When we upgrade our smartphones, we expect the new device to provide a better user experience than the previous one.
After all, big tech companies like Apple have primed us to anticipate exciting, enhanced features with the release of their latest devices.
While most of us desire a bit of fun from a new smartphone, what we want most from it is to perform well as an audio communication device.
Unfortunately, the iPhone 12 has failed to meet those expectations for many hearing aid users.
If you’re one of them, you’re probably familiar with the sound quality and Bluetooth connectivity issues that frequently happen when pairing hearing aids with the iPhone 12.
Why an Audiologist Is Addressing the iPhone 12 User Experience
I know it can be extremely frustrating when technology doesn’t work as it should.
Although treating hearing disorders is my primary duty as an audiologist, I take a person-centered rather than ear-centered approach to practicing audiology.
Since my audiologist colleagues at Alabama Hearing Associates share that commitment, we prioritize issues that impact the quality of life for people living with hearing loss.
That makes troubleshooting hearing aid problems a regular part of our practice. Also, we know having hearing aid issues with your smartphone can have a negative impact on your overall quality of life.
What Are the Hearing Aid Problems with the iPhone 12?
The main issues are related to Bluetooth connectivity and poor sound quality. After connecting hearing aids to the smartphone, the hearing aids often disconnect in one or both ears.
When the hearing aids are connected to the iPhone 12, users have reported hearing loud static sounds.
One user reported the static sound “goes back and forth between right and left ears and is very loud and horrible.” Clearly, this not the kind of experience anyone wants to have during a phone call or while streaming audio.
To complicate matters, Apple issued iOS 14, a significant upgrade to the software that operates Apple devices, just before releasing the iPhone 12. It can be difficult for the user to know whether the problem is with the hearing aids, the iPhone 12, or iOS 14.
Perhaps that accurately describes what you’re trying to figure out right now. If your sound issues started when you upgraded to the iPhone 12, I feel confident in saying your hearing aids are not causing these problems.
When a technology issue originates with hearing aids, the problem is usually limited to a particular hearing aid model or brand.
The iPhone 12 sound issues involve a variety of hearing aid brands.
Resolving Sound Issues with the iPhone 12
Since hearing aids have been ruled out as the source of these sound issues, we must conclude they originated with either iOS 14 or the iPhone 12 itself.
Apple is aware of these issues and has recommended that users update their software to iOS 14.2.1 or later.
My colleagues and I are available to help you troubleshoot hearing aid problems you haven’t been able to resolve on your own.
Alabama Hearing Associates is a full-service hearing center that offers cleaning and repair for your hearing devices.
Contact us for assistance.
