Philips HearLink 2 Reviews

by Jbower1810

Frequently unable to connect, which makes PhilipsHearLink2 worthless.

by Ddevoue

First off, I don’t have an issue with the hearing aids themselves. Sound quality is better than my previous Phonak hearing aids. The problem is PhilipsHearLink2 . I have constant connectivity problems. Yesterday I spent all morning trying to connect Bluetooth for a Zoom meeting, trying all of their “fixes”. It didn’t matter what I did, or what order I did it in, I couldn’t get a connection. Sometimes one will connect but not the other. Then it switches. Even after I do get both connected, one or both will drop, and I’m back where I started. What good is a decent set of hearing aids if I can’t use the Bluetooth on my devices?

by Fhornmike

What a crappy app! Every time I leave the room, I have to reconnect to my hearing aids. Usually, it will only connect to one aid. Many time the reconnect fails, and I must restart the hearing aids or the device, or both. Frustrating to say the least. It’s no consolation that apps for other makes of hearing aids seem to be just as bad.

I have discovered that using two devices (iPad and iPhone) created some kind of conflict, so I have to disable the bluetooth on one for the other to function. Sorry, but it seems unreasonable to expect a user to carry around an iPhone wherever he goes. Rather than a “workaround”, wouldn’t it be better to fix the software? However, I’m open to suggestions.

by DaleWrenn

After testing several HA’s from various manufacturers, including Oticon, PhilipsHearLink2 has to be the worst one so far.
There are few adjustments that can be made by the user. The streaming adjustments do very little for to be able to hear the phone calls or videos. The lack of adjustments within programs is severely lacking. Even OTC HA’s have more options available for needed changes. Considering these are the sisters of Oticon, I am shocked that they would not mirror the options within their respective application. Extremely disappointed and will probably return these HA’s due to PhilipsHearLink2 performance or lack thereof.

by No Meat

You guys really messed things up when you “fixed” PhilipsHearLink2 . Hate, hate, hate it.

by ToyamaBoy

I’m constantly deleting and reopening it because it locks up or takes minutes just to respond.

by Dimnimbus

It takes way to long to pair and then drops the link after a while.

by Ibis2

Inconsistent data retrieval & storage. The only thing that works is the program (volume) sliders. Better off using the hearing aid manual controls, at least Philips built an awesome hearing aid! PhilipsHearLink2 isn’t worth wasting space on your iPhone.

by DiscerningUser5

Recent update apparently deleted all of my wearing time history. Please fix this. New version is somewhat better at initial connection but still randomly loses connection.

by Paladin_SF

No sure what happen. App worked with 9030 well from mar to July. Bought the 9040 and PhilipsHearLink2 still worked well. I think the audio/instrument specialist upgraded the HA software version, and PhilipsHearLink2 is causing problems. Manual Volume on HA did not increase volume at times. Found that background sound was turned on. In terms of journal, app used to track use well but in the past week or 2; only 1-2 days show any usage. Most days have an X in them. The changes I make manual are not always correctly reflected in app. I find the program in R and left diff in app but that is after I change program and got same number of beats from each HA. But then I check app and it shows general for 1 and speech in noise on other.

I have used forget and connect/pair to reset but still doesn’t work well. I just deleted app and will reload again but u can’t expect great reviews when u go from good to bad experiences when updating either app or HA software.

by Hopula

HearLink2 (recent update) doesn’t work.
I bought these devices less than six months ago, based mainly on the reputation of the Phillips namebrand. I was sold on the Bluetooth capability through the HearLink 2 app to be able to make and accept phone calls and stream audio from my TV or my laptop or my phone.
Unfortunately, the reliability of connection from the phone to my hearing device was spotty from the first, sometimes cured by turning Bluetooth on and off, and sometimes requiring that I completely reboot my phone.
This has become much more of a problem after the recent update. Disconnections while I’m listening to a news broadcast or when I’m trying to make a phone call while in the car. Just really a crapshoot.
COSTCO had a good deal on the set I got. I hope they will swap me out for another brand which works (hardware and software).

by NC Buddy

PhilipsHearLink2 is trash. And attempts to seek help only generates the same useless AI rote response. Ability to connect or reconnect is entirely random. PhilipsHearLink2 will simply disconnect for no apparent reason, constantly requiring resetting the hearing aids to reconnect. Even then, it may or may not connect. I've been a Phonak user for 25+ years. This feature (app control) is one of the reasons I chose these Phillips hearing aids, only to discover it's entirely unpredictable. Very frustrating and disappointing, and a blot on the Phillips brand.

