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Apple has pretty much dominated the smartphone industry and market since launching the iPhone and it is no wonder so many companies and industries want to be associated with the brand. One of the biggest industries is hearing aids.
You might be looking to upgrade your existing hearing aids or want to know a little bit more about this type of Bluetooth hearing aid - either way, we hope that this page gives you the information you need to make the right choice for you.
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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.
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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.Â
Giving you quality audio from electrical devices straight into your hearing aids and both ears.
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The main benefits of Bluetooth hearing aids compatible with iPhone. This type of product is a direct connection to the following:
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The Made for iPhone devices are a favourite to the tech-savvy consumer and are ever-evolving hearing solutions. Although we will be looking into models from some of these brands more closely further down the page, here are the brands that currently offer this connectivity system: Â
Oticon, Bernafon, Phonak, Widex, Resound, Starkey, Signia and Unitron.
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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 such things as the size of your ear canal and dexterity.Â
However, your audiologist will go through all the different ITE models available and will advise which one would be better or even if this style would be right for you.
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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 are now only a fraction more expensive than traditional devices.  Therefore, as a rough guide, this type of hearing aid roughly starts from £795 - £1895 per aid.
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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.Â
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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.Â
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.
Whilst the NHS provides a credible hearing health service and some good hearing solutions - they have just recently been able to offer Bluetooth hearing aids, but like with all NHS hearing aids there will be limitations on technology, model and style. Hearing aids with Bluetooth capability is only available with private hearing care.
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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.Â
But, overall it's the direct streaming that attracts consumers worldwide as the most convenient solution. However, it is worth remembering that choosing a Made for iPhone hearing aid should not sacrifice a hearing solution that is best for your own unique hearing loss. You can read about our top hearing aids reviews here
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Pretty much everyone who has a phone has a smartphone and therefore it is only fitting that hearing aids brands have adapted their technology within their devices to incorporate the smartphone into their feature set.
Since the launch of the iPhone 5, Apple has also been dedicated to not only accomodating hearing aids with Bluetooth technology but also adding unique system preferences that hearing aid wearers can use to apply to their hearing device through their iPhone. Â
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Apple now has many options for hearing aid wearers to use with their iPhone smartphones - so you can remotely adjust your hearing aids settings at the touch of your fingertips. Adjustments such as volume, frequency, battery level, remote care with your local audiologist and much more. Take a look at some of the most popular iPhone hearing aid apps further down the page.
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Below is a list of what hearing aids are available in the industry that is Made for iPhone. On another note, we endeavour to edit this list as and when new products are released.
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Starkey hearing aids Bluetooth iPhone app - Starkey Thrive Hearing Control appÂ
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Starkey hearing aids Bluetooth iPhone app compatibility
Only compatible with Livio Edge AI, Livio AI and Livio. For other Starkey phones, you would need to download the TruLink app.Â
The app runs on iOS 14 or higher.
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Oticon hearing aids Bluetooth iPhone app - Oticon ON app
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Oticon hearing aids Bluetooth iPhone app compatibility
Runs on iOS 13 or later and Apple Watch OS 4.0 or later.
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Phonak hearing aids Bluetooth iPhone app - myPhonak app
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Resound hearing aids Bluetooth iPhone app - Resound Smart app
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Resound hearing aids Bluetooth iPhone app compatibility
Runs on iOS 12 or later and the watch will need iOS 12 or later to successfully pair.
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Signia hearing aids Bluetooth iPhone app - Signia app
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Signia hearing aids Bluetooth iPhone app compatibility
Runs with the iOS version 12.0 or above.
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So, what are the best iPhone Bluetooth hearing aids on the market? Here are some of our Made for iPhone hearing aid recommendations for 2022 - reviewed by our audiologists.
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Oticon More 1 hearing aids give 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.
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With these hearing aids, you can gain from connecting to both Android and Apple mobile phones and other Bluetooth devices. So you can stream music, talk on the phone and control your hearing aids - using the Oticon ON app.
Please remember that Android devices need to support Audio Streaming from Hearing Aids (ASHA) to allow direct streaming to Oticon More.
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Oticon More Smartphone Compatibility & Oticon ON app Compatability:
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Below is a list of Oticon hearing aids that are Made for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and are also compatible with Android devices.
Such as:Â Â Oticon More, Oticon Opn S, Oticon Xceed, Oticon Ruby, Oticon Opn and Oticon Siya.
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We thought it might be a good idea to show you what we believe to be really good ITE Bluetooth hearing aids that are compatible with iPhone. In fact, these hearing aids are Made for iPhone and Made for Android devices.
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. Â
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.
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Breakdown of technology requirements for both iPhone & Android
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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.Â
When using the myPhonak App, your phone must fulfill the following:
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Other Phonak hearing aid compatibility
Naida Paradise, Audeo Paradise, Audeo Marvel, Bolero Marvel and Audeo B-Direct.
Hearing aid won't pair with iPhone?  What if I don't have a Made for iPhone hearing aid?
Don't worry if your hearing aids don't include a feature for direct Bluetooth streaming from your smartphone to your devices - all manufacturers have got solutions for this, even on a basic level. Bluetooth hearing aids can be compatible with a streamer or an assisted listening device, which will offer a 'pairing' between your smartphone and hearing aids.
The streamer will pick up the Bluetooth signal from your phone and transmit it to your hearing aid via audio signal or an 'electromagnetic field' - all changeable on the manufacturer's design.Â
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You might be wondering how to pair Bluetooth hearing aids with iPhone. Like with most electronic devices, pairing varies, it's no different pairing hearing aids with your iPhone. As all hearing aid makes and models have different requirements, apps and features - they all pair hearing aids with iPhones differently.
Once you have decided on a hearing for your iPhone Bluetooth phone (and if that is the right choice for you), your audiologist will go through everything you need to know. They will even pair your mobile phone with your hearing aids at your fitting, so you don't have to connect your hearing aids to your iPhone yourself.Â
They will also show you how to use Bluetooth hearing aids with iPhone smartphones and the benefits of various features you can access. Â
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All Made for iPhone or MFI devices can stream audio, calls, make adjustments and be connected to the following: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and, in some cases, Apple Watch. Here are the most recent compatibilities:
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If you would like to know more about iPhone compatible hearing aids, please call us free on 0800 567 7621 to speak with one of our audiologists who will be happy to assist you. Or simply fill out the form further down the page.
Do not spend hundreds of pounds without getting a second opinion from us.
When we refer to a product as 'New', we mean that the product is new to the market.
When we refer to a product as 'Superseded', we mean that there is a newer range available which replaces and improves on this product.
When we refer to a product as an 'Older Model', we mean that it is has been superseded by at least two more recent hearing aid ranges.