Apple's New iOS 12 Includes a Hearing Aid App

New Apple iOS 12 Feature Helps Counter Moderate Hearing Loss

AirPod users will be able to better hear voices in noisy places

Courtesy Apple The latest version of iOS, Apple's mobile operating system, will include the Live Listen feature, which enables those with bluetooth AirPods to use their iPhones to hear voices more clearly. A new feature, first reported by website TechCrunch, allows AirPod users to enable the operating system’s Live Listen feature, which turns their phones into remote directional microphones. They then may place their phones closer to a speaker to better hear the person's words, an Apple spokesperson said in an interview and follow-up email. Live Listen, first introduced in 2014, has required the use of “Made for iPhone” hearing aids by manufacturers such as ReSound and Beltone. In 2017, Australian-based manufacturer Cochlear introduced an FDA-approved surgical implant designed for use with iPhones.
But the new operating system will make Live Listen’s assistive technology available to people who normally don’t wear hearing aids but might want help making out others’ voices in certain environments. The AirPods have low audio latency, or delays, so they stay in sync with conversations. The Apple spokesperson cautioned that AirPods aren’t intended as a replacement for hearing aids, and recommended that people with hearing problems consult an audiologist. Technology-news website CNET reported that iOS 12 will contain several other features, including a shortcut app that allows a user to program Siri, the intelligent assistant, to perform a series of actions in response to a single spoken command. “Let’s go on a bike ride,” for example, might prompt to bring up a weather map and remind the user to bring a helmet.

More on Personal Technology

Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.