by Roseguy

PhilipsHearLink2 has never been good. However now it is worse. My wife and I just purchased two now iPad Pro 11 and cannot get the hearing aids to pair. Same old inane messages over and over. We are going on a cruise in two days and have a long flight before hand and planned to watch movies on the ipad using the hearing aids as earphones. Well that plan is gone. This is the most frustrating app I have ever worked with and I have worked with a lot of apps. Either you need to fix it or just scrap the whole thing and get out of the market, My brother also bought his hearing aids at Costco but he was smart enough to get a different brand and continues to tell me how great his hearing aids work through his iOS devices.

by Sullivb55

Fix it!!

by Kitty Pics

I’ve been wearing Phillips hearing aids for a couple of years, and recently downloaded the HearLink Two app thinking it was an improvement. I was wrong! Compared to the first HearLink app, this one is so slooow and loaded with problems. Very often I have to reconnect my hearing aids, but have to do it with the charger which doesn’t help when I’m away from my house. Pressing the button to reconnect does not work. Last night after once again having to reconnect the connection, the hearing aids started to “beep”, right to left continuously until I had to visit the charger again to reset! The very slow response time to change settings is also frustrating. If I am at a restaurant with friends and want to select speech in noise, I have to ask that the conversation be paused while PhilipsHearLink2 is slowly allowing me to select the proper setting. I cannot believe with the technology at hand, that PhilipsHearLink2 cannot be improved. Guess it’s back to the original app until you can fix this comedy of errors.

by Njeana15

Frequent disconnection from app, Journal time sometimes incorrect. Battery time remaining all over the place and right usually does not match the left. Happy with Hearing aids but app leaves a lot to be desired.

by M48d36

Just paid for my new Philips hearing aids and after reading the reviews on PhilipsHearLink2 I am considering canceling the paid order and going back to my last two Resound pairs. How can you have a sophisticated Hearing Aid that’s not supported by an outstanding app that enhances your hearing experience. If Philips thinks so little of its customers that they can not support an app that works seamlessly with their so called advanced hearing device, then maybe I made a mistake buying Philips Hearing aids. Someone needs to convince me otherwise and soon. I pick my hearing aids up this Saturday!

by Hearing Help Needed

All you can Sonia adjust the volume. Not programmable for different settings. Can’t adjust to compensate for background noise all you can do is turn them down then what’s the point of having them?
My Boise is so loud my wife says I’m talking too soft she can’t hear me. I feel
Lime I’m yelling at myself.
PhilipsHearLink2 does not always connect to my hearing aids. When on phone calls it will drop connection in one or both ears.

Save you money if you are in large spaces they make it impossible to hear the people you are trying to talk with, any background noise from a fan, forget you need to take them out or turn them off.

Feel
Frustrated by the end of the day because I can’t hear clearly or appropriately. Not impresses can’t wait for my appointment, I think these cheep hearing aids and PhilipsHearLink2 are going back!!

by CoMama69

Not sure how good the hearing aids are but pretty sure PhilipsHearLink2 is not so good. Connects fine first thing in the morning but sometime during the day it will disconnect. Then it is difficult if not impossible to reconnect. I am not usually able to place in charger during the day since I am away from home. I have tried numerous times to manually turn off/on the hearing aids then reconnect with very little success. Still deciding whether or not to keep these. If app will not work maybe I should try another brand.

by Drgardner

I’ve always had problems with the limitations on streaming and using the hearing aids with the original version of the application. I was initially pleased to see a new version that added an Apple Watch version for easier control. Sadly, the new version is even less reliable — audio drops between channels so frequently it’s distracting and unusable. It’s a nice idea, but execution is frankly extremely disappointing and I’ll be deleting this version to return to V1. It’s not good, but it’s better than this…

by CeeEyeGee

I got the “suggestion “ in the previous app version to try the new one. I’m sorely disappointed that not only did I try the new one, I also deleted the previous version. I spend a good bit of time listening to books or music through my hearing aids, quite reliably with the Hear Link app. Hear Link 2 is slow to connect to my hearing aids and regularly disconnects from one or the other or both. And often, when not connected, PhilipsHearLink2 shows that it is connected- I can easily tell it is not because I cannot make adjustments. I kick myself for deleting the original app before getting run time on the new one.

by Jder77

While the hearing aids themselves seem to be ok PhilipsHearLink2 preforms very poorly. I use both an iPhone and iPad which Phillips claims are supported. I’m constantly having to restart my iPhone, iPad and/or my 9030 hearings aids to get them communicating with PhilipsHearLink2 or device. Sound will come out of one ear than maybe the other followed by no sound at all. When I launch the Phillips app it just says “reconnecting” which than starts the battle getting them to communicate again with my device/s. The hearing aids themselves seems to continue working as far as hearing what’s going on around me, the issue is I basically loose control to adjust them, stream properly or see my battery life. I’m to the point of returning the hearing aids as fighting with PhilipsHearLink2 and streaming from my iPhone/iPad is extremely frustrating.

