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Bluetooth™ Hearing aids and Wireless Technology
'Bluetooth™' is simply the trademark term for a specific type of short-range wireless radio signal.
Bluetooth™ was principally developed for use with mobile phones allowing people to use their phones on the move (hands free) by wirelessly linking the phone to an ear piece. Hearing aid suppliers have extended this benefit to hearing aid wearers by developing a variety of devices that wirelessly link the hearing aids to audio output devices including telephones, TV's, PC's, MP3 players, etc. The key benefit is that the sound signal is sent direct into BOTH hearing aids and the hearing aid microphones can be attenuated to control the external noise levels. This new technology is a boon to those who still struggle with telephones and TV's.
Wireless technology also allows the left and right hearing aids to communicate with each other so that the processor can combine the data and synchronise the array of advanced features giving better results for localisation and speech-in-noise.
Bluetooth / Wireless Connectivity Benefits:
- Hands-free connection to mobile phones and landline telephones
- Connection to iPods / MP3 player.
- Connection to TV's (using plug-in adaptors - note these adaptors now overcome the visual speech lag that was present in earlier forms of adaptor.
- Connection to your PC for streaming music, videos, conference calls, etc
- Cable connection to any audio output - ie Bluetooth is not required
- Connection to car-kits for hands-free phone calls
Here is a summary of the devices now in use:
(Click links for an image of the device)
Siemens - Siemens were the first off the blocks with wireless technology (whereby hearing aids communicate data with each other). The Siemens TEK dual purpose remote control / Bluetooth accessory allows wearers to link to audio devices and to control volume and programme settings. In our opinion, the original TEK is slightly less user friendly and not so pleasing on the eye as other devices on the market. The new Siemens Mini-TEK is now available however and is much better designed, incorporating a telecoil feature and allowing two phones to be simultaneously connected at any time.
Oticon - Oticon were second to launch wireless technology hearing aids and their aids work with the Oticon Streamer a dual purpose device for both remote control function and Bluetooth™ connectivity. Oticon then went on to develop and launch the Oticon Connect-Line TV and phone adaptors, which overcome lip sync delay and allow better connection for landline phones. Oticon were the first to allow multiple phones to be streamed simultaneously.
Phonak - A slow start for Phonak for wireless technology but definitely now amongst the best Bluetooth compatible hearing aids when used in conjunction with the Phonak iCom and NEW Phonak ComPilot (neckloop accessories). Phonak also now supply a fast acting TV adaptor (the Phonak TV-Link) with no lip sync delay - see our blog for more details.
Unitron - Unitron hearing aids use the same devices for wireless connection as Phonak, but the iCom is called the Unitron uDirect and the TV link is renamed the Unitron uTV. As with Phonak you would need to a use a separate remote control if you wish to have that functionality.
GN Resound - The Alera range of hearing aids were launched in October 2010 and work in unison with the Resound UNITE accessories. The key advantage of the Alera over the others is that for TV streaming you do NOT have to wear a neckloop OR carry an accessory to transmit the signal into the hearing aids. The disadvantage is that for telephones you can only connect one phone at a time, whereas some of the other hearing aids above can connect to two phones simultaneously (i.e. a landline and a mobile phone). GN Resound also now supply a remote mini-microphone device which can be worn by a partner, say, when sat next to you in a car, or opposite in a restaurant. These devices seem to be working very well once people appreciate where to use them.
Widex - Widex launched the 'Clear' range of digital hearing aids in October 2010. The Passion440 is the world's smallest wireless hearing aid. The Widex DEX listening devices (TV-DEX for tv streaming, M-DEX for phones, and RC-DEX the worlds smallest remote control device for volume and programme adjustments). A key benefit to watch out for is that Widex are hoping to develop the M-Dex so that the callers ID and telephone number are shown on the accessory display screen. Now also available, and unique to Widex is the Phone-Dex - a wireless compatible cordless landline phone which automatically links to the wearers hearing aids - this is a key development in making the link up between the phone and the wearer fully automatic. Some of the other systems can still be a bit confusing for some users.
Starkey - Starkey have extended their successful IQ range to incorporate wireless technology in the NEW 'X' Series using the Starkey Surf-Link media streamer. The key benefit of the Starkey set up over ALL the others is that the hearing aids automatically tune into the media streamer / adaptor when within range (approx 5-10m) and no neckloop or handheld device is needed - ideal for the more aged wearer who relies on the TV for entertainment, or the active person who often leaves the room. The downside is that you cannot connect to telephones yet.
Bernafon - As with Phonak and Unitron who have shared ownership, so do Oticon and Bernafon, and their accessories are the same but the dual purpose remote / streamer is called the Bernafon Soundgate. Bernafon also use the same excellent 'Connectline' TV and phone adaptors.
So how to choose which is best for you?! - With so many options the only way to find out is to have a free no-obligation consultation with a Registered Hearing Aid Audiologist and we can advise you having assessed your home set-up, hearing loss, and requirements.