Examples of systems and methods of wireless control of a canal hearing device by applying a magnetic field on the skin at the temporomandibular region of the head are described. An exemplary hearing device may include one or more magnetic sensors for wireless activation by the magnetic end of a remote control device applied inconspicuously to the anterior of the external ear. The activation of a reed switch magnetic sensor within the canal hearing device may be decoded by the electronics of the hearing device to implement a control command, such as volume change, program setting change, ON, or OFF. According to examples described, wireless control of the canal hearing device may be implemented with a natural, comfortable, and inconspicuous hand-arm motion. In some embodiments, multiple reed switches may be arranged to selectively respond to a magnetic field applied within distinct “hot spot” regions, for separate remote control commands.