Is the google_product_category attribute mandatory for hearing aids?

It is technically optional, as Google may auto-assign a category. However, manually providing the ID or path is recommended to ensure higher accuracy in ad serving.

Should I use the ID or the full path in my feed?

Both are acceptable. The numeric ID (5690) is often preferred by automation tools because it is language-independent and less prone to formatting errors.

Does this category change which attributes I need to provide?

The category helps Google understand your product, but it does not change the core requirements like brand, mpn, or gtin. Only specific categories like Apparel trigger additional mandatory fields.

Google product category

Hearing Aids

Category ID5690

Full path for the feedHealth & Beauty > Health Care > Hearing Aids

Product examples in this category (US market)

Real products found in Google Shopping, shown as examples.

Phonak Infinio Audeo RIC Hearing Aid
Sennheiser OTC Hearing Aid
Sennheiser All Day Clear Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids
Phonak Audeo Infinio Ultra Hearing Aids
Phonak Audeo Infinio Ultra Sphere
iBstone nova Hearing Aids
LINNER Saturn OTC Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Jabra Enhance Select Hearing Aids

Understanding the Hearing Aids Category (ID: 5690)

The Hearing Aids category, identified by the numeric ID 5690, is a specific classification within the Health & Beauty branch of the Google Product Taxonomy. It is situated at the third level of the taxonomy tree, falling directly under the Health Care parent category.

Products That Belong in This Category

This category is reserved for devices designed to improve hearing for individuals with hearing loss. Based on examples found in the US market, this includes various types of medical-grade and over-the-counter devices, such as:

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids
Self-fitting over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids
Digital rechargeable hearing aids
Advanced sound-processing hearing enhancement devices

Products That Do Not Belong Here

Do not use this category for devices intended for general wellness, biometric tracking, or medical support that does not assist with hearing. Items such as biometric monitors, medical alarm systems, or general mobility aids must be placed in their respective categories, such as Biometric Monitors, Medical Alarm Systems, or Mobility & Accessibility. If a product is a simple physical support or diagnostic tool, check the specific listings under the Health Care parent category to ensure correct placement.

Implementation in Your Feed

You can define this category in your product feed using either the numeric ID 5690 or the full path: Health & Beauty > Health Care > Hearing Aids. While the attribute is optional, specifying it ensures Google accurately classifies your items, as the automated assignment process may occasionally be too general for specialized medical devices.

Frequently asked questions

Is the google_product_category attribute mandatory for hearing aids?: It is technically optional, as Google may auto-assign a category. However, manually providing the ID or path is recommended to ensure higher accuracy in ad serving.
Should I use the ID or the full path in my feed?: Both are acceptable. The numeric ID (5690) is often preferred by automation tools because it is language-independent and less prone to formatting errors.
Does this category change which attributes I need to provide?: The category helps Google understand your product, but it does not change the core requirements like brand, mpn, or gtin. Only specific categories like Apparel trigger additional mandatory fields.

This category in other languages

ru: Красота и здоровье > Медицинские средства > Слуховые аппараты
uk: Краса та здоров'я > Медичні засоби > Слухові апарати