Bluetooth and hearing aids
Thursday, November 13, 2008 – 0 Comments
Over the past 18 months, a few hearing aid manufacturers have introduced hearing aids that are able to receive Bluetooth communication from cell phones, computers, and MP3 type players. I’ll explain the various aspects of how this technology works, and what to look for. In addition, I’ll include a link that summarizes each state’s laws regarding hands-free use of cell phones since this may influence a person’s purchase decision for new hearing aids.
First, what is Bluetooth? Bluetooth® is an international wireless communication protocol. It includes software and hardware, which allows secure, two-way audio or data streaming between Bluetooth devices such as computers, mobile phones and PDAs. Bluetooth devices send data and voice in a clean, clear, digital format up to 10 meters. The low-power design of Bluetooth transmission systems has two advantages. It minimizes battery consumption for portable devices. Also, it places an intentional limit on the range of transmission - 10 meters - which helps to avoid interference among nearby devices. With hearing aids, the Bluetooth signal is picked up by the added accessory (see below) and fed into the hearing aids by a wireless transmission process.
There are about 5 options currently available for hearing aids. I’ll touch on the most popular and latest options below. The cost for a pair of digital hearing aids and their Bluetooth accessories ranges from $4,500.00 to over $6,500.00.
1) Phonak Hearing Instruments makes the iCom which is an accessory that works with two of their hearing aid models – the Exelia and Naida. The following link will provide more info - phonak icom
2) Siemens Hearing Instruments makes the Tek accessory which works with their new Pure line of hearing aids. Click here for more information: Siemens Tek
3) A unique option that works with any standard digital behind-the-ear hearing aid with a telecoil is the NoizFree Beetle. The lightweight single earhook rests next to the hearing aid on the ear connected to a very small receiver that clips on your shirt. The receiver picks up the Bluetooth signal, transmits to the earhook which then sends the signal to the hearing aid.
I anticipate that even more hearing aids will come available in the near future to provide more options for patients. The hearing aid/Bluetooth options listed above have proven to work very well for our patients, and I recommend them regularly.
As with any hearing aid purchase, the most important thing to accomplish is to make sure the hearing aids will provide the necessary benefit for your hearing loss and lifestyle. The Bluetooth device will provide limited benefit if the hearing aids aren’t at least meeting the majority of your hearing needs.
If you are considering a new hearing aid with Bluetooth accessory, another notion to consider is that several states and municipalities have enacted laws that either restrict or prohibit the use of a cell phone while driving, unless you have a hands-free device. See this link for more information about your state - HandsFree Cell Phone Laws.