by James&1952

I’m disappointed. The old app worked fine and I still use it though it’s no longer supported. This one has serious deficiencies. With PhilipsHearLink2 gone are the days when you can put your hearing aids in for yet day and PhilipsHearLink2 will connect automatically. Every time they boot up you have to REMEMBER to open PhilipsHearLink2 and let it connect. In addition, there are random times it will just disconnects. It seems anytime PhilipsHearLink2 looses track of the hearing aids it remains disconnected until you open it again. So, if I’m using my phone for navigation in my car and get a snack it will be disconnect and not reconnect when I get back in the car. The is is serious because one of the great selling points is the tracking feature that no longer will work reliably. I have recommended these to many people … but I won’t again until this is fixed.

by SuperSwinger111

I was at Costco yesterday and am trying to decide on which hearing aids I will purchase. I was leaning towards Philips but after reading about so many pairing issues have decided to stay with Rexton. Clearly, there is a major issue with the pairing function for so many people to be complaining about it. If these issues have been fixed, please let me know.

by Every Name Taken 100

C’mon, you’re Phillips, not a no name company. Why doesn’t PhilipsHearLink2 work correctly? Hearing aids fully charged, but not what PhilipsHearLink2 says. Half the time none of the buttons do anything. Have strong wi-fi & it’s still a problem. Uninstalled, hard restarted my iPhone & reinstalled to no avail. Really, fix this. 2 stars out of 5 is nothing to brag about.

by $&@ All Nicknames Are Taken

V1 app would instantly connect to the hearing aids. Not so in V2. Now the wheels turn a while before getting connected. Not sure why a nuisance feature like that was added, since the original worked so well. I don’t have an Apple Watch so as far as I can tell, there is no new functionality. I have reverted to V1.

by Mohuntered

No star rating. Disconnects several times a day with the phone in my pocket. Only other Bluetooth connection is my watch. Randomly switches to T program. Won’t automatically connect to my hearing aids when removing from charger. Have to open app to connect. Bring back the old app or fix this one.

by B, JW

The first time was last week when the right side went dead. I went back to Costco and they couldn’t find anything wrong. “Maybe you accidentally turned off when moving your glasses”.

Now two days of not being able to hear my iPhone through the LEFT ear. I have no idea why. It will not pair up. Therefore I have no sound or battery checking available as everything I try brings me back to PAIR UP.

SOMETHING IS WRONG, and I don’t believe it is me or my glasses.
JWB

by Pvbytk345&$

The “new” HearLink 2 from Phillips drops one side of my hearing aids at least twice a week.
I will say their Customer Service people are good and I can now reboot PhilipsHearLink2 myself to fix the problem…. but it is very annoying to have to do this. Looking forward to PhilipsHearLink2 being updated soon.

by Vermont Ferret

PhilipsHearLink2 works just fine with my iPhone; but with my iPad I can’t get past the “restart hearing aids” section. Instead it sends me back to the previous “check before pairing” page. Yes, I have full battery power in both my hearing aids and my iPad; but no matter how many times I go through the process, I never get any further. I checked my Bluetooth (on) and everything else that would be relevant. Grrrrrr. Also I downloaded from PhilipsHearLink2 Store the Remotelink 2 app, which like PhilipsHearLink2 is a product of SBO; and the intro is exactly the same as PhilipsHearLink2 on this page and won’t pair with my iPad either. Supposedly the Remotelink 2 app is some sort of 2023 upgrade to the HearLink 2 app on this page. A real shame because I would really use PhilipsHearLink2 on a regular basis. Please fix this.

by J,hghj,cxC JghsKJFFSmn

Bot am I sorry I updated PhilipsHearLink2. I thought the old app perhaps was problematic, but my hearing aids were almost always connected to my phone. It took me a while to figure out how to pair the new app with my hearing aids but I finally managed. now about two or three days later they have disconnected twice in one day. I re-paired them earlier today but I really have no intention of continually re-pairing them over and over. They're getting a little old anyway. Maybe it's time for some new hearing aids – a different brand!

by Zimmrlady

My hearing aids were sent in for new batteries etc. Costco updated to your newer app for the loaners. Had difficulty streaming and hearing on my iPhone. Now I have my original aids back and still cannot hear during phone calls? I believe the issue is with PhilipsHearLink2 .

by CanineCountess

I can’t imagine a less functional, more irritating App! People EXPECT to have a reliable App that functions properly and reliable. PhilipsHearLink2 is SOOO FRUSTRATING that you don’t WANT to use it, but you NEED to use it. It REGULARLY DISCONNECTS! It REGULARLY needs to be deleted and reinstalled in order to get data. It’s already frustrating that you can’t hear without an aid BUT to have the MOST UNRELIABLE App is like putting salt in a wound. Not sure what their “updates” actually do, but ONE THING IS CLEAR, they have NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE DOING! Deserve NO STARS but one is required!

