Last Updated on August 18, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Ask the Audiologist: Can Oticon Hearing Aids Work with an Apple Watch? (And Are AirPods Enough?)
By Jonathan Javid, Au.D.
The Question
“I found an article titled Comparison of Hearing Aid Manufacturers for Apple iWatch Compatibility.
I’m trying to find hearing aids that are compatible with an Apple Watch. I currently use Oticon. My hearing loss isn’t too severe—sometimes I don’t notice when I’m not wearing them. Would regular earbuds be adequate?”
Referenced article: Comparison of Hearing Aid Manufacturers for Apple iWatch Compatibility
Short Answer
If your Oticon hearing aids are 2020 or newer (i.e., newer than the Oticon Opn family), they should pair with your iPhone and work with the Oticon Companion app.
Once connected, the app automatically installs an Apple Watch companion that lets you adjust volume, change programs, and mute/unmute from your wrist—your iPhone remains the hub, and the Watch acts as a remote.
As for Apple AirPods: they can help in some situations with mild hearing difficulty, but for most people they become uncomfortable if worn all day and lack the personalized fitting and battery endurance of true hearing aids. I recommend sticking with your Oticons for daily listening and using earbuds as a supplement only.
How to Control Oticon Hearing Aids from Apple Watch (Step-by-Step)
- Pair your hearing aids to iPhone: iPhone → Settings → Accessibility → Hearing Devices. Open/close battery doors (or restart rechargeables) and select your aids when they appear.
- Install and set up the Oticon Companion app on iPhone.
- Add the Watch app: Open the iPhone Watch app → scroll to Available Apps → tap Install next to Oticon Companion.
- Use your Watch as a remote: Open Oticon on Apple Watch to adjust volume, programs, and mute. (Your iPhone must be within Bluetooth range.)
- Pro tip: Add the Oticon complication to your watch face for one-tap access.
AirPods vs. Real Hearing Aids—What to Know
- Comfort & wear time: Earbuds often cause irritation if worn all day; hearing aids are built for long-term comfort.
- Personalization: Hearing aids are professionally fitted with advanced features earbuds cannot match.
- Battery & reliability: Hearing aids are optimized for consistent daily use.
Bottom line: Use your Oticons as your primary solution. Consider AirPods as a short-term supplement (calls, workouts), not a replacement.
Related Reading on Hearing Insider
- How to Adjust Your Hearing Aid Volume
- Hearing Screenings 101: When, Where, and Why You Need One
- Wearing Hearing Aids During Medical Procedures: Must-Know Safety Tips
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