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uncle PP Author

Level 1

0 points

Headset mic feedback / ambient noise during call

Whenever I use a headset with my iphone 4S, I can hear my own voice feeding back through my headphones. I can hear ambient noise from my surroundings. It is sometimes very difficult to hear the other person because of this issue. I am on AT&T.

Using different headsets (including the headset that came with the iphone) does not solve the problem. Swapping out my phone didn't solve it either. I never had this issue with my 3G using the same headset.

The issue has been mentioned in other discussions/threads, but I started this thread exclusively to address this issue. Do not confuse this issue with the "echo" issue that others have been complaining about. In that case, the person on the other end of the call hears their voice echoing. Also, do not confuse this issue with an intermittent echo that cycles around every 10 minutes or so. This issue is ALWAYS present and cannot be fixed by turning the speakerphone on and off again.

I have tested over 20 iphone 4S's to date and they all have the same problem. I have even tested some iphone 4 models that have the problem. Everything I've tested was running some version of ios5. I have not tested any iphone 4's running ios4. So it may be software related. The 3G and 3GS do not have this problem.

So far, the genius bar people that I consulted claimed to have never heard of the issue before. Even after I showed them that every single iphone 4S that they had on display exhibited the same mic feedback loop problem, they denied it. As far as I know, every iphone 4S in existance has this issue. It is a massive flaw in the iphone 4S and I do not know why Apple has not addressed it by now. Unless it is a harware problem, in which case they do not want to deal with the expensive recall costs.

If you are not sure whether or not you have the problem, make a call using a headset (apple or 3rd party), and either tap the mic or talk directly into it during the call. If you hear the tapping or your own voice, something is wrong. There is no reason for you to hear any audio that gets picked up by the headset mic on your end of the call!

Apple, shame on you. FIX THIS!!!!!!!

iPhone 4S, iOS 5.0.1

Posted on Dec 8, 2011 3:33 PM

32 replies

sdc-911

Level 1

0 points

Jul 9, 2012 9:05 AM in response to SoundFreak

I purchased my hf3s in March, but it took 3 months to get the custom ear buds made up.

Like other users, I'm not happy with the hf3 iPhone 4s microphone and feedback issues, having spend a lot of money on the hf3s and the custom ear buds. I now have to carry two sets of headphones, one for listening to music (hf3s) and one for conference calls (Apple OEMs).

I hope this gets addressed soon, as even though I've been a long time Apple fan, the Samsung phones are looking more and more attractive.

I also see that the Apple stores no longer sell the hf3s in the UK.

Sep 14, 2012 2:22 PM in response to uncle PP

I just got a 4S because my 3GS finally gave up. I love most everything about it except the horrible side-tone problem. I too have had no luck with the "geniuses" at the Apple store. This has to be a software issue and I'm sure it can be made to be adjustable. How do we get Apple to fix it? Perhaps ios6 will fix it but since nobody at Apple seems to even know about the problem, I doubt it.

Very frustrating.

Headset mic feedback / ambient noise during call