by Headbabe

I had the hearing aids less than one week, and just about every day, one hearing aid is not linked, so I go to the settings and have to link the one. Today neither one is linked and I can’t get them paired to my iPhone.

by L'ltaliano

Every time I open PhilipsHearLink2 it takes 5-10 seconds to connect to the hearing aids. Wear time rarely works for certain days. This is my second set and after a week of usage the hearing aids get garbled for 1-2 minutes like listening through a fan. Then ok for hours. Even around no electronics or electric interference. Otherwise they are ok especially the feature when you can talk 2 way away from the phone (not to far but acceptable)

by K22149

This “update “ to the original HearLink app is horrible! The link to the iPhone constantly disconnects and I have to restart my iPhone then reconnect the hearing aids to PhilipsHearLink2 . I really wish this “update” had not been forced on us. I much prefer the original version.

Update! If I could I would give PhilipsHearLink2 NO STARS! It is just getting worse and NEVER holds the connection with my iPhone. I have the latest iPhone IOS upgrade and I think the suggestions to remove all other device connections from Blue Tooth is ridiculous and pure nonsense. My hearing aids warranty expires in October and I will NOT be buying Phillips hearing aids! I have seen no attempt at updating PhilipsHearLink2 !!

by CWN8288

I updated my Philips HearLink app to Philips HearLink2 1.0.0 and it's terrible. The previous version of PhilipsHearLink2 connected to my Philips hearing aids quickly and automatically. The new app does not connect automatically and it takes numerous tries to connect manually.

by Luxupdouxyoxy

Like the hearing aids but very disappointed with PhilipsHearLink2 . It frequently quits and, even when it’s working, it fail to report wearing data. Have reinstalled PhilipsHearLink2 twice which temporarily helped but then the problems return. There are other issues but not sure if it relates to PhilipsHearLink2 or hearing aids. Regret I bought the Philips hearing aids. Surprised Philips appears to have outsourced PhilipsHearLink2 . I see PhilipsHearLink2 only got 2 out of 5 stars. That says a lot! Recently updated PhilipsHearLink2 and it appears to have resolved the above issues!!! 👏👏👏

Oops, problems have resurfaced again. Not reporting data and occasional app quitting. This is very frustrating. I’ve given up on PhilipsHearLink2. Next time I’ll do some research on an app before I need purchase new hearing aids. It won’t be Philips.

I’ve had it working PhilipsHearLink2. I’ve tried everything to make it work but still can’t get consistent data reporting. This should be that difficult. I won’t recommend Philips hearing aids and, when these need to be replaced, I’ll try another brand. 🥵

by Jaymz117

Even with full charge on my hearing aids and full charge on my ipad PhilipsHearLink2 rarely will make connection to my philips hearing aids. I see why PhilipsHearLink2 only has 2 stars and apparently they have no desire to fix it. Every time I try to get them to work with my ipad I have to restart my hearings aids multiple times, go back and forth between ipad settings and PhilipsHearLink2 settings and at best I get connected 10% of the time. It’s not like they have competition for an app once you buy the hearing device, so they don’t care.

by Not Happy Unhappy Gail

If there were minus stars I would give PhilipsHearLink2 a HUGE minus. I follow the instructions and get as far as choosing the model of hear aid and the wheel just keeps going around. Because of PhilipsHearLink2 , I would certainly choose a different brand. Gail

by Bob Witchger

I’ve had PhilipsHearLink2 for a week now and I can hardly hear anything. Sometimes the left is on sometimes it’s off. I’m trying to reinstall it again.

by CJN1008

A Phillips Hearing aid owner for years. Appreciate the application on my iPhone and the ability to adjust based upon my surroundings. What is broken isn’t the hearing aids but the Hear Link app. Used original app for years and dealt with the slow connect and poor app performance. Was excited to see the Hear Link 2 app thinking the developer fixed the connect issues. Aside from the “New Look” the connect issues remain and appear to actually be “worse”. Hey Phillips, maybe you need to review who you are using for your app and spend the research $$ to develop an app that will support your quality hearing aid products. Right now being a loyal Phillips Customer dealing with a poor app just might sway me to look at other manufacturers brands that bring a better customer experience across the board. Your app needs much help!!!!
App would not connect once again this morning. Decided to delete app. #2 and reloaded original hear link app. It connected within seconds to both hearing aids. I’ll stay with the original until I hear they fixed the connectivity issues with Hear Link 2.

by I Love It Sooo Much I Hate It.

