Made for iPhone Compatible Hearing Aids

Bluetooth Hearing Aids for iPhone

Published on 13/07/2020

What is a Made for iPhone hearing aid?

This term is acknowledged as both MFI hearing aids and Made for iPhone hearing aids - which basically means a technology to be paired with iPhones, iPad and iPods.  It is a licensed product that is Apple-specific and includes a variety of devices to connect and integrate.

There is a huge difference between Made for iPhone hearing aids (MFI) and Made for Android hearing aids, as Made for iPhone hearing aids are created and developed to work seamlessly alongside Apple's unique operating system.  They directly connect to Apple phones and other devices without a streamer or intermediary device.  Giving you quality audio from electrical devices straight into your hearing aids and both ears.

Not got an iPhone?  Here are some links to other Bluetooth hearing aids:

• Made for Android hearing aids >> Learn More
• Made for Any Phone hearing aids >> Learn More

Benefits of Made for iPhone hearing aids

The three benefits to this type of product is a direct connection to the following:

• Wireless audio streaming from iPhones & iPad for calls, music, apps etc.
• Advanced remote control functionality, using an app.

Hearing aid brands that make Made for iPhone hearing aids

The Made for iPhone devices are a favourite to the tech-savvy consumer and are ever-evolving hearing solutions.  Here are the brands that currently offer this connectivity system:  Oticon, Bernafon, Phonak, Widex, Resound, Starkey, Signia and Unitron.

Who does in-the-ear (ITE) Made for iPhone hearing aids?

Up until recently, Resound was the only hearing aid manufacturer that offered Made for iPhone ITE devices.  Now Oticon, Bernafon, Signia, Phonak and Starkey have brought this style of hearing aid onto the market.  It is worth noting that this type of aid might not be suitable for everyone - it all depends on the size of your ear canal.

What is the cost of Made for iPhone hearing aids?

All Bluetooth hearing aids are increasing in popularity and becoming more widespread because of this. The good news is that due to the rise of demand - Bluetooth hearing aids prices have dropped and now only a fraction more expensive than traditional devices.  Therefore, this type of hearing aid roughly starts from £795 - £1895 per aid.

The technology behind Made for iPhone hearing aids

As we know already these hearing aids are specifically designed to provide the best sound quality when used alongside Apple's phones and tablets.  When these electronic devices are paired with certain brands of hearing aids, they transmit an audio feed to the devices directly - for clear conversation and ultimately making it easier to use the phone. 

Made for iPhone hearing aids can also be controlled from your iPhone or iPad and there are iOS apps that track data from your hearing aids - like battery life, volume and balance.  There is a feature in the app called Live Listen, which acts as an additional microphone.  You can use this by placing your phone between you and the person you are speaking with.  It amplifies their voice back to you and assists to reduce background noise.

Made for iPhone hearing aids NHS

Whilst the NHS provides a credible hearing health service and some good hearing solutions - they are currently unable to offer Bluetooth hearing aids. Hearing aids with Bluetooth capability is only available with private hearing care.

Made for iPhone hearing aids review

There are many benefits to pairing your Apple electronic devices with hearing aids and can be useful tools for both your hearing and lifestyle.  For instance, using your iPhone or iPad as a microphone to assist in conversations in social environments and work conferences means you'll never miss a beat.  But, overall it's the direct streaming that attracts consumers worldwide as a most convenient solution.  However, it is worth remembering that choosing a Made for iPhone hearing aid should not sacrifice on a hearing solution that is best for your own unique hearing loss.  You can find some Hearing Aid UK customer hearing aid reviews here

What Made for iPhone hearing aids are on the market?

Below is a current list of what is available to you.  Please see a breakdown of technology requirements further down the article.

• Phonak Virto Black
• Phonak Marvel
• Starkey Livio Edge AI
• Starkey Livio AI
• Starkey Halo
• Oticon Opn S
• Oticon Opn
• Oticon Siya
• Signia Styletto X
• Signia Xperience
• Signia Pure X
• Signia Pure
• Signia Nx
• Bernafon Viron
• Bernafon Zerena
• Bernafon Leox
• Unitron Discover
• Resound LiNX Quattro
• Resound LiNX 3D
• Widex Evoke

Made for iPhone Bluetooth Hearing Aids 2020

#1  Oticon Opn S 1 - Bluetooth hearing aids for iPhone

Opn S 1 gives you access to connect to the world without the need for a streamer -whether that be streaming sound from your TV, listening to music or chatting on the phone. With their ON App you can adjust volume, change programs and check your battery life, all at a touch of a button, as well as playing the soothing sounds to manage tinnitus symptoms.

Using the Connectclip, communication with any smartphone, Android included and any other Bluetooth device is possible, and with the Oticon TV Adapter, sound can be streamed directly to the hearing aids from your television.

