Although I’ve lived in Arizona for years, I grew up in Wisconsin.
Since I rely heavily on my smartphone to keep in touch with loved ones in my hometown, I understand how frustrating it can be when technology fails to meet expectations.
Unfortunately, many hearing aid users are experiencing that kind of frustration with the new iPhone 12.
Hearing aid users report sound quality issues and connectivity problems when they pair their hearing aids with the iPhone 12.
I want to share what my colleagues and I know about these problems and what you can do to resolve them.
What Hearing Aid Users Are Saying About the iPhone 12
Most complaints relate to poor sound quality and Bluetooth connectivity.
Many hearing aid users have said they hear loud static in one or both ears after pairing their hearing aids to the iPhone 12.
Users also report one or both hearing devices will disconnect and reconnect over and over again.
Hundreds of users have turned to threads on the Apple discussion forum to express their exasperation. The user quotes that follow reflect the issues that most users are reporting.
“I got my iPhone 12pro over a week ago. The first day I had them, the static was deafening. I have not heard or seen anything regarding a fix. This is a severe problem.”
“Terrible! I can’t even use. Apple…..please fix! Static, squealing, garbled, and goes off and on. Just a very bad situation.”
Are Hearing Aids Causing the Problem?
As an audiologist, troubleshooting hearing aid problems is a big part of my job.
The iPhone 12 sound quality problems are happening with Oticon, Widex, Resound, and other manufacturers’ Made for iPhone hearing aids. In my experience, when we see a problem happening across several brands, hearing aids typically aren’t the source of the problem.
Could iOS 14 Be Responsible?
Since Apple released iOS 14, an update to the operating software for Apple’s mobile devices, close to the time the tech company released the iPhone 12, some users have asked if iOS 14 could be the source of the problem.
Given Apple’s history, it’s a good question to ask. When the tech giant released iOS 13 in 2019, that software update resulted in Bluetooth connectivity problems for hearing aid users.
Yet, using iOS 14 with older iPhone models has not caused widespread problems among hearing aid users.
Apple Has Responded to Hearing Aid User Complaints
After Apple became aware of the issue, the tech company said it would address iPhone 12 hearing aid problems in a future iOS 14 update. Recently, Apple revised its support page and recommended updating your iPhone 12 to iOS 14.2.1 or later.
When Hearing Aid Problems Persist
If you’re having difficulty resolving your hearing aid problems, contact us.
An experienced, professional audiologist such as my colleague Dr. Hamila or myself would be happy to offer you the individualized hearing care you deserve.
Our hearing care team at Scottsdale Ear, Nose & Throat is available to help you troubleshoot hearing aid problems and provide hearing aid services such as cleaning and repair.