Randomly drops hearing aides and rapidly repeats the phone battery. Buttons on hearing aides change programs faster than messaging with PhilipsHearLink2 .

by Attleboro107

My problem with PhilipsHearLink2 is that it take too long to connect my hearing aids; on the old application the hearing aids connected automatically. I also think that this application offers no real advantage over it’s predecessor. I would like you to repost HearLink in the Apple Store.

by Joe Seamhead

Two stars is being generous. The hearing aids are ok, but PhilipsHearLink2 is incredibly frustrating in that it only pairs with the hearing aid about 50% of the time , and that’s only on a good day. Look, most people that have the hearing aids are elderly and after spending the time learning how to pair and to use PhilipsHearLink2 only to have it constantly malfunction is unbelievably frustrating! One wonders, “is it me, am I doing something wrong?” Or is it one of the devices? Sometimes following the recommended procedure to re-pair the devices work, but more often it doesn’t. Sometimes, if you restart your phone they will reconnect, but only sometimes. Sometimes deleting PhilipsHearLink2 and reinstalling it works, but again, only sometimes. PhilipsHearLink2 is an utter FAIL and whoever approved it at Phillips and hasn’t remedied the situation should hang their head in shame. I’m nearing the end of my rope and ready to demand a refund for the hearing aids, but only because of the uselessness of the Hear Link 2 app.

by Dlb333

When it works, it’s okay. But it connects so inconsistently that I can’t count on being able to use it. For watching videos, I like to use my iPad, which I can sometimes connect to. But then I have to go through the connect process multiple times to reconnect to my iPhone. I’ve been trying to reconnect to my phone for several days. Now I can’t connect to my iPad either. The instructions for connecting to either device are poor. Sure wish there was an alternative!

by Original Containerman

Not only is PhilipsHearLink2 very slow to boot up and connect, but it is also often inaccurate and unreliable. Whether that’s the fault of PhilipsHearLink2 or the second rate hearing aids that it works with I don’t know. What I do know is that when my insurance allows I will be changing brands.

by GRW615

PhilipsHearLink2 is very quirky and often loses connection with one of my hearing aids. The low battery warning hardly ever works. Often times I am unable to change the sound environment settings. It really needs some work.

by Ddhazz

9 times out of 10 I have to wait for for it to work. It’s constantly “reconnecting “ and when I need to change my hearing aid settings it’s just reconnecting and I can’t change the hearing aid settings. I’m missing a lot of conversations when I can’t hear them due to this issue.

by Tombezig

I’ve worn hearing aids for 6.5 years. I was very happy with my old fashioned Phonak’s, and was really excited about getting new and updated hearing aids from Phillips. They rated is having the best speech recognition, but I’m not sure that’s quite accurate. As far as PhilipsHearLink2 goes, it falls far short of what I would call industry standard for excellence and abuse. It’s slow, and quite often different functions disappear from the screen, and it almost always has to be restarted after one or two hours of idle time. To maintain position location, PhilipsHearLink2 must be kept on all the time but PhilipsHearLink2 continually crashes. By this I mean PhilipsHearLink2 might not recognize one hearing aid or the other, or the button to access the various programs disappears. i’m sure that competent designers and programmers can resolve these issues, but as of this state, 07-December-2023, the poor performance of PhilipsHearLink2 persists. If I knew this before I bought these hearing aids, I probably would never buy these hearing aids. It’s software and hardware that make a device. Phillips has completely failed on the software end. As far as the hardware, I occasionally get random static in the hearing aids. I would’ve given a one rating to PhilipsHearLink2, but I must say that it does work and on the surface it doesn’t look bad. It’s just that the reliability of PhilipsHearLink2 is terrible. It deserves a 1.5 rating, but that does not exist as an option.

by Tudorette

At first, I thought it was my phone so I upgraded after getting my recent set of hearing aids. There is so many things I would change.

One having more options on Settings, like having seminar, restaurant ( the current option for speech in noise isn’t adequate), more music, different options for movies, and more than four options.

My biggest complaint has been PhilipsHearLink2 will change from each settings as you’re trying to hang up using your Bluetooth.

I will be getting a different manufacturer of Hearing Aids because PhilipsHearLink2 is so poor.

by Magalisceous

Costco has been great! They are so helpful and sincere each time I go back. So this isn’t on them. I am frustrated. I am sure Marc in customer service is as well. We mostly are older and go thru a lot to get hearing aids when lose our hearing. We mostly are not tech savvy. Phillips has done a lot to produce a wonderful device. Amazing. But it doesn’t always work! Connectivity issues as all the others are having. Several times each day I lose mostly the left aid. Once or twice a week the right. Every day! Delete Bluetooth cache? Seriously? Come and do it because I don’t understand what that is. Look at the time daily wasted and now more time consumed with this? PhilipsHearLink2 . More like the apple to Adam and Eve. Things were wonderful and then you gave us this. Please, fix it. Just fix it.

by Len4883

It would be nice if PhilipsHearLink2 saved my settings instead of reverting to the installed values.
It would be nice if I could create my own programs much like Phonak allows.
It would be nice if the reconnect actually worked without me having to go to Settings and turning Bluetooth off and then on.
Thank you for the hardware as it’s made my life better.

