I love my phone. It’s my lifeline to friends, family, colleagues, and clients. So, when I heard that the iPhone 12 was causing hearing issues when paired with hearing aids, I was less than happy. In a way, phones and hearing aids are very similar.
We use both of them to communicate, engage, and interact with the world around us. So, when one interferes with the other, it can cause havoc in your everyday life.
According to Apple, iPhone 12 users who pair their hearing aids via Bluetooth may experience loud sounds, static, garbled noises, and other sound-related issues.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Aren’t My Hearing Aids Working With My iPhone 12?
A few months ago, iPhone 12 users flocked to the Apple Support forums to complain about a new problem.
Their hearing aids were having connectivity, sound, and quality issues.
Media outlets quickly picked up the story — forcing Apple to release an official statement.
According to the Apple support document, you may notice loud static, garbled audio, and interrupted audio when using devices like the:
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- and iPhone 12 Pro Max
All of these devices use a brand-new Bluetooth chip, which causes friction with iOS 14. According to the support forums, most issues seem to be contained to 12-series devices and Made for iPhone hearing devices.
However, some users have noted issues with hearing aids outside that list, so the full extent of the bug isn’t perfectly clear.
Is There A Fix?
Hopefully! Apple is now urging users to update their iPhones to iOS 14.2.1 or later.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen this issue. I remember seeing patients in my practice last year for a similar iPhone issue, which was later patched out. This can be a frustrating issue for people with hearing loss.
When bugs like this happen, it’s difficult to know if the problem is your phone or your hearing aid. One user in the support forums said, “I am very dissatisfied with the disruption this causes.” and another added, “I have an appointment tomorrow with my audiologist. Apple isn’t fixing this.”
I completely understand their frustration.
Hearing aids are a lifeline to family, friends, and neighbors. They help people hear danger, listen to the beauty of music, and effectively communicate with the people they love most.
So, when your smartphone (which is a must-have in today’s hyper-digital world) causes issues with hearing aids, you get stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Currently, I’m asking my patients with this particular issue to come into the clinic. It’s difficult for me to tell if the issue is Apple or hearing-aid-related until I see them in person.
My fix starts with a hearing aid adjustment, reprogram, and cleaning. If that doesn’t work, I’m taking some additional, device-related steps to help my patients get their hearing aids working again.
I strongly urge my colleagues to take a similar, multi-pronged approach to this issue. Don’t simply dismiss this as an Apple issue.
Even if it is, it’s still our job to provide assistance. For those suffering from this issue, I highly recommend you visit your local audiologist if updating your iOS doesn’t fix the issue.
Your audiologist will help you diagnose the problem.
I know that Apple isn’t perfect. No business or person is. But bugs that disrupt hearing aids are incredibly serious.
Luckily, those with hearing aids have plenty of support lines at their disposal.
Are you still having issues after the update? Is it hard to tell if your problem is due to your hearing aids or smartphone? I can help. Contact me to set up an appointment.
Let’s solve your issue, and help you hear again.