Lede: What if tomorrow your hearing aids sounded clearer in noise, dropped fewer calls, and sipped less battery—without buying anything new? That’s the quiet power of a firmware update: a free brain upgrade for the devices you trust every day.
First things first: what is “firmware” in a hearing aid?
Firmware is the low-level software running inside your hearing aids. Think of it as the operating system for your ears’ tiny computers. It controls:
- How sound is captured, cleaned up, and delivered
- How fast your aids react to changing environments
- How they connect to phones, TVs, and accessories
- Charging, power management, and safety checks
It’s different from the phone app you use to change volume or programs. Updating the app tweaks the remote control; updating firmware improves the hearing aids themselves.
Why updates matter: the benefits you can actually hear
1) Clearer speech and calmer noise
Manufacturers regularly refine algorithms for speech-in-noise, wind suppression, and feedback control. An update can mean faster voice detection, fewer “whoosh/whistle” moments, and less listening effort at the end of your day.
2) Smoother connections
Bluetooth and wireless stability improve over time—fewer dropouts, better handoffs between ears, and cleaner calls. Some updates prepare your aids for new standards (like Bluetooth LE Audio) if the hardware already supports them.
3) Longer, more predictable battery life
Power management tweaks can add hours to a charge or make the last 20% of battery less dramatic. You may also see faster, more reliable charging and more accurate battery indicators.
4) New features—no new hardware
Occasionally, updates unlock extras such as tap control, improved tinnitus sound options, hands-free calling with more phones, or compatibility with a brand’s latest accessory.
5) Security and safety
Like any connected medical device, hearing aids benefit from security patches that protect against rare but real software vulnerabilities. Updates can also fix crashes or odd behaviors you’ve learned to live with.
Can my current aids get big-ticket features like LE Audio and Auracast?
Sometimes. Newer models may already have the radio and processing power on board but need a firmware switch flipped to enable features as they’re finalized. Other devices simply don’t have the right hardware. Translation: if your model’s chip can do it, a firmware update might unlock it. If not, no software magic can create a radio that isn’t there. Your audiologist or the manufacturer’s support site can confirm what’s realistically possible for your exact model and year.
How to update: the safe, simple checklist
Every brand is a little different, but this flow works for most modern aids:
- Charge first. Put rechargeable aids at 60–100% (or insert fresh disposables). Updates can take 5–30 minutes, sometimes longer.
- Update your phone app. Open the App Store/Google Play and install the latest manufacturer app. It often contains the updater.
- Stable internet + Bluetooth on. Wi‑Fi beats cellular for reliability. Keep your phone within a few feet of your aids.
- Open the app and check for updates. Look for a banner in “Devices” or “About.” Some brands trigger updates when the aids sit in the charger with the app open nearby.
- Follow prompts and don’t walk away. Keep the app open, phone unlocked, and avoid phone calls or streaming during the process.
- Reboot and re-pair if needed. After updating, the app may ask you to power-cycle the aids and re-pair Bluetooth. This is normal.
Clinic-only updates: Certain major firmware releases still require an in-office connection to your provider’s programming system. If your app says “see your professional,” take the hint—it can be fast and often pairs well with a quick listening check.
When to update vs. when to wait
Most updates are worth it, but timing matters. Consider:
- Update soon if the notes mention fixes for problems you have (dropouts, battery drain, harsh noise).
- Wait a week if it’s a brand-new release and you’re traveling or have a major event. Early bugs are rare but not impossible.
- Schedule with your audiologist if the update changes core sound processing. You may want a quick tuning afterward.
Pro tip: Screenshot or jot down your favorite program names and settings. While updates usually keep them intact, it’s nice to have a reference.
