You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Streaming audio to hearing aids from external source

I have a severe hearing difficulty so streaming from my Iphone 11 to my hearing aids is important. Can I input Sound from another audio source such as a TV through an adaptor to the lightning connector and stream it to my hearing aids

iPhone 11, iOS 17

Posted on Aug 17, 2024 8:31 AM

Reply
3 replies

Aug 18, 2024 9:25 PM in response to brownep1846

Hi brownep1846,

welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community!


Re: "Streaming audio to hearing aids from external source" ... "streaming from my Iphone 11 to my hearing aids is important. Can I input Sound from another audio source such as a TV through an adaptor to the lightning connector and stream it to my hearing aids."


Am no expert in this area, yet your question certainly deserves some response. At least we get your discussion thread under way, and others may be prompted to share their experience.


Audio and video on iPhone generally stream in the other direction so they appear on the tv.

Eg: either "AirPlay" or "screen-mirroring" can be used for streaming from iPhone to tv

Info: Get Help with Apple Digital AV Adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Note: Some hearing aids can receive audio directly from a tv. or other audio source.


We can't guess which hearing aids you use, or what kind of audio sources, or TV brand you have.

The non-Apple article below gives some general ideas about what can be done. (tv to hearing-aid)

https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/optical-and-hearing/hearing/articles/using-a-hearing-aid-with-your-tv


Your hearing specialist, hearing aid manual, app, or manufacturer's website may have help / support.

or

Your tv, tv manual, or manufacturers's website may tell you if that tv can stream to hearing-aids.

or

Please feel free to post more info. about the devices, external source, and the situation, if you wish.


All the best :-)

Aug 19, 2024 5:55 PM in response to brownep1846

Thank you kindly for your thoughtful reply, and added info.


Re: "I would like to source an inexpensive Auracast transmitter dongle to connect to the audio source and a matched receiver to connect to my iPhone lightning connector to then be streamed to my aids".


Sorry, I do not know of any such dongle. You may want to try enquiring from a store that sells such equipment.


I understand the use of Auracast technology allows for streaming to multiple devices at the same time .... yet seems that requires equipping every participating device with the correct dongle!


AirPlay software on Apple devices can play audio across multiple speakers throughout a home in perfect sync.

___________________________________________________

Apple publish a long list of bluetooth equipped hearing aids that are compatible with iPhone and iPad.


Those marked with an asterisk (*) beside are also compatible with Mac computers equipped with the M2 and M3 chip (and some of those with M1 chip). (ie: This enables watching movies, games, tv series etc. using the Apple TV app.)

List of Made for iPhone hearing devices


More info: Use Made for iPhone hearing devices - Apple Support

_____________________________________________________

Apple's AirPods, if suitable for your needs, may be comparable in cost to buying a dongle. While not hearing-aids, AirPods can perform some hearing-aid functions for those with limited hearing. As well as for hearing tv etc., AirPods may be useful in other ways (Eg: "Live Listen" to conversations in noisy environments, using iPhone.) It seems AirPods may connect directly to most Bluetooth equipped audio-producing devices, including many tv's.

More info: Get started with accessibility features on AirPods


Eg: Non-Apple article: How to Connect Airpods to a TV

_____________________________________________________

Apple Store's iPhone Adapters: (You can check compatibility in the sidebar) Charging Essentials - iPhone Accessories - Apple

______________________________________________________

Re: "Classic Bluetooth has some lag issues which reduces the sound quality".


While very noticable at first, seems most people quickly adapt to the slight discrepency between the moment the sound or word is produced, and the moment that sound reaches the ears.


You may be able to use data from an audiogram to set headphone accommodations and improve the accuracy and sound quality. See how to: Use audiogram data in Health on iPhone - Apple Support

_______________________

Troubleshooting, if needed: See what to do: If the sound from your wireless headphones cuts out or is distorted

or

How to: Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

Aug 19, 2024 4:22 AM in response to brbo

Most hearing aids ,with the exception of Phonak devices, require a proprietary bluetooth and costly streaming device to transmit sound from TV or other audio source. With the arrival of the new Auracast protocol I finally see a solution. However although several hearing aid manufacturers claim full compatibility there is still a problem in that they only work via the very highest end Android phones. Hence my thoughts on a work around. I would like to source an inexpensive Auracast transmitter dongle to connect to the audio source and a matched receiver to connect to my iPhone lightning connector to then be streamed to my aids. The receiver and transmitter are available from AliExpress for €17.00 Classic Bluetooth has some lag issues which reduces the sound quality.

Streaming audio to hearing aids from external source

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.