The present application discloses systems and methods for engaging in monitoring of audio signals received and processed by a hearing prosthesis. In accordance with one embodiment, a method includes a monitoring device detecting a trigger event, in response to the detecting, the monitoring device transmitting to a hearing prosthesis an instruction to switch transmission modes, and in response to the transmitting, the monitoring device receiving from the hearing prosthesis an audio stream. In accordance with another embodiment, another method includes a hearing prosthesis operating in a first mode, where it receives audio signals, generates stimulation commands based on the received audio signals, and transmits to an implanted device the generated stimulation commands, receiving from an external device an instruction to switch operation modes, and in response to the receiving, switching to operate in a second mode, where it receives audio signals, generates a modulated audio stream based on the received audio signals, and transmits to the external device the modulated audio stream.