by Tmihalic

PhilipsHearLink2 is very slow to show your daily usage. The last update was supposed to fix that but didn’t. The weekly graph of time used doesn’t work. Maybe one day a week your time will show up. Maybe I’m doing something wrong but there aren’t any directions. A lot of improvement is needed. If PhilipsHearLink2 worked as good as their hearing aids it would be a great app.

by SJOWG

I give it 2 stars because it’s better than the first HearLink, but it’s still lousy. I play music on my iPad through my 9030s. Unlike the original HearLink, this one actually stays connected, once it does connect. The problem is getting it to connect in the first place. Even though it was working when I turned off my iPad the previous day, when I attempt to use it the next day, it has connection problems. One ear won’t connect at all, and the other goes off and on randomly. The only solution I’ve found is to force reboot the iPad. Then, and only then, does it work reliably.
As far as I’m concerned, that’s unacceptable. It’s the only app that has that problem and requires forced reboot. I’m fed up with having to force reboot every day.
Philips should do better than this—a lot better.

by Toopoles

Its a hundred degrees. My phone overheats when i am working out in the sun. It overheats when sitting by the pool. I am a woman. Pants don’t really have pockets. Seriously. Don’t put it up and listen to music while using a scroll saw, lathe or band saw. Don’t use two devices, so i often don’t wear them while i am watching videos on my larger tablet because??? Should i buy a second set of hearing aids? Watch john wick 4 on a tiny screen… You need to do better. If my phone without PhilipsHearLink2 can stay connected better to my hearing aids than they can with PhilipsHearLink2 ? I’m thinking there’s a problem.

Nine times today. Nine. While listening to a vid with my phone on my chest. Absolutely worthless

by BRB II

The ap is great when it works. Good luck in trying to get it to work. I have an iPhone and more than half of the time I cannot get the hearing aids to connect with the ap. I follow all of the ways the directions for me to connect the hearing aids but they don’t connect. After a few hours all of a sudden they connect. You just cannot expect them to connect when you want them to connect.

by Xggrdhiyfh

I’ve worn hearing aids for over 15 years. I’ve used different brands over the years and the technology has improved dramatically. Unfortunately, the apps for the recent ones I’ve used have all been poor, and the Philips is probably the worst. Disconnects regularly. Getting it started again requires restarting the phone, restarting PhilipsHearLink2 , re-pairing, and/or restarting the hearing aids. Are these apps so bad because the technology is just not advanced enough, either in the hearing aids or Bluetooth, or that Phillips knows how to make hearing aids but not apps, or they just don’t want to spend the research $$$ to develop a decent app? I’m going to return my Phillips hearing aids because PhilipsHearLink2 is so bad, but the reviews of all the other apps, except for Jabra, are just as bad as Phillips. Frustrating.

by Callie7918

I purchased the newest version of Phillips’s hearing aids. I was really expecting a noticeable improvement over the Phillips hearing aids I purchased three years ago. I’m really disappointed because they are actually worse than my old ones.

I can’t tell much sound difference between the four programs. Everything sounds muffled. When listening to music on the car radio, it sounds tinny.

Regular conversations sound muffled and it’s difficult to understand what people are saying. Increasing the volume helps very little.

Trying to adjust the equalizer settings made little if any difference within all the programs.

Unless the audiologist can make some significant adjustments to improve the overall performance, I’m going to return them and ask for a refund.

by GT/LT

Cannot get PhilipsHearLink2 to hold a “pair”. Seems when I go in to either adjust volume or check battery level I never know if it has connected. One HA connects, the other doesn’t. The left HA shows 41% all the time. Batteries are totally charged. All I use app for is adjusting volume and checking battery level. I can adjust volume manually but it would be nice to know what battery level is at. Maybe the charger should show that. Every morning the green light is on so I know they are at 100%.

by Mickmei

I have had my new hearing two weeks and have had to remove and reinstall PhilipsHearLink2 three times to get PhilipsHearLink2 to work. Now the latest problem is PhilipsHearLink2 does not show what mode the hearing aids are in. It just shows general instead of shall we say comfort. I have had no battery level readings. Last night I was talking on the phone and the right heating just quit and I could not get it to work. The battery level was fine. So I left the hearing aide in the charger all night and presto they worked the next morning. Also Costco is no help which I understand

I am at a loss as to why the developers of PhilipsHearLink2 can’t do their job and develop a working app

by Mbrickman

The hear link 2 app makes it possible to control the settings on the Phillips hearing aids. The major defect is when PhilipsHearLink2 is goes into the background with background app refresh enabled an then comes back as the active app, PhilipsHearLink2 just loops trying to connect to the hearing aids. When I check the iPhone accessibility settings for the hearing aids both are connected. The only way I’ve found to reconnect to the hear link 2 app is to close it and reopen it. This is very annoying.

by Lessthsnimpressed

W o giving user a choice, app is designed to make the indicator for batter life graphic rather than digital. The only digital number is minute -hard to see-in top right of screen.
Also the creators of PhilipsHearLink2 have not thought about the traditional age of the user-just how to send an email is too complicated for most typical users of hearing aids. Considering the user and relating to the user is essential for a well developed and celebrated app.

by ProtonBalloon

Never connects to hearing aids if there’s no internet connection, which is a big problem for me since I live where internet and phone are both spotty. And even if there is an internet connection, almost always requires killing and restarting PhilipsHearLink2 and resetting one or both hearing aids before PhilipsHearLink2 will do anything; this occurs even if PhilipsHearLink2 was recently used and had been connected.