Common hiccups—and quick fixes
The update is “stuck”
- Keep the phone awake and the app front-and-center
- Move the phone closer to your aids
- Toggle Bluetooth off/on and retry
- Restart the phone and the aids
Everything updated, but now calls won’t connect
- Forget the aids in your phone’s Bluetooth menu and re-pair through the hearing aid app
- On iPhone: Check Accessibility > Hearing Devices and re-pair there as well
- On Android: Reboot and allow all requested permissions in the app
The app says “update failed”
- Charge the aids to full and try again with a strong Wi‑Fi signal
- Close other apps that stream audio (music, video, conferencing)
- Try a different phone if you have one, signed into the same account
- Contact your audiologist—they can often finish the update in clinic
Privacy and security: what’s really happening during an update?
Two things generally move over the air: the firmware file and basic device info (model, serial number, current version). Most updates don’t transmit personal health data. Manufacturers publish privacy policies in their apps—worth a glance. The upside of updating is significant: security patches reduce the small but real risks that come with any connected medical device.
Prefer to minimize data sharing? Keep permissions lean in your app (allow Bluetooth and notifications; deny contacts or location if not required), and review privacy settings after major app updates.
Traveling soon? Update smart
- Avoid updating at the airport, the night before a big meeting, or midway through a vacation
- Bring your charger, a backup power bank, and any accessories you rely on (TV streamer, remote mic)
- Know how to re-pair to your phone without Wi‑Fi in case you need to
Will updates change my sound settings?
Usually no—your programs and gains are preserved. However, if a new algorithm handles noise differently, the sound “feel” can shift slightly. If voices seem duller or sharper than before, a quick fine-tune can restore your sweet spot.
Friendly reminder: your perception adapts quickly. Give yourself a couple of days in normal environments before judging a change—then tell your audiologist what you notice.
Working with your audiologist: get the most from each update
Consider this quick agenda for your next visit or telehealth check-in:
- “Is there a firmware update for my model? What does it change?”
- “Can we run a fast listening check after the update?”
- “If the speech-in-noise engine changed, should we do a brief re-measurement or tweak?”
- “Any new accessory or feature my aids can now use?”
Providers often have release notes and practical experience across many users. Lean on that knowledge. If you’re unsure about a particular update, a two-minute conversation can save you frustration later.
Quick reference: the do/don’t list
- Do charge fully, update your app, and stay near your phone during the update
- Do read release notes—look for fixes that match your pain points
- Do re-pair Bluetooth after big updates
- Don’t start an update right before an important event
- Don’t interrupt an update by shutting off your phone or walking away
- Don’t ignore repeated failures—ask your audiologist to complete it in clinic
Realistic expectations: updates aren’t magic, but they’re meaningful
A firmware update won’t replace a good fitting, proper earmold/seal, or healthy listening habits. But the right update can give you a noticeable bump in clarity, fewer annoyances, and longer days between charges. That’s a lot of value from a few minutes of patience.
If you’re on the fence, check your app or message your audiologist: “Any updates available for my model?” It’s a small question that can yield big listening gains.
Further Reading
- Milliseconds Matter: Hearing Aid Latency, Echoey Voices, and Faster Fixes (Technology) - Your Hearing Aids Are Smart—Where Does Your Data Go? (Technology) - Your Phone, a Super Mic: Cleaner Conversations with Remote Microphone Mode (Technology) - Self‑Fitting Hearing Aids, Demystified: How OTC Tech Tunes to Your Ears (and When to Get Help) (Technology)Frequently Asked Questions
How long do hearing aid firmware updates take?
Plan on 5–30 minutes, depending on your brand, the size of the update, and your phone’s connection. Keep both aids charged and your phone awake with the app open. Some major updates can take longer—your app will typically warn you.
Will a firmware update erase my custom programs or settings?
Most updates keep your programs and gains intact. If a core algorithm changes, the sound may feel a bit different. If something seems off afterward, contact your audiologist for a quick fine-tune.
Can a firmware update fix tinnitus?
Updates won’t cure tinnitus. Occasionally they add or improve sound options that can help some people mask or manage tinnitus. If tinnitus is bothering you, talk with an audiologist about personalized strategies.
Is it safe to update while my rechargeable aids are in the charger?
Yes—many brands recommend updating on the charger for stable power. Follow your app’s instructions. Avoid removing the aids or turning off your phone mid-update.
