Last Updated on August 20, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Written by an audiologist with 12+ years of experience helping patients and medical professionals integrate hearing technology into daily life.
Why Stethoscopes and Hearing Aids Can Be Tricky
For healthcare professionals with hearing loss, auscultation is often one of the most difficult tasks. Traditional stethoscopes were never designed to work with hearing aids. Fortunately, today’s digital stethoscopes, Bluetooth® accessories, and direct streaming technology make it possible to listen effectively while keeping your hearing aids in place.
How Each Hearing Aid Manufacturer Connects to a Stethoscope
Phonak Hearing Aids
Phonak uses Bluetooth Classic, allowing many models (Paradise, Lumity, Marvel) to stream directly from smartphones and Bluetooth stethoscopes.
- Pair your stethoscope with your smartphone.
- Stream auscultation audio directly into your Phonak hearing aids via the myPhonak app.
- Recommended stethoscopes:
ThinkLabs One,
Eko Core 500,
3M Littmann CORE.
Oticon Hearing Aids (ConnectClip)
Oticon requires the ConnectClip, which supports both Bluetooth streaming and a 3.5 mm jack input.
ReSound Hearing Aids (MultiMic)
ReSound users can connect with the ReSound MultiMic. This accessory includes a 3.5 mm line-in jack.
Starkey Hearing Aids (Remote Microphone+)
Starkey offers the Remote Microphone+, which has a 3.5 mm jack for direct audio input.
Widex Hearing Aids (COM-DEX / FM+DEX)
Widex users can use the COM-DEX, which accepts 3.5 mm audio input via adapter.
Signia / Siemens Hearing Aids (StreamLine Mic)
Signia’s StreamLine Mic provides Bluetooth connectivity and supports line-in for wired sources.
Recommended Digital Stethoscopes (with Images)
These are popular among clinicians using hearing aids. They support amplification and app connectivity, and can stream or be wired into accessories above.
Alternative Option: Amplified Stethoscopes Without Hearing Aids
Some clinicians choose to remove their hearing aids and use a standalone amplified stethoscope instead. These devices bypass hearing aids and directly amplify body sounds.
Summary Table: Manufacturer Accessories
| Hearing Aid Brand | Accessory | 3.5 mm Input? | Streaming Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phonak | N/A (direct Bluetooth) | No | Bluetooth Classic direct |
| Oticon | ConnectClip | Yes | Bluetooth / wired aux-in |
| ReSound | MultiMic | Yes | 3.5 mm aux-in streaming |
| Starkey | Remote Microphone+ | Yes | 3.5 mm aux-in / Bluetooth |
| Widex | COM-DEX / FM+DEX | Yes (via adapter) | 3.5 mm wired / Bluetooth |
| Signia | StreamLine Mic | Yes | Bluetooth / 3.5 mm wired |
Disclaimer
Bluetooth and wired streaming may occasionally drop out or introduce latency. Always test your setup before patient use and have a backup method available. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace audiological or institutional guidance.
About the Author
Jonathan Javid, AuD, is a clinical audiologist with over 12 years of experience at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has helped thousands of patients successfully use hearing aids in complex listening environments and publishes expert guides on HearingInsider.com.