The V1 app infrequently had issues like this but I might hit them once every few weeks instead of every time I bring up the V2 app.

Since when I need PhilipsHearLink2 it’s usually to make an immediate adjustment while trying to hear something, taking my aids out to reset them is totally unworkable. I’m giving up on PhilipsHearLink2 until it gets fixed.

by The_Orcanator

Thought I liked the hearing aids as it’s wonderful to not mess w batteries, yet PhilipsHearLink2 is infuriating and unless app developers get to the root of the issue I predict people go elsewhere.

Seems I spend more days doing wo my aids as I did on vacation for two days bc I could not get my iPhone (a new updated phone) to recognize the aids and to get control of volume controls. I now must plan time in the morning to fool w the device before I can even leave the house!

by Angry Frustrated Senior

This is a difficult app to use. When I switched from Android to IPhone PhilipsHearLink2 began constantly disconnecting my hearing aids - directing me to shut off and restart my hearing aids so PhilipsHearLink2 can function. But that didn’t correct the problem no matter how many times I went through the process. I had to visit my hearing aid provider. My hearing aid provider was able to adjust PhilipsHearLink2 and the connections so PhilipsHearLink2 is now working. But as a normal older user (typical hearing aid user) this is a difficult app to use, especially if any part of the connection changes; Bluetooth, etc.
The developers were very responsive in suggesting work arounds. But that was problematic for me. Hopefully, further updates to PhilipsHearLink2 will help make it more stable making it easier to use for older users. It’s a very good app when it does work.

by Uncle.Lenny

Connection issues, program access proven to be unreliable. Having to reset my iPhone to establish and restore app. The earlier version was easier on the user.

by Jessielab

Very disappointed with this hearing aid. It disconnects often. This never happened with my other aid which was a different brand.
Thought I was upgrading to an improved version. Big MISTAKE!
When connected it works well however….
I’ve had nothing but problems since day one.
What to do? Is there a Fix?

by Nate12345

I have not had the connection problems others have had. I’m using an iPhone 13 Pro with the latest iOS. I am wondering if some of you with connection problems are using an earlier version of iOS. My main problem is that if my phone is in my pocket and I am walking around either talking on the phone or listening to music I get mini dropouts. Do others experience this? When it is in the shirt pocket, if I have a shirt pocket, it is better. So the Bluetooth signal is weak. Phillips 9040 from Costco.

by Poot Poozle

With the update pushed to my iPhone 13, iOS 17.4, the journal function stopped working, as if it’s not connected. The volume and program functions work fine; just the journal seems to be broken.

by Ncdeaf

I really like that I can control the level from the tv streamer and the surrounding voice from others. Also the ability to control volume of the aids separately. This allows me to reduce road noise in my left ear when I am driving. On the down side, PhilipsHearLink2 frequently loses contact with the aids even though my phone is in my shirt pocket. In addition start up and mode changes are slow. Hopefully these items will be addressed in future releases

by RobInNYC

I love my HearLink 9040s! I’ve been using the HearLink 2 app and although it’s functionality is quite basic, that’s fine for me.

Sadly, the newest version of HearLink 2 (Feb 29, 2024), broke the Philips Journal. I can no longer track wearing time for my 9040s.

I understand that the newly added functionality is for the newer model HearLink, but please fix/update PhilipsHearLink2 to insure PhilipsHearLink2 remains backwardly compatible for the 9040s and other older models.

Thanks, Rob

by ToEachHisZone

Like a previous reviewer the connections would drop, possibly due to internet access - but I found by going to settings/ accessibility/ hearing and resync/pair problem appears to be solved

by Koa808koa

After using PhilipsHearLink2 for about a month. I’m finding it difficult to accurately track my daily usage. PhilipsHearLink2 is not consistent on tracking my usage. There was days when I used the hearing aids for 10-12 hours +, and logged on to PhilipsHearLink2 numerous times and the usage not being monitored. There are days when PhilipsHearLink2 works perfectly.

by Big ABE1

Worked great until it stopped. Will not pair. Tried every option many times. Hearing aid works, but cannot use app to adjust.

