The Best iPhone-Compatible Hearing Aids: A 2024 Guide (2024)

An iPhone-compatible hearing aid is a hearing aid that can sync directly with an iPhone via a Bluetooth connection. Although most iPhones pair well with a wide range of hearing aids, some hearing aids are made specifically to pair with iPhones and are called “Made for iPhone” (or MFi) hearing aids. These hearing aids use Apple’s MFi-licensed technology, in conjunction with Bluetooth, to connect to an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Apple Watch. Resound is one of the first hearing aid manufacturers to introduce MFi hearing aids in its product line, but most modern hearing aids are now designed to integrate easily with iOS software.

MFi hearing aids support audio streaming, provide bidirectional listening and recognize personalized hearing settings when connected directly to the paired iPhone. Users can pair MFi hearing devices with:

• iPhones (5 and newer models)
• All iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad Mini models
• iPads (4th generation and newer models)
• iPod Touch (5th generation and newer models)

According to Jillian Price, chief audiologist for HearingLife Canada, almost all current hearing aids are iPhone compatible. In fact, hearing aids less than five years old are likely Bluetooth compatible or have the option to enable this technology, she adds. Hearing aids that connect to all smartphones, including iPhones, via Bluetooth connectivity are called Made for All (or MFA) devices.

According to Apple’s website, MFi hearing aids deliver “a power-efficient, high-quality digital audio experience and allow you to manage your hearing aid right from your iPhone.” Standard features found in iPhone-compatible hearing aids include:

• Wireless audio streaming
• Wireless TV streaming
• Remote control functionality
• “Live listen” functionality, which enables users to place their iPhone near a sound source and hear it directly through their hearing aids (which can be particularly beneficial in noisy environments)

Users can pair their hearing aids with an iPhone by navigating to Settings in the phone, then Accessibility, then Hearing Devices. An audiologist can also pair hearing aids to an iPhone for a user if they request assistance with the process. The hearing aids typically only need to be paired manually with the phone once, as they automatically connect in the future after the first successful pairing.

To pair hearing aids to an iPhone:

• • Open the hearing aid’s battery cover (those with rechargeable batteries may need to plug devices into a charger).
  • Navigate to Settings on the iPhone, select Bluetooth and toggle it on.
  • Return to Settings on the iPhone, navigate to Accessibility and then Hearing Devices.
  • Close the hearing aid’s battery cover.
  • Wait until the hearing aid’s name shows up on the list of MFi hearing devices on the iPhone, which could take about a minute. Tap the name when it appears, and follow the instructions presented to complete the pairing process.
  • Wait until pairing completes, which could take up to 60 seconds, before using the hearing aid.

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Learn more about several audiologist-recommended models below.

Note: Prices below are from vendors such as Hearing Tracker and Ear to Hear and are subject to change.

The cost of iPhone-compatible hearing aids depends on the level of technology used by the specific hearing aid model, says Jen Thomson, Au.D., an audiologist and assistant director of audiology for Columbus Speech and Hearing in Ohio. Dr. Reisman agrees, adding that a pair of hearing aids can generally run anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000, depending on the level of technology featured.

However, Thomson notes that hearing aids that are compatible with either iOS or Android devices don’t tend to cost more due to that specific compatibility.

Most health insurance companies don’t cover the costs associated with iPhone-compatible hearing aids, nor does Medicare. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may cover iPhone-compatible hearing aids. Contact your health insurance provider to learn whether your specific plan includes coverage for hearing aids.

Hearing aids are like televisions, says Dr. Reisman. Though all brands look the same, the quality, features and flexibility varies depending on the device’s technology.
Dr. Price advises shoppers to consider the following features when selecting a hearing aid:

• Bluetooth compatibility
• Rechargeable batteries
• Automatic noise and wind reduction functionality
• Directional microphones

People with both dementia and hearing loss should also consider looking for devices with additional features like a “Find My Hearing Aids” function, fall detection alerts and health tracking, adds Dr. Reisman.

Pay attention to the hearing aids’ shelf life as well, which usually only lasts three to five years, according to Dr. Price. It’s also smart to ask about warranty options for the hearing aids and repair coverage details before making a purchase.