Protect Your Ears with the Tesla App: Mute Hearing Aids, Even When Not in Focus
Tesla App Mutes Hearing Aids (even when not in focus)
The Tesla app appears to be taking control of audio whenever it is open, even if the app isn't focused. This has an impact on hearing aids' microphones, muting them even though the Tesla app isn't playing any audio. This could be a safety issue since users can't hear surrounding sounds such as cars while the app is open. Other apps have similar effects, like Shazam which makes sense due to its use of the microphone, and Amazon where audio takes control only when one presses the microphone icon instead of typing.
It seems that when your phone detects the car, it switches Bluetooth to the car. The sound will reappear once you switch the car to Bluetooth. However, this doesn't seem to be related to the app itself as it doesn't connect to your phones audio. It could be worth deleting and re-pairing your hearing aids as the car may default to the last paired device.
When someone else gets into the car while you're listening to something on your phone, sound output will automatically switch to the car's Bluetooth - even during a call. What's worse is if you are standing near the car and it switches to it without warning.
The issue here is not so much where the audio from iPhone is sent but rather that hearing aid mics get muted whenever the app is in focus, preventing users from hearing their surroundings. There's no option to disable this either, with users having to go through 8-10 keystrokes each time they want to prevent it. Reaching out to Tesla hasn't been successful either as all routes lead to FAQs which don't address this problem. Further tinkering revealed that audio is taken only when the app is in focus.
Signia Pure Nx7 and Signia Pure CnG AX earing aids have direct streaming capability which means that app sound can be piped directly into them rather than from the microphone. Installing the Signia app on mobile devices and checking settings for direct streaming feature might help identify what's causing this issue and see if there's a way to limit an app from direct streaming. Verifying this by opening the app away from the car should also help determine whether or not it's related to the car or not.
What is the issue I am having?
The issue I am having is NOT where the audio from iPhone is sent, rather it is that the HA mics are muted whenever the app is in focus, preventing me from hearing my surroundings.
How can I prevent this issue?
This issue can be prevented by setting HA media audio to ‘never hearing aids’ or disabling Bluetooth in Tesla app, but keyless entry will be disabled if Bluetooth is disabled.
Is it necessary to turn off Bluetooth to remediate this issue?
No, it is not necessary to turn off Bluetooth to remediate this issue, just unpair the iPhone from the car.
What should I do if I installed Signia app on my mobile device?
If you installed Signia app on your mobile device, check the settings that enable the direct streaming feature and see if you can disable it. If the problem goes away then you'll know what's causing it.
Is there a way to limit an app from direct streaming?
Yes, there is a way to limit an app from direct streaming. Check if there's a way to limit an app from direct streaming after disabling the direct streaming feature.
Why does Tesla app need audio at all?
Tesla app needs audio for keyless entry and other functions.
What should I do if I cannot get a human to talk to?
If you cannot get a human to talk to, all routes just end up in FAQs, which may address the issue.
Is it possible that my phone is seeing the car and switching the Bluetooth to the car?
Yes, it is possible that your phone is seeing the car and switching the Bluetooth to the car. Get away from the car and open the app, and see if it still happening.
Does Tesla app connect to my phones audio?
No, Tesla app does not connect to your phones audio.