A landmark development for Oticon hearing aid users awaits after Apple opens for direct connectivity between hearing aids and newer Mac computers. A variety of features opens with the update that has been tested extensively by Oticon and Apple.

26 September 2023 - Oticon hearing aids from 2020 and newer, building on the Polaris platform, will be able to connect directly to newer Mac computers (see full list below). This makes it possible for users to take advantage of new features such as native controls of the hearing aids, which hasn’t been possible until now. This includes streaming the sound directly to the hearing aid and using the microphone in the hearing aid when, for instance, answering FaceTime calls and attending online meetings on a Mac computer.

Thomas Behrens, Vice President, Audiology and Applied Research comments:

“The world is becoming more digital, and we live our life both online and offline. I am excited that Oticon users will now be able to live their digital life more seamlessly with Apple’s updates. This feature will help students in educational environments connect with their fellow students and help them when listening to educational material. It will also help working professionals be on equal terms with their co-workers. Therefore, this development will be more than just a new feature for hearing aid-users, it will remove limitations to people’s lives, and that will become an asset for people and societies around the world.”

The update will make it possible for users to control hearing aid settings directly from a Mac computer without the need for a dedicated App. Furthermore, Apple has introduced native controls from Apple Watch OS 10.

Oticon and Apple have been cooperating since 2016 to develop new features for hearing aid users.

Equal opportunities for hearing aid users

The coronavirus led to a surge in online meetings, which are assumed to become more common than prior to the pandemic¹.

The aging population emphasizes the need for an active workforce that stays engaged longer. The new update from Apple will remove barriers for hearing aid users to stay connected in their work and social life – no matter what age.

Full list of compatible Apple computers:

Requirements: An M2 processor and select M1 devices. Operating system must be updated to Sonoma OS

• MacBook Pro introduced in 2021 or later
• MacBook Air introduced in 2022 or later
• Mac Studio introduced in 2022 or later
• Mac Pro introduced in 2023 or later
• Mac mini introduced in 2021 or later

About Oticon

 500 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss. The majority are over the age of 50 while eight percent are under the age of 18. Oticon's vision is to create a world where people are no longer limited by hearing loss. A world where hearing aids fit seamlessly into life and help people realise their full potential, while avoiding the health consequences of hearing loss. Oticon develops and manufactures hearing aids for both adults and children and supports every kind of hearing loss from mild to profound and we pride ourselves on developing some of the most innovative hearing aids in the market. Headquartered in Denmark, we are a global company and part of the Demant Group with more than 20,000 employees and revenues of around DKK 18 billion. Changing technology. Changing conventions. Changing lives. Oticon – Life-changing hearing technology.