Malcolm Owen
Users of MFi heading aids are reporting problems using their audio devices with the iPhone 12, with some also experiencing static issues along with difficulty in pairing them with the new smartphones.
Forum threads are suggesting there are issues with how Apple's Bluetooth connectivity functions for users of MFi-compatible hearing aids. Pairing to the iPhone, the "Made for iPhone" hearing aids are able to stream audio from the iPhone to the user's ear, such as music, phone calls, and notification sounds, among other benefits.
An email tip from an AppleInsider reader explains how they endured connection issues when they moved to the iPhone 12. While the iPhone 11 Pro Max and current-generation iPad Pro 12.9 both work without issue, the same can't be said about the iPhone 12, with the reader experiencing rapid disconnections and reconnections, with seemingly no stability at all.
For the reader, the problem is also still evident when using the beta of iOS 14.3.
Users on the HearingTracker forum also say there are problems using hearing aids with the iPhone 12, while connecting to other Apple devices worked fine. The connection issues included a "massive amount of static" through two hearing aids for one user, then one or both of the hearing aids disconnect.
Similar issues were also endured by others, as well as individual hearing aids becoming unpaired. One user also claimed they were informed it would be potentially fixed in the iOS 14.2 update, though it still persists.
Posts made to Apple's support forums advise of the same sort of problems, including static and disconnections, and again seemingly limited to the iPhone 12 generation of devices.
This is not the first time hearing aid users have encountered difficulty in using new iPhone models. An update for iOS 13.1.3 was released in October 2019 to fix Bluetooth connection reliability issues, specifically for hearing aids.
It is probable that a similar fix will be issued by Apple as part of an incremental software update in the coming weeks.
Update November 15, 2:15 A.M. Eastern time Apple is aware of the problem and plans to issue a fix in an upcoming software update.
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7 Comments
Yes, this is a very annoying issue for me with my iPhone 12 pro. Bursts of static at various times, and during a long conversation yesterday, one channel will drop off, then return.
This is true. My wife is an audiologist; her practice is not far from Cupertino and she has many Apple employees as patients. They've told her Apple is aware of the problem and is working on a fix. It's a constant issue, as you said, of Apple making software changes that mess up hearing aid connectivity.
Encouraged to hear that Apple is aware. Hopefully a fix is coming soon. It’s disappointing to set up the newest device but take a step back in functionality! I have been wearing MFi hearing aids since the first compatible model came out. I very much appreciate the functionality. That said, each release of iOS (and less often the hardware itself) seems to introduce a new issue that takes a few weeks to iron out. I commend Apple for the new Headphone Accommodations feature in the Accessibility settings. It’s the first time in forever that I can wear proper ear buds and actually hear music as it’s meant to be heard!
My hearing aids work perfectly with my mew iPhone. ReSounds
The second beta of 14.3, released today, appears to address the issue. I can verify at least on iPhone 12 Pro Max on Resound Linx 3D.