Philips HearLink and Video Calls with Family

Why video calls can be hard

Many families talk over video these days: relatives abroad, friends who moved to another city, the regular Friday call. Video has a big advantage, because you can see the other person's face. But it also has a catch. The sound comes from a small speaker, there is sometimes background noise, and sometimes several people are talking at once in front of one camera.

Hearing aids that connect to your phone can help here, but it is worth knowing in advance what to check and how.

What Philips says about connecting to a phone

HearLink 50 miniRITE. The manufacturer's product page lists Bluetooth LE Audio and hands-free calling. The technical document also lists MFi and ASHA.

HearLink 50 miniBTE R. The technical document lists LE Audio, MFi and ASHA.

What does that mean in plain terms?

• MFi is Apple's connection, designed for the iPhone.
• ASHA and LE Audio are connection methods found on some Android phones.
• For Android phones without LE Audio, Philips has an accessory, the Easy LE Adapter, which plugs into the phone's USB-C port.

According to an expert hearing aid technician, all HearLink models support calls with Android phones, but on some phones the phone's own software does not support it. So the question is not only which hearing aid you have, but also which phone.

The full explanation of the connection: Philips HearLink and Bluetooth. About phones: Phone compatibility with Philips HearLink.

What we check at the fitting appointment

Bring the phone you use to talk with your family, and ask to make a short, real video call during the appointment. That way you can see in real time:

• Whether the call audio reaches your hearing aids, or comes out of the phone's speaker.
• Whether the person on the other end hears you well.
• How to change the volume in the middle of a call.
• On Android: which connection method your phone uses, and whether it needs to be changed.

It is also a good idea to ask for the steps written down on paper, so you can repeat them at home.

When the sound comes from the speaker, not your hearing aids

Before you call for help, try these steps in order:

1. Check that Bluetooth is on in your phone and that your hearing aids are switched on.
2. Check whether the call is set to the phone's speaker instead of your hearing aids.
3. According to an expert hearing aid technician, if the hearing aids will not connect, turn Bluetooth off and on again on your phone, restart the hearing aids, and connect again.
4. On Samsung phones, according to the same technician, open the hearing aid settings within the Bluetooth settings, and switch the connection from LE to ASHA.

If it still does not work, there are guides: Philips HearLink won't connect to iPhone and Philips HearLink won't connect to Android.

Will the other person hear me?

There are two options:

• Your voice goes through the phone's microphone. On a video call you are holding the phone in front of your face anyway, so this is usually convenient.
• Your voice goes through the hearing aids. Philips lists hands-free calling on the HearLink 50 miniRITE page. Whether this also works on video calls, and with your phone, is something we check at the appointment.

Tips for a clearer video call

Lighting. Sit so the light falls on your face, not behind you. Ask the other side to sit facing the light too. When you can see someone's mouth, it is easier to understand them.

A quiet spot. Turn off the TV or radio in the background before you start.

One at a time. When the whole family gathers in front of one camera, everyone talks at once. Ask them to take turns.

Volume. According to an expert hearing aid technician, you can change the volume in the app. See the HearLink 2 app.

Network. If the picture freezes and the sound cuts out, sometimes the problem is the internet connection, not the hearing aids. Try moving closer to the router.

Charging. Before a long call, make sure your hearing aids are charged, or that you have fresh batteries within reach.

Before an important call: a short checklist

• Connect your hearing aids to the phone a few minutes before the call, not at the last moment.
• Sit somewhere quiet and well lit, with the phone on a stand or propped against something, so your hands are free.
• Ask the other side to sit close to the camera, and not to talk from a distance or from another room.
• If something is not working, do not give up on the call: switch to the phone's speaker, and come back to check the connection calmly after the call.
• If it keeps happening, note when and with which app, and bring the list to your follow-up visit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hear a WhatsApp video call directly in my hearing aids?

It depends on your phone and its settings. We check it at the appointment, with your phone and a real call.

On FaceTime the sound comes out of the speaker. What should I do?

Check that the call is not set to the phone's speaker. If that does not help, see the iPhone connection guide.

My Android phone is old. Will it work?

It depends on the phone. For Android phones without LE Audio, Philips has the Easy LE Adapter. We check it against your phone.

The connection suddenly dropped. What is the first step?

Restart Bluetooth on your phone and restart the hearing aids, then connect again.

Want to check it with your own phone?

Bring your phone to the appointment, and we will test a real call together. A hearing test and demonstration, with no obligation. Service is by appointment, depending on your area and the type of request.

Phone: 055-3333338 · WhatsApp

G-Sound is an authorized marketer of Philips hearing aids.