Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
By Jonathan Javid, Au.D.
Modern Bluetooth® hearing aids have transformed how people listen to music, take phone calls, and watch TV. Yet, one of the most common frustrations reported by users is when the devices show as “paired” but no sound is actually streaming. According to surveys, up to 30% of hearing aid users experience periodic streaming interruptions—a problem that can usually be solved with a few quick steps.
Why This Happens
“Paired but silent” issues often result from mismatched Bluetooth profiles, outdated software, or a device prioritizing a different audio output (like its built-in speakers). Differences between iOS and Android devices can also affect stability. For example, iPhones use the Made for iPhone (MFi) protocol, while many Android devices rely on ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids). Understanding these differences helps narrow down the fix.
Quick Fixes You Can Try
1. Confirm the Active Output
Go into your phone’s Bluetooth or audio settings and confirm your hearing aids are selected as the active audio device. Sometimes the phone silently defaults back to its speakers or another accessory.
2. Restart Both Devices
Power cycle your hearing aids and restart your phone or tablet. This resets the Bluetooth handshake and solves many temporary glitches.
3. Forget and Re-Pair
If restarting fails, remove your hearing aids from the Bluetooth device list, then re-pair them. Corrupted pairing data is a very common cause of “silent streaming.”
4. Check App Permissions
Most hearing aids use a companion app (Phonak, ReSound, Starkey, etc.). Ensure the app has permission to access Bluetooth, microphone, and media. Without these, sound will not transmit.
5. Update Software
Firmware and app updates often fix streaming bugs. Ask your audiologist if your hearing aids have pending firmware updates, and check your phone for system updates. Manufacturers like Phonak and Oticon regularly release stability improvements.
6. Rule Out Hardware Issues
If one side is silent, the problem may not be Bluetooth—it could be a clogged wax guard, broken receiver, or tubing issue. See our guide on hearing aid wax traps for quick maintenance checks.
When to Call Your Audiologist
If DIY fixes don’t restore sound, it’s time to call your audiologist. They can run diagnostics, apply firmware updates, and check for receiver or microphone failures. In some cases, warranty replacement may be needed.
Preventing Future Bluetooth Problems
- Keep your phone and hearing aid software updated.
- Use one main streaming device at a time to avoid conflicts.
- Restart your hearing aids daily to refresh connections.
- Clean wax traps and domes regularly to avoid false “connection” issues.
👉 Related Guides: Troubleshooting Hearing Aids That Cut In and Out | Complete Guide to Hearing Aid Maintenance & Repairs | Phonak Hearing Aids: Common User Questions | Everything to Know About Hearing Aids
{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Why are my hearing aids paired but not streaming sound?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “This usually happens because your phone defaults to another audio output, Bluetooth data is corrupted, or your hearing aid firmware is outdated.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Do iPhones and Androids handle Bluetooth hearing aids differently?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. iPhones use the MFi protocol while Android uses ASHA. Each has different stability and connection steps.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “When should I see my audiologist for Bluetooth streaming problems?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “If restarting, re-pairing, and updates don’t restore sound, your audiologist can check for firmware updates, hardware failures, or warranty replacements.” } } ] }