A method for operating a hearing system with at least a first device and a second device. The method includes the steps of booting of the first device, sending a state query from the first device to the second device, sending a state response from the second device to the first device, the state response including information regarding an operational state of the second device, and adjusting the operational state of the first device dependent on the state response. A device can be employed to perform such a method as part of the hearing system. The hearing system can for instance be a binaural hearing system, a CROS system or a system including a hearing device and a fitting device for adjusting the hearing device to the individual requirements of the hearing device user.