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'BluetoothTM' is the
term for a specific type of
short range wireless signal that enables
digital devices to communicate and/or exchange
data with each other. So for hearing aids this
means we can now wirelessly link your hearing
aids to any digital device with an audio output
signal.
Bluetooth
hearing aids have now been developed
by
Siemens,
Phonak,
Unitron and
Oticon,
with Widex due to release their version
in September 2010.
The principal
purpose of Bluetooth is for telephone usage as
this allows the hearing to hear the caller in both
ears, to use the phone hands free, to reduce
background noise, and to overcome the difficulty
some wearers have in holding the phone near the
microphone on the hearing aid. For other
purposes please scroll down.
Oticon - The Agil and Vigo
Connect hearing aids are connected
to devices via the
'Streamer'; a dual purpose device for both remote control
function AND BluetoothTM connectivity. The
Agil-Pro is one of the most versatile hearing aids
when used in conjunction with the 'Connect-Line'
plug-in TV and phone adaptors.
Phonak - The Exelia, Versata, Certena and
Audeo are all Bluetooth compatible when used in
conjunction with the iCom, but require a separate
remote control (the 'MyPilot') for volume and
programme settings if you prefer a remote
control feature rather than on-aid buttons. See
our blog for more info on the new
Phonak
TV-Link plug in adaptor.
Unitron
- The Passport and Latitude
range of hearing aids work with the
exact same accessories as
Phonak.
Siemens - The Pure, Motion
and Life hearing aids are used with the
TEK dual purpose remote control for
Bluetooth and volume / programme changes + additional
tone control adjustments. In our opinion, the
TEK is slightly less user friendly compared to
the above devices.
Bluetooth
Functions
Bluetooth hearing aids can be use for a
multitude of purposes such as:
1.
Hands-free connection to
mobile phones.
2.
Connection to the new range of Bluetooth landline
telephones, such as the
Siemens Gigaset SL565
3.
Connection to your iPod / MP3 player.
4.
Connection to TV
(via the Phonak / Unitron
TV-Link,
Siemens TEK, and the Oticon
Connectline).
Note these devices have now overcome the visual
speech lag that was present in earlier forms of
adaptor.
5. Connection to
your PC for streaming music or
conference calls.
6. Connection to
Bluetooth stethoscopes for medical staff (note:
there will be a limit on low frequency sounds
that can be heard and you should always check
the suitability for such important duties)
Find out more by
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Crystal
Hearing - Specialist suppliers of Bluetooth Hearing Aids |
