In Apple’s latest list of new features for the just released “iOS6” operating system for iPhones and iPads, Apple has confirmed earlier reports that iOS6 has greater support for hearing aids designated as “Made for iPhone.”

On its iOS6 new features page, Apple writes in the accessibility section, “Apple is working with top manufacturers to introduce Made for iPhone hearing aids that will deliver a power-efficient, high-quality digital audio experience.”

In a footnote, the company states that Made for iPhone hearing aids will require iPhone 4S or iPhone 5. Therefore, hearing aid users will need to own or purchase the two most recent iPhone models. The older iPhone 3, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4 will not be able to take advantage of the new hearing aid features.

So far, only Starkey Hearing Technologies has publicly acknowledged that it is working with Apple. However, no details on Starkey’s project, or any other rumored industry collaborations, are available, thus making it unclear what “Made for iPhone hearing aids” might actually entail.

In a discussion at the International Hearing Society (IHS) convention held last week inPhoenix, Starkey Executive Vice President Brandon Sawalich stated that there is a lot of technology coming down the road that allows for wireless connectivity, new signal processing applications, and the ability to sidestep engineering problems associated with limited power capabilities.

Original reports suggest that the iPhone will not only have streaming functionality, but will also be able to allow hearing health providers or manufacturer to remotely adjust the user’s hearing aids.

Content provided by Hearing Review