by BRB1943

I am generally pleased with PhilipsHearLink2 except for the flaw concerning the wearing time feature. It will track daily wearing time for a few days, then will stop recording. I have to delete PhilipsHearLink2 and download it again to reactivate the tracking feature. I don’t lose previous data, but it is a pain to have to do this every few days.

by FMP21

Redo: The key to PhilipsHearLink2 I found is never closing it at the end of the day. Also, you need to keep the phone next to you at all times, otherwise you will have connection problems. Follow their instructions exactly and you will have few problems.

by Pittiesforme

I love changing to the HiFi and Voices in Noise channels, but extremely inconsistent in connecting to both hearing aids. Not connected to any other Bluetooth devices. Tried turning in and off, updating, opening & closing PhilipsHearLink2 , even restarting my phone (and combinations of these and still not working. Very frustrating.

by Tinacuccia

Wish they’d link to my iPhone like they did before recent “updates”. Now they don’t connect -at all! Cmon guys it’s 2024 we expect better…

by Nate_R

I appreciate the recent updates to the application, which have made it more reliable. Having PhilipsHearLink2 remember the equalizer settings is valuable.

For professional reasons, I really need a way to temporarily turn off external sounds and allow streaming without interference. (I have a Bluetooth stethoscope that streams to my ears, but it isn’t usable without being able to tune out interference.) Other hearing aids have this capability, usually as a software slider switch.

by SaintPDX

Connection issues have improved for me, but may be an issue for others. There is some phasing between the hearing aids when listening to or playing music. I would like the ability to create my own custom sound settings.

by Pennypie72

Have had none of the connectivity issues others have complained about. Connectivity with the Hearing aid is by Bluetooth (not the internet), although PhilipsHearLink2 itself works on the internet connection from your phone (wifi or cellular). The hearing aids are not “plug and play”. Have your audiologist tech (Costco?) work on your programming and the correct “domes” and wire lengths for you on the earpiece. I went back 3 times as they had advised to keep refining the programming. We are all unique. Finally, got the background to recede enough to improve speech. Also went thru 2 different types of “domes”. Keep working with your tech. They can also do programming adjustments remotely now. Look forward though to HL2 having additional settings. HL1 can have haptics set on the aid buttons. I don’t see that setting in HL2. Happy camper. Using my “dryer” for my aids nearly everyday as its esp. hot = sweaty this summer.

by Diarrhea Madman

I’m surprised to read about the pairing issues most people are complaining about. I had my paired at Costco and have never had issues with pairing or dropping them. Every morning, as soon as I put them on I hear the music in my ear indicating successful pairing with my iPhone. I often used to have pairing issues with other brand that Costco no longer carries. Having said that, the verdict is still out on whether my ability to hear conversations has improved or not, as the conversation as well as the background noises are both amplified. Perhaps I need to explore the programs on PhilipsHearLink2 for different environments.

by RunJPM

I’ve found PhilipsHearLink2 to be stable and easy to use.

by Loutotheis

PhilipsHearLink2 is good to be able to do what I need it to do. I can change the profiles depending on the environment, check battery life, and see where the last place I had them was. My only wish is that they could play a chirping sound if I loose them. Otherwise PhilipsHearLink2 is a great 9/10 for what
I need it to do.

by Northwoods Granny

Just got hearing aids for the first time, but I have to shut down phone and restart to be able to do adjustments on sound or anything else on app. On my phone show connected, but your app just spins. If this improves will revise my rating. Disappointing

Revised after update this week.

No more restarting app, works great after latest update.

by Onthefarshore

I worried about the low reviews on PhilipsHearLink2 and have held off downloading to my second device as a result until trying in on my phone. However, to my surprise PhilipsHearLink2 has given me no issues whatsoever in my first month of daily use. It will stream directly to my hearing aids, to my bluetooth speakers or my phone and back and fort as desired.

For example, in the car using navigation while my husband was driving, I briefly turned off Bluetooth so the sound came through my phone speaker for my husband to hear. When finished, I simply turned Bluetooth back on and opened the hearling 2 app to return streaming to my hearing aids. This technique has worked each and every time I’ve needed to switch from another device back to my hearing aids. I am very pleased with both my hearing aids and PhilipsHearLink2, and wish to extend my appreciation to the creators. It has definitely improved my quality of life!

My main concern with PhilipsHearLink2 relates to privacy, what data is collected and what is done with my personal data. I would like to know how I can opt out of HearLink 2 sharing or selling the data it collects on me. I have read the privacy policy and definitely have concerns out all the data stated which is being collected and would very much appreciate a response to this concern and how I can opt out and protect my privacy. Thank you in advance.

by Tzvi

It's fantastic that I can answer calls and listen to music with my hearing aids.
Answering and hanging up from the hearing aid itself often doesn't work. But I figure once Phillips gets this working with my Applewatch, along with music, etc, then we're cooking with gas.
Phillips? You listening?