Do you ever miss text notifications or have trouble understanding phone calls because of hearing loss? You’re not alone. Thankfully, technology has seen big advancements in recent years, making it easier than ever to use your hearing aids with your iPhone, iPad, and many other Apple products. In this guide, we’ll explain how to pair your hearing aids with Apple devices. We will also cover all the ways you can use Siri with your hearing aids to get the most out of this helpful technology.
Jump ahead to learn:
What is Siri?
Siri is a virtual assistant built into Apple products like the iPhone and iPad. Virtual assistants like Siri are software applications that use artificial intelligence (AI) to understand and respond to voice commands. Also known as AI assistants, Siri can perform tasks like setting alarms, making phone calls, or checking the weather, and provide answers to questions that you ask aloud.
By simply saying “Hey Siri” you can activate your AI assistants and give them a command or ask them a question.
Are My Hearing Aids Compatible with Siri?
To use Siri with your hearing aids, you will need Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets your devices communicate with each other. Bluetooth hearing aids have built-in wireless technology that allows them to connect (pair) to your iPhone or other wireless devices.
Most Apple products are hearing-aid compatible. However, not all Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can connect to Apple devices. To find out if your hearing aids and Apple products are compatible, this information is generally available in your user manuals and online.
Hands-Free 2-Way Audio
Additionally, to use specific hands-free Siri features, you will also want to confirm your hearing aid microphone has 2-way audio. Hearing aids with this type of microphone not only stream sounds to your hearing aids but also transmit your voice directly back to your iPhone or iPad. This allows you to make and answer phone calls with Siri, all hands-free. To find out if your hearing aids have 2-way audio, this information is generally available in your user manual.
Nevertheless, even if your hearing device doesn’t allow hands-free calls, you may still be able to use Siri. When a call comes in, Siri will announce it and automatically stream the caller’s voice directly to your hearing aids for clear reception. To answer the call, you’ll need to use your iPhone or iPad screen manually and speak into the phone itself so the other person can hear you.
How to Pair Hearing Aids with Apple Devices
Pairing your hearing aids with Apple products is simple. If your hearing aids are compatible with your Apple device, you can connect them through the Bluetooth settings. For specific pairing instructions, refer to your hearing aid manual, as the process will vary for different hearing devices.
How to Pair Hearing Aids with iPhone or iPad
- Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, then select Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on
- Exit and go back to Settings, select Accessibility, and then select Hearing Devices
- Turn your hearing aids off and on again to prepare to pair them to your iPhone/iPad
- Your hearing aid name should appear under MFi Hearing Devices, select it and follow any other on-screen instructions
- A checkmark will appear next to the name of your hearing aids on your iPhone/iPad Devices List once they are paired
How to Pair Hearing Aids with MacBook
- Go to the Apple menu on your MacBook, then select System Settings, click Accessibility in the sidebar, then select Hearing Devices (you may need to scroll down)
- If prompted, turn on Bluetooth
- Turn your hearing aids off and on again to prepare to pair them to your MacBook
- The name of your hearing aids should appear in the list of available devices, move the pointer over the name and click Connect
You only need to pair your hearing aids with an Apple device one time. After that, they will automatically reconnect whenever they are on and in range. Once paired with your Apple device, you can easily use Siri with your hearing aids.
How to Use Siri with Your Hearing Aids
The Siri virtual assistant is exclusive to Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. Using AI technology, this smart assistant uses natural language processing to respond to commands and questions after you say, “Hey Siri…”. Whether you need to make a call or want to play some music, Siri offers a broad range of functions that you can use with your hearing aids:
Steam Audio from Any Apple Device
When paired with your hearing aids, you can stream audio from any Apple device directly to your ears. You can stream audio to your hearing aids from:
- Siri
- Phone Calls
- Apple Music
- Apple Podcasts
- Apple Maps
- Apple TV
- And more!
Hands-Free Communication
Hands-free communication is incredibly helpful, especially for people who wear hearing aids. With simple voice commands, you can ask Siri to:
- Make phone calls
- Make FaceTime calls
- Dictate and send text messages, emails, etc.
- Read text messages, emails, etc. aloud
- And more
When paired, Siri will respond directly through your hearing aids, so you can use all these hands-free features and hear the response even in noisy environments.
App Notifications and Device Control
You can also use Siri to alert you to certain app notifications through your hearing aids. For instance, if you have a video doorbell that sends alerts to your iPhone, Siri can let you know when someone is at your door. Using voice commands, you can even control the lights, thermostats, and other smart home devices you have apps for on your Apple devices.
Discover the Latest Hearing Aid Technology at Audibel
Incorporating virtual assistants like Siri with your hearing aids can significantly enhance your daily life. It provides a convenient, hands-free way to manage tasks, access information, and control smart devices.
Ready to demo the latest hearing aid technology for yourself? Schedule an appointment with a hearing healthcare specialist at an Audibel clinic near you to demo our newest AI hearing aids for free!
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