How to use manufacturer resources effectively

Manufacturer professional portals are among the most valuable — and most underused — resources available to hearing healthcare professionals. They provide access to fitting software, clinical training, product documentation, CE-eligible courses, and direct technical support. Most require registration with a professional credential (license number or NPI).

A note on objectivity: manufacturer-provided education is inherently product-focused. It is excellent for learning the technical details of a specific platform but should be balanced with independent clinical education from AAA, ASHA, and peer-reviewed literature. Manufacturer CE courses count toward CE requirements but should not be the sole source of clinical education.

Phonak professional resources

• Phonak Target fitting software: The primary fitting platform for all Phonak devices. Available via the Phonak ProCenter portal. Includes REM integration, AutoSense OS programming, and remote fine-tuning setup.
• Phonak ProCenter (phonakpro.com): Professional portal with product documentation, fitting guides, clinical studies, and CE-eligible courses. Requires professional registration.
• Phonak eSolutions: Remote fine-tuning platform integrated with myPhonak app. Training available through ProCenter.
• Roger fitting resources: Dedicated training for Roger wireless microphone system fitting and troubleshooting. Roger is a significant differentiator for Phonak — understanding the system thoroughly is valuable for counseling patients.
• Unitron Fitting Suite: Phonak's sister brand (Sonova Group) uses the same fitting platform with Unitron-specific features including Flex:trial and Flex:upgrade management.

Oticon professional resources

• Genie 2 fitting software: Oticon's fitting platform for all current devices. Includes OpenSound Navigator programming, DNN processing settings, and remote fine-tuning setup via Oticon RemoteCare.
• Oticon Professional (oticonpro.com): Professional portal with clinical resources, fitting guides, research publications, and CE courses. Includes the Oticon Learning Center with structured training programs.
• Oticon RemoteCare: Remote fine-tuning platform. Training and setup guides available through the professional portal.
• BrainHearing clinical resources: Oticon publishes extensive clinical research supporting the BrainHearing philosophy. The research library on oticonpro.com is one of the most comprehensive manufacturer research collections available.

Signia professional resources

• Connexx fitting software: Signia's fitting platform (also used for some Rexton and Audio Service devices under the WS Audiology umbrella). Includes OVP programming, AX split-processing settings, and TeleCare remote fitting.
• Signia Pro (signiapro.net): Professional portal with product resources, clinical tools, and CE courses. Includes the Signia Academy with structured training.
• Signia TeleCare: Remote fine-tuning platform. Audiologists can send adjustments directly to patient hearing aids via the Signia app.
• Signia Assistant clinical resources: Documentation on the AI-powered Signia Assistant feature and how to counsel patients on its use.

ReSound professional resources

• ReSound Smart Fit fitting software: ReSound's fitting platform. Includes All-Access Directionality programming, M&RIE configuration, and ReSound Assist setup.
• ReSound Pro (resoundpro.com): Professional portal with clinical resources, fitting guides, and CE courses. Includes the ReSound Learning Center.
• ReSound Assist: Remote fine-tuning platform — one of the most seamless remote care implementations in the industry. Training available through the professional portal.
• Bluetooth LE Audio resources: ReSound publishes clinical and technical resources on Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, relevant for counseling tech-forward patients.

Starkey professional resources

• Inspire fitting software: Starkey's fitting platform. Includes Genesis AI programming, Edge Mode configuration, and health feature setup.
• Starkey Pro (starkeypro.com): Professional portal with product resources, clinical tools, and CE courses. Includes the Starkey Hearing Technologies Learning Center.
• Thrive Care platform: Remote monitoring and care coordination platform for Starkey devices. Allows audiologists to monitor patient hearing aid use and health data remotely.
• Fall detection clinical resources: Documentation on the clinical evidence for fall detection and how to counsel patients — particularly relevant for older adult populations.

Widex professional resources

• Compass GPS fitting software: Widex's fitting platform. Includes ZeroDelay processing settings, SoundSense Learn configuration, and Zen tinnitus therapy programming.
• Widex Pro (widexpro.com): Professional portal with clinical resources, fitting guides, and CE courses.
• Zen tinnitus therapy resources: Widex publishes clinical resources on the Zen fractal tone therapy program, including fitting protocols and counseling guides for tinnitus patients.

Independent fitting and clinical software

Beyond manufacturer-specific fitting software, several independent tools are valuable for clinical practice:

• Audioscan Verifit / Verifit2: The most widely used REM system in North American audiology practices. Supports all major prescriptive targets and manufacturer fitting software integration.
• Interacoustics Affinity / Equinox: Audiometric and REM systems widely used in clinical practice.
• NOAH system (HIMSA): The industry-standard patient data management system that integrates with all major fitting software platforms. Stores audiograms, fitting data, and patient records.
• QuickSIN test materials: Available from Etymotic Research. Essential for speech-in-noise assessment.
• COSI, HHIE, IOI-HA forms: Available free from the National Acoustic Laboratories (nal.gov.au) and other sources.