For those who don't have an iPhone & are considering the Oticon Opn S

If you don't have an iPhone and you wanted to benefit from the advanced technology of the Oticon Opn S hearing aid you can use the Oticon ConnectClip, ON APP and TV Adapter with the following devices:

• Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) or newer
• Google Pixel or newer
• Sony Xperia Z5 Premium or newer
• Moto Z or newer
• HTC M9 or newer
• LG Nexus 5X or newer
• Xiaomi MI Mix3 or newer
• ZTE AXON 7 or newer
• Huawei Mate 10 Pro or newer

Other Oticon hearing aid compatibility

Oticon's Xceed, Xceed Play, Opn, Opn Play, Ruby and Siya are compatible with Apple devices running iOS 11 or later.  Alternatively, they are comparable with Android devices running OS 8.0 or later.

#2  Phonak Virto Black M90 - Bluetooth hearing aids for iPhone

The Phonak Virto Black includes their famous Marvel Technology, advanced Bluetooth connectivity and easy hands-free streaming.  The main pull here is the stylish black design of this model, which replicates the modern and popular hearables in today's market.  They also Made for iPhone and Made for Android hearing aids.

Phonak Virto Black enables seamless connectivity to the world - compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones as well as other audio devices. Your hearing is enhanced by the 16 hearing performance features that improve your listening experience and a microprocessor chip with 5 wireless protocols.

What phones will work with Phonak Virto Marvel?

Here is the breakdown of technology requirements for both iPhone & Android:

General Compatability:  Phonak Virto Black incorporates Marvel technology which is 4.2 certified.  Any mobile phone that supports Bluetooth, Hands-Free Profile (HFP) and Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) should be compatible with these hearing aids.

Calls:  When making phone calls, phones supporting Bluetooth 2.1 and newer should work with ease.  Phones with Bluetooth versions earlier than 2.1 might still be able to work. 

When using the Phonak Remote App, your phone must fulfil the following:

• iOS version 10.2 and Bluetooth version 4.2 or newer.
• Android version 6.0 (Marshmallow) and Bluetooth version 4.2 or newer.

Other Bluetooth hearing aids compatibility

Bernafon Leox, Viron & Zerena

The list below provides you with the technical requirements needed for the Leox, Viron and Zerena, as well as what Android devices will give you access to Bernafon's EasyControl-A app.

• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X
• iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone SE, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5
• 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation), 11-inch iPad Pro; iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad (6th, 5th and 4th generation), iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2 and iPod touch (6th generation).
• Devices must be running iOS 9.3 or later.
• EasyControl-A app is compatible with devices powered by Android6.0, Marshmallow or above.  Please note that Android 8.0 Oreo or higher is strongly recommended.

Resound LiNX Quattro & LiNX 3D

Below is a list of compatible mobile phones for both the hearing aid and the Resound Smart 3D App.  Please note that the apps can also be used on Apple Watch, but they must be installed on your iPhone to work.  The requirement for running the apps: iOS 12 or later and Watch support requires watch OS 5 and iOS 12.

• iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11
• iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone XR
• iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6
• iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE , iPhone 5s
• iPad Pro (12.9-inch), iPad Pro (10.5-inch), iPad Pro (9.7-inch), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Air 2, iPad Air
• iPad mini (5th generation), iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, iPad mini
• iPad (7th generation), iPad (6th generation), iPad (5th generation), iPod touch (6th generation)

The Livio AI Range

The Thrive Hearing Control app runs on iOS 13 or higher. For best performance, we recommend using the most current iOS version.  For Android phones, the Thrive Hearing Control app runs on Android 7.0 or higher and if your phone doesn't feature in the list underneath - you will need a Remote Microphone + accessory for app streaming.

• iPhone SE, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11
• iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s
• iPad Pro (12.9-inch 2nd generation; 12.9-inch 1st generation; 10.5-inch; 9.7-inch), iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad (6th generation; 5th generation)
• iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, iPod touch (6th generation)
• Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S10, Samsung Galaxy S10+, Samsung Galaxy S9, Samsung Galaxy S9+, Samsung Galaxy Note 10
• Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4 XL, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL, Google Pixel 3
  Google Pixel 3 XL

Signia X Range and Signia Nx Range

To use all Signia Made for iPhone hearing devices, you need one of these devices:

• iPhone 5 or later
• iPad Pro (all models)
• iPad Air (all models)
• iPad (4th generation) or later
• iPad mini (all models)
• iPod touch (5th generation) or later
• The Signia app is compatible with most of the Android (Android 5.0 and higher) and Apple (iOS version 9.3 and higher) devices.

So, what's next?

• Read about Made for Android hearing aids here
• Read about Made for Any Phone hearing aids here

Below are some examples of the MFI hearing aids on the current market.  If you need any support and advice about Made for iPhone hearing aids - please call our audiologists free on 0800 567 7621

Examples of Made for iPhone hearing aids