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Can I make Skype, FaceTime, or WhatsApp video calls with my Phonak hearing aids?

Phonak hearing aids support Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp for phone and video calling.

The call will be heard in the hearing aids as with normal phone calls.

How do I make sure that I am connected to use Skype with my Phonak hearing aids? 
If using Skype on a computer, there are two different ways to connect your Phonak hearing aids:
a. Direct connection between Phonak hearing aids and your computer

  • Go into the Bluetooth settings of your computer.
  • Find the hearing aid which has been set for the phone calls and pair it.
  • The pairing code is 0000.
  • Go to Skype
  • Tools
  • Audio Device.*
  • Make sure all the Audio Device settings in Skype are selected as shown in the picture.
  • Note: “Secondary ringer” depends on the computer model.

Now you can make a Skype call.

b. Using an external Bluetooth USB-adapter (e.g. Sennheiser BTD 800 Bluetooth adapter)

  • On your computer, in your system settings for Sound, ensure that “Recording” devices is correctly set to the name of your Bluetooth adapter.
  • If the Bluetooth solution is embedded in your computer, make sure you configure the device as headphones, too.
  • Go into the Bluetooth settings of your computer- find the external Bluetooth USB-adapter in the list of paired devices, and configure it to be used as a headset, too.
  • Open Skype,Tools- Audio Device.*
  • It is possible that the alerts you hear using a Bluetooth USB adapter are louder than usual.
  • Make sure all the Audio Device settings in Skype are selected as shown in the picture.
  • Note: “Secondary ringer” depends on the computer model.

Now you can make a Skype call.

Please note: on Apple computers you will find Skype Audio settings: Skype - Preferences - Audio/Video