Next Generation Apple TV Needs To Support MFi Hearing Aids!

[Gmouse]

Within the past two years, new advances in hearing aids have resulted in ones that are far superior to those from just a few years ago. However...with the popularity of Made For iPhone (MFi, i.e., Bluetooth LE), seems most of the premium aids with all the bells and whistles are coming out as MFi, and don't support just plain Bluetooth.

For a profoundly deaf Veteran who gets aids from the VA, this is causing an issue, as, while of course the iPhone supports MFi, Apple has been really slow in rolling in out to other products like iPad, Mac's, and...Apple TV. Within the past year, my Mac Studio (2023) finally started working with MFi, so I can stream wirelessly while working on my phone or computer.

But, then, when I want to relax with my family, and also be able to hear and talk to them while watching TV...The Apple TV doesn't support MFi, so I have to wear headphones (AirPods won't cut it, I gotta use headphones to get the volume high enough for me to hear), and of course I can't hear my family (unless they scream at me), so...there goes the nice, relaxing evening at home...

This is a real need, that many Veterans and others have, that Apple needs to quit futzing around about, and just either add the hardware and/or modify TVOS, to support MFi.

Hoping that they see fit to do this with the rumored newer version of the Apple TV!!!!!!

 

[-Gonzo-]

Not entirely what you’re after but AirPods Pro 2 have an hearing aid function.

Use the Hearing Aid feature on your AirPods Pro 2 – Apple Support (UK)

AirPods Pro 2 provides a clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and a Media Assist feature, which enhances the clarity of music, video and calls.

support.apple.com

 

[angwns]

Within the past two years, new advances in hearing aids have resulted in ones that are far superior to those from just a few years ago. However...with the popularity of Made For iPhone (MFi, i.e., Bluetooth LE), seems most of the premium aids with all the bells and whistles are coming out as MFi, and don't support just plain Bluetooth.

For a profoundly deaf Veteran who gets aids from the VA, this is causing an issue, as, while of course the iPhone supports MFi, Apple has been really slow in rolling in out to other products like iPad, Mac's, and...Apple TV. Within the past year, my Mac Studio (2023) finally started working with MFi, so I can stream wirelessly while working on my phone or computer.

But, then, when I want to relax with my family, and also be able to hear and talk to them while watching TV...The Apple TV doesn't support MFi, so I have to wear headphones (AirPods won't cut it, I gotta use headphones to get the volume high enough for me to hear), and of course I can't hear my family (unless they scream at me), so...there goes the nice, relaxing evening at home...

This is a real need, that many Veterans and others have, that Apple needs to quit futzing around about, and just either add the hardware and/or modify TVOS, to support MFi.

Hoping that they see fit to do this with the rumored newer version of the Apple TV!!!!!!

I agree. Bluetooth hearing aids work but not MFI implants and other hearing aids. It's really frustrating.

It is definitely a quality of life issue for individuals with hearing loss and their friends or family to enjoy watching television simultaneously.

And no, Apple's pods are not going to help you if you're profoundly deaf.

 

[Teletypewriter]

MFi support has been mainly supported on IOS devices (iPhone/iPad) and was just recently added to M-series computers within the last 1-2 years. Apple Vision Pro was also added.

I would submit a feature request to Apple, to ensure your voice is heard !!!

Here is the Apple list of MFi hearing devices: https://support.apple.com/en-us/106341

 

[HenryAH]

I just got new hearing aids a couple of days ago. I fully agree the next generation Apple TV should support MFi or some variation. I have mild to moderate hearing loss, I would love to have the option of hearing the TV through my hearing aids while the rest of the family continues to hear the TV convententionally through speakers. I would even support this option within the next new AirPods Pro 3 along with their hearing aid options already avaiable.