional support remains available when they don’t.
