Cannot connect MFi Hearing Aids on Macbook Air running Sonoma 14.0

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Level 1

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Cannot connect MFi Hearing Aids on Macbook Air running Sonoma 14.0

I am on a lot of Zoom video/audio meetings all day. Due to ease while working, I use the Zoom app on my Macbook Air (2022, M2 chip running Sonoma 14.4.1) to take all these meetings.

My hearing aids (Widex MOMENT SmartRIC 330) do not have an asterisk next to their name on this Apple HA Compatible Device List (nor are they even listed since they're very new), so they will not connect via bluetooth to my laptop. I tried. Alas, not successful.

I would LOVE to be able to stream the Zoom audio on my laptop directly to my hearing aids . Yes, with my aids connected to my iPhone, I've put the microphone near my laptop so I can hear the Zoom audio via LiveListen on the iPhone. I also turn off my microphone on the laptop. The problem with this is that there still is an echo/repeat in my hearing aids when someone else speaks or when I speak. Guess this is due to the audio coming out of the laptop being captured by my phone's microphone (but what do I know?).

I also have the laptop set up to alert me of phone calls and Facetime videos that come in through my iPhone so I can answer them directly on my laptop. I'd love to be able to stream calls and Facetime videos directly to my hearing aids as well.

Any solutions or suggestions to rectify these issue(s)?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Apr 11, 2024 3:55 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

brbo

Level 8

42,397 points

Apr 13, 2024 11:19 PM in response to jlinnier

Hi jlinnier

Re: "I would LOVE to be able to stream the Zoom audio on my laptop directly to my hearing aids".

"I'd love to be able to stream calls and Facetime videos directly to my hearing aids as well."

Am grateful to know you have no problem using the new hearing-aids with your iPhone!

The Apple support article you mention: List of Made for iPhone hearing devices - Apple Support

says:

"System requirements for MFi hearing devices

MFi hearing devices marked with an asterisk (*) use bidirectional streaming, which enables you to talk hands-free. Devices that use bidirectional streaming are also compatible with Mac."

Seems it is only recent Mac models that have the necessary chip for bidirectional streaming.

Article says that the Mac would need "macOS Sonoma 14" or later installed on a:

MacBook Pro introduced in 2021 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2022 or later
Mac Studio (all models)
Mac Pro introduced in 2023 or later

Re: Any solutions or suggestions to rectify these issue(s)?

Seems your Mac has the necessary chip ... which is a great start!

Yet none of the "moment" hearing aids on the list has an asterisk ... so, although your hearing aids are a new version, maybe Widex do not support bidirectional streaming at all?

WIDEX has no mention of "MOMENT SmartRIC 330" being able to connect to Mac on their compatibilty website.

Eg: Clearly says: "Widex hearing aids connect directly to your iPhone, iPad or iPod"

https://www.widex.com/en/support/compatibility/

Also says: "The Widex Moment app and the Widex Magnify app are compatible with all Apple devices with the iOS version 13.2 and higher and watchOS version 6.1 and higher." Again there is no mention of an app for Mac.

The above website does have a QR Code for checking hearing aid compatibility with iPhone ... no mention of Mac.

Wondering if it is worth asking Widex about support for, or introducing, bidirectional streaming ...

Eg: Below is the Widex Support website where you can download the Moment User Guide.

https://www.widex.com/en/support/support-for-moment-hearing-aids/

If you want to: There is an online form provided to send Widex a query:

https://www.widex.com/en/service/contact/other/

Else: Wondering if using AirPlay would be of any help at all:

Eg: Between iPhone and Mac: You can Use AirPlay to stream audio - Apple Support

Use AirPlay to stream video or mirror the screen of your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

All the best :-)

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