This topic was discussed in another thread, and I thought it was best to start a separate thread. @Zebras pointed out an iPhone feature called Voice Isolation that helps when a user is making a call from a noisy environment and the receiver of the call has a hard time understanding.
A caller swipes up (at least on my iPhone SE 3rd gen) and changes the “Mic mode” setting from “Standard” to “Voice Isolation” The feature can be accessed only while on a call, and, apparently, only when Bluetooth is disabled. I have done a little bit of experimenting with this and it seems like the “Mic mode” feature disappears when you enable Bluetooth.
Without Bluetooth enabled I can’t stream calls to my HAs, and I can’t hear the other person on a call. Is it possible to use Voice Isolation while streaming a call to my HAs? Thank you.
I don’t think so. I think the isolation uses the mic(s?)on the phone other than the one you speak into to detect “noise” and subtract it from the call input. These aren’t available when you use headsets.
I only make voice calls 99%. The few times I do FaceTime it is usually a family group chat and others want to hear too. So it goes on speaker mode. Maybe when I’m in noise and they comment, the noise is just too much for it.
The next version of the iPhone operating system, iOS18, comes with a new feature called Enhance Dialogue.
This is supposed to improve the audibility of speech when listened to via headphones, and hopefully hearing aids connected via MFI.
It is separate from Voice Isolation.
Here is the spiel from Apple:
“Enhance Dialogue helps you better hear what’s being said onscreen, especially when loud sound effects or music is playing. It’s now available on recent iPhone and iPad models when playing through the built-in speakers, wired headphones, AirPods or other Bluetooth®-connected speakers and headphones. Enhance Dialogue applies machine learning and computational audio to deliver incredible vocal clarity by actively detecting speech across audio channels. So now even whispers are heard more clearly amid the music and background sounds of your favourite movies and shows.”
Note the use of the word “recent” above. It means this will not be available on older iPhones/iPads but I could not find what models were “recent”
The iOS 18 Preview blurb about the Enhance Dialogue feature has a footnote 15 at the end of the first paragraph:
Available with compatible content in supported apps when using built-in speakers, wired headphones, AirPods, and other Bluetooth-connected speakers and headphones on iPhone 11 and later.
I didn’t find anything about which iPad(s) might get the feature.
Just found your question. Yes, voice isolation works with my Starkey hearing aids … only way to test is to ask the other person what they are hearing (unless you record the call perhaps).
Note that you need to set it per app (phone call, Facetime, Zoom) etc. Helped to reduce the sound of me typing and background noises in the office/home.
Note that you can also use voice isolation on your Mac computer. It really helped for the others on the call who were complaining about background noise. Maybe hearing aid manufacturers can add a similar feature.
Enhance Dialogue is in iOS18 for when the user is playing back media (video or podcasts) on their iPhone or iPad.
It does NOT work for other functions in the iPhone, e.g. when I get a phone call on my iPhone from someone in a noisy restaurant.
In an inverse situation, I may be the person in the noisy restaurant and I make a phone call on my iPhone. In that situation, I can opt to turn on Voice Isolation so my voice is clearer to the person I am calling.
late response, but yes I have tested with people. I can be standing next to my pressure washer, or even actively using a DA Polisher, and the person I am talking to is oblivious.
