On September 19, 2019, Apple released its latest software updated, iOS 13.

Most Apple iPhones and tablets are set to automatically update when new software is released. Generally, this is a good thing and problem-free. Unfortunately, the latest update has been a disaster by the tech giant.

iPhone resound hearing aids not working

The update was intended to introduce new features and make the experience better for the user, but it has introduced a number of disruptive bugs and errors, resulting in Apple’s support forums and Twitter account being bombarded with tens of thousands of complaints from iPhone users having problems with Bluetooth.

One of the biggest problems has been that Apple is requiring new Bluetooth permissions – in “non-tech speak” this means that it’s asking you to give permission for your phone/tablet to connect to any external device.

Meaning not only do you have to have your phone’s Bluetooth turned on, but you now have to give each app permission to use your Bluetooth.

This has caused problems for people who want to connect their phone to their car stereo, it’s caused problems with connectivity to wireless headphones and it’s caused big problems with iPhones & tablets properly connecting to hearing aids.

Although we’re currently receiving calls from patients experiencing these issues believing their hearing aid is the problem – the issue is actually with Apple’s latest software update.

If your iPhone & hearing aids are not working together as well as they used to, you’re not alone. Rest assured your hearing aids are not the problem.

Apple’s iOS is the software program that tells your iPhone how to connect and interact with your hearing aids. Unfortunately, the new iOS (iOS 13) is extremely buggy, negatively impacting connection and functionality for many hearing aid users.

In this article, you’ll learn the three things that you need to know in order to navigate some of the challenges presented by iOS 13 when connecting your ReSound hearing aids to your Apple device and how to fix two of the most common problems.

Giving The ReSound Smart & Smart 3D App The Right Permission

Following the update, when you first open your Hearing Aids/Smart 3D app on your cell phone or tablet, you will instantly be alerted with an option thatlooks like the image shown that asks “Smart 3D Would Like to Use Bluetooth

You need to click OK to grant permission for the Smart & Smart 3D app to connect to your hearing devices and enable adjustments from the app.

If you click Don’t Allow – the Smart & Smart 3D App will not make a connection to your hearing aids disabling the app’s ability to make changes and adjustments to your hearing aids.

Don’t worry if you have already clicked Don’t Allow and your app is no longer adjusting your hearing aids – this can easily be changed by making the following changes.

Go to Settings on your device.

Scroll down until you find Smart 3D – in here, you’ll be able to toggle Bluetooth on.

Your Phone/Tablet Now Streams All Sounds Directly Into Your Hearing Aid

For some, the new Apple update has resulted in all sounds from your cell phone or tablet being streamed directly into your hearing aids.

Whether this is an SMS notification (such as a text message or news alert) or keyboard clicks when you’re typing.

This can be very distracting, very annoying, and if you’re multi-tasking and holding a conversation while typing, it can be overwhelming.

But there is a quick and straightforward solution.

To disable audible alerts from SMS notifications, you can:
1. Mute the iPhone, using the volume controls on the sides of the device.
2. Turn off notification sounds for the specific notifications you don’t want to hear.
3. Set Media Audio Routing to Never Hearing Aids.

To disable audible keyboard clicks go to Settings – select Sounds & Haptics

You can then toggle off Keyboard Clicks.

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Apple Is Working On Updates To Fix All Bugs

Apple has a long list of bugs to fix in iOS 13 from BT connectivity in cars to headsets to hearing aids. Rest assured that they are aware of all the issues and are working diligently to release updates to fix them.

If you’re experiencing connection problems between your iPhone and hearing aids, the best thing to do is to install the software updates as Apple releases them. Continue to push iOS updates until the issues are sorted out.

There are times after an update that you may need to remove and re-pair your hearing aids to the phone.

Check out this link on the Apple support site for pairing instructions.

How do you know when Apple has released an updated version of software? Your Apple device will notify you when a new software update becomes available.

It will also be visible in your Settings under General with a red 1 icon like this:

 

resound hearing aids not working

 

We apologize for the current problems.  You can rest assured that ReSound is doing all they can, but we’re all awaiting Apple to make the required software changes.

But if you have any problems during this time, ReSound has set up a consumer hotline that you can call at 888-735-4237.

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Dr. Kalyn Bradford Au.D.

Dr. Kalyn Bradford is the director of hearing aid services here at Physician's Hearing Care. She completed her externship with Physician's Hearing Care in 2013 and subsequently joined the practice in 2014 after graduating with her doctoral degree in audiology from Louisiana Tech University. She joined PHC as a clinical audiologist, where she performed comprehensive audiological exams and specialized in helping patients to hear better using the latest hearing aid technology available. She has carried that experience into her current role as director of hearing aid services, where she does an excellent job managing the audiologists to ensure that all patients are treated with the best hearing care possible.