Apple enhances iOS features for hearing impaired

Tech giant Apple has enhanced its iOS accessibility features for users with hearing impairments, according to a report by Appleinsider.

Features like Bluetooth-based AirPod-style streaming, Live Listen, have been enhanced, focusing on conversations in loud environment for hearing impairments.

Apple first introduced MFi support for Bluetooth hearing aids in iOS 7 and iPhone 4s.

Its latest software expands support for direct streaming of phone calls, FaceTime conversations, movies and other audio to supported hearing aids, without the need for a middleman device known as a "streamer".

New iOS 10 hearing aid also features integrated device battery life and independent base, treble, right and left volume controls, and supports audiologist-designed presets for handling sound from concerts or restaurants, the report said.

In addition to supporting audio originating on the phone, the new Live Listen feature also allows users to relay focused audio picked up by the iPhone's mic, enabling clearer conversations when in a loud environment.

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