Hearing Health News — June ’25

Starkey adds direct bimodal streaming for MED-EL cochlear implant users

On June 11, Starkey and cochlear implant maker MED-EL announced a new partnership called DualSync, launching July 1. In simple terms, this means Apple users who wear a Starkey Edge AI or Genesis AI hearing aid on one ear and a MED-EL cochlear implant on the other will now be able to stream audio—like music, FaceTime calls, or videos—from their iPhone or iPad to both ears at once. No dongles, neck loops, or extra accessories needed. Just a one-time update through MED-EL’s AudioKey 3 app, and you’re good to go.

This is a big step for people with profound or asymmetrical hearing loss who rely on two different types of devices. Until now, Starkey didn’t offer this kind of direct “bimodal streaming,” which ReSound/Cochlear and Phonak/Advanced Bionics already support. This move puts Starkey on the map for bimodal users, and does so in a clean, no-accessories-required way that’s ideal for Apple-centric users.

Most hearing aid users won’t be affected by this, but for those with mixed-device setups, it’s a welcome announcement. Bimodal users are often overlooked in hearing tech because they represent a smaller market—but they’re often the ones who need seamless solutions the most. It’s encouraging to see both Starkey and MED-EL stepping up in this area. 

Android 16 brings Bluetooth LE Audio support to Pixel phones

Android 16 Google has recently announced the arrival of Android 16, and it brings a major step forward for hearing aid connectivity. If you own a Pixel 9 or newer, this update includes full support for LE Audio, the new Bluetooth standard that offers more stable, power-efficient, and high-quality streaming directly to compatible hearing aids. Users can now adjust hearing aid settings, switch between microphones (hearing aid or phone), and even access features like Auracast for audio sharing, all directly through their phone settings.

For those of us working in hearing care, this is exciting progress. While many of today’s hearing aids are LE Audio-ready, most phones, including iPhones, still lack the technology to unlock these features. Google’s decision to make LE Audio standard on Pixel 9 and newer devices means more users can finally tap into the full potential of their hearing aids. If you're considering a phone upgrade (and if your hearing aids have LE Audio) now is a good time to make the switch to a Pixel phone to take advantage of these features.

Note: These features require a Pixel 9 or newer phone running Android 15 or later, along with hearing aids that support LE Audio.

Oticon launches $300 rebate for switching to Intent 1

Oticon just kicked off their “Better Hearing Challenge,” offering a $300 rebate when you trade in your current hearing aids (non-Oticon brands) for their latest model, the Oticon Intent 1. This is Oticon’s most advanced hearing aid yet, featuring deep neural network (DNN) technology trained on 12 million real-world sound scenes. It’s one of our best-selling and least-returned devices, and we already offer it at a discount. With this rebate, the value becomes even more compelling. The Better Hearing Challenge runs through December 31, 2025, and you must submit your rebate form within two months of purchase.

There are a few key eligibility details: the offer is only for U.S. residents switching from non-Oticon brands who are not using insurance-based or subsidized programs (like Medicare, Medicaid, VA, or TruHearing). You'll need to upload a photo of your new Oticon Intent 1 hearing aids next to your old pair, provide serial numbers, and fill out a short online form. To start, visit oticonrebates.com.