Philips HearLink 2 App and Remote Fitting: What You Can Do and What You Need
In short. According to Philips, the HearLink 2 app lets you adjust volume and choose a program, see how much battery is left, and locate misplaced hearing aids on a map. You can also hold a video meeting with your hearing care professional and have your hearing aids adjusted remotely. Remote fitting needs an appointment booked in advance and a stable internet connection. A 2018 systematic review found remote hearing-aid care feasible, but the evidence was not yet strong.
What the app does, according to Philips
- Adjust volume and select a program for your environment.
- See remaining battery at a glance.
- Locate misplaced hearing aids on a live map.
- Video meeting with your hearing care professional and remote adjustment.
- Access Auracast broadcasts from the app.
What remote fitting needs
According to the Philips support page: schedule an appointment with your hearing care specialist before starting; use a stable internet connection (recommended at least 1/1 Mbit/s); do not turn off the hearing aid or open the battery drawer during the session. Check the current guidance before each session.
What research says
A systematic review in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (2018) identified 14 studies of remote hearing-aid rehabilitation in adults. The authors could make recommendations about feasibility, barriers and efficiency, but none of the studies showed strong methodological quality or a high level of evidence, and more research is needed. Remote fitting can save travel but does not always replace a visit.
Key takeaways
- The app covers volume, programs, battery, finding hearing aids and remote fitting.
- Remote fitting needs a booked session and a stable connection.
- Evidence for remote hearing care is promising but limited.
Questions and answers
What can I do in the HearLink 2 app?
According to Philips: change volume and program, see battery level, locate hearing aids and get remote adjustment.
How does remote fitting work?
Through a pre-booked video session with your hearing care professional, with the hearing aids on and a stable internet connection.
Is remote fitting as good as a visit?
A 2018 review found it feasible, but the evidence was not yet strong.
Sources and further reading
This page draws on the following sources.
Read next
This information is general and does not replace an examination by a qualified professional.