Apple Recognizes Sound Issues with new iPhone 12 and Hearing Aids

Apple Recognizes Sound Issues with new iPhone 12 and Hearing Aids

by | Dec 18, 2020 | Hearing Aids, Patient Resources, Technology

As an audiologist At North Houston Hearing Solutions, I work directly with patients from all walks of life.

I understand each patient’s unique needs and how they can get the most out of their hearing aids.

Hearing aid technology has advanced a lot in recent years.

As technology continues to evolve and improve, occasionally frustrating technical glitches occur.

A patient recently told me that he upgraded his phone to a new iPhone 12, and ever since then, his Made for iPhone hearing aids sound distorted. He was initially concerned that his hearing aids were the source of the problem. I told him that this had become a recurring issue with the new iPhone 12, and Apple is aware of the problem.

I want to share the same information with you regarding the Bluetooth connectivity and sound distortion issues facing iPhone 12 users who utilize Made for iPhone hearing aids.

iPhone 12 Users are Experiencing These Issues

Recent iPhone models and updates have proved troublesome for some people who wear Made for iPhone hearing aids when they try to use Bluetooth connectivity.

Since iOS 14 and iPhone 12 were released around the same time frame, isolating the issue becomes more complicated.

A conversation on the Apple discussion forum helps direct attention towards the likely culprit being the iPhone 12. IOS 14 users using an iPhone 11 or earlier have not reported sound distortion with their paired iPhones and hearing aids.

One user writes, “I’m experiencing a lot of static and in general a touchy connection where one or both ears will cut sound.”

Another user says, “connection is not an issue but the right one has a lot of interference on phone calls, enough that I have to remove it when on the phone. “Both users stated they had recently upgraded to the new iPhone 12, and they reportedly use different brands of hearing aids.

Suppose your hearing aid Bluetooth connectivity and the sound quality worked well with a different phone model, and you began experiencing problems when you upgraded to an iPhone 12.

In that case, your hearing aid is probably not the source of the issue. Loss of connectivity, static, poor connection, inconsistent volume, and distorted sounds are common issues hearing aid wearers face with the new iPhone 12.

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Apple is Working on a Solution

This is not the first time Apple has released a product that has caused Bluetooth connectivity issues for hearing aid wearers; the iOS 13 update caused various problems.

When smartphones are updated or upgraded, I typically experience an increased volume of patients concerned that their hearing aids may not be working correctly.

Apple released IOS 14.2 update to address the issue; however, at least one user on the Apple discussion forum reports the problem persisted.

Although manufacturers and developers should ideally resolve hearing aid connectivity issues before releasing a new product or update, it is not unusual to discover bugs and glitches after the initial release.

Apple has advised iPhone 12 users to upgrade to the latest IOS 14.2.1 update to resolve the problem.

We are Here to Help You

At North Houston Hearing Solutions, our patients’ hearing needs come first. We are here to help you with all of your audiology needs.

If you are concerned that there is a problem with your hearing aids or you would like help troubleshooting a problem with your hearing aids, North Houston Hearing Solutions is here to help you.

If you need to schedule a hearing test, hearing aid cleaning, hearing aid repair, or would like more information regarding our audiology services, please contact us.

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Dr. Lacey Brooks, CCC-A, FAAA - Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Lacey Brooks received a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry in 2003, and earned her Doctorate of Audiology in 2009. She completed her clinical internships and residency at various facilities within Houston Medical Center. Dr. Brooks is a preferred provider for the American Institute of Balance (ABI), a professional member of the American Tinnitus Association (ATA), a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), a member of the Texas Academy of Audiology (TAA) and is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She is also the vice president of the Louisiana State University Houston Chapter Alumni Association. In addition to her years of experience identifying, diagnosing and treating all types and degrees of hearing loss, and vestibular disorders, Dr. Brooks has spent the last 13 years becoming an expert in Tinnitus management and therapy. Dr. Brooks is also one of the few providers in the country certified for Lyric Implantable Devices. For over seven years, Dr. Brooks successfully ran and operated more than six audiology clinics for one of the largest practices in the state of Texas before joining the North Houston Hearing Solutions team in 2016. Dr. Brooks prides herself on providing her patients with the highest quality of care. She loves her patients dearly and feels so fortunate that she gets to help improve their daily lives. This love, combined with her impressive skill set, business experience and passion for helping people hear has made Dr. Lacey Brooks a wonderful addition to the North Houston Hearing Solutions’ team. When not at the office, Dr. Brooks enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, family, and friends. Dr. Brooks is also very involved in her church and with mission work in her community and abroad.

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