Bluetooth in Hearing Aids
Let me give you the breakdown on Bluetooth.
Bluetooth - What is it? Bluetooth is a wireless technology which allows electronic devices to connect securely and talk to each other over a typical maximum range of 30 feet.
Initially, the two devices wishing to communicate with each other are 'paired'.
This creates a secure radio link between the devices which is encrypted and prevents un-paired devices from interfering or intercepting the data being transmitted between the devices.
There are many uses for Bluetooth, but for use with hearing aids, the most important uses are Connecting a Bluetooth enabled cell phone or home phone to your hearing aids Connecting the audio from the TV, radio, Ipod, or any other audio device to your hearing aids These connections are all wireless and hands free.
To enable Bluetooth communication with your hearing aids, they need to have the wireless capabilities built into them.
These features cannot be added to your hearing aids afterwards.
Typically your higher end aids have these although they are becoming available in some mid priced models too now.
Next, you will need a communication device which acts as the link between your hearing aids and the device you wish to connect with.
This is usually in the form of a small discrete box which is worn around your neck on a neck loop.
This device transmits wirelessly to the hearing aids through this loop, using an inductive loop or other proprietary communication system (not Bluetooth).
It then uses Bluetooth to transmit and receive signals from the device you wish to connect to, such as a cell phone.
This device is basically a go-between between the hearing aids and the end device.
There are two ways to connect to devices.
One is where you need two way communication such as connecting to a cell phone.
The other is where you are just receiving a transmission and not transmitting back, for example when listening to the TV (known as streaming).
For two way transmission, the neck worn communication device has a built in microphone which collects your speech for transmission.
The hearing aids are programmed to link up with the neck worn communication device (this is done by your hearing aid dispenser) and then the neck worn communication device is paired with the end device such as the cell phone - this you can do yourself.
Once the devices are paired, they should normally not need pairing again.
When you have all the devices paired and connected, the procedure for using a cell phone or Bluetooth home phone would be as follows.
When your phone rings, it rings inside the hearing aids.
You now don't have to physically run and pick up the phone, as long as you are within the 30 feet range of the phone, you simply push the button on the neck worn device and the call is answered.
You can now talk hands free with the person on the other end of the call.
When you are ready to hang up, simply push the button on the neck worn device again.
To dial out, simply push the button on the neck worn device.
If you haves saved some voice activated phone numbers, you simply say the code word out loud for example: 'Jonathan' and your phone will dial out to the pre-stored number and connect you.
To hang up, simply push the button again.
Not only do you have the convenience of hands free communication, you now also hear in both ears (assuming you have hearing aids in both ears).
This is normally much clearer than using a phone only on one ear.
You are also not distracted by outside noise.
It alleviates some of the major problems for hearing aid wearers.
Talking on the phone often leads to feedback and/or poor understanding of the conversation due to the small speakers available on cell phones and trying to line up the phone speaker with the microphone on the hearing aid.
With more laws being introduced to mandate use of a hands free car kit when speaking on a cell phone whilst driving, the Bluetooth enabled hearing instrument solution is ideal.
In fact, you have the kit wherever you are, not just for use in the car.
No more scrambling for the phone when it rings...
When used for streaming audio to your hearing instruments, the devices are also paired.
Besides the neck worn device, you will need a Bluetooth transmitter connected to your TV or iPod.
The sound is now sent wirelessly to your hearing aids via Bluetooth (up to a range of 30 feet).
This allows you to set your own volume levels without interfering with the volume setting for your spouse or family.
The sound is now heard in both ears and the sound is modified by the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
For more information and a demonstration, contact your local hearing aid dispenser.
They should be able to hook you up with all the correct hardware and information.
Bluetooth - What is it? Bluetooth is a wireless technology which allows electronic devices to connect securely and talk to each other over a typical maximum range of 30 feet.
Initially, the two devices wishing to communicate with each other are 'paired'.
This creates a secure radio link between the devices which is encrypted and prevents un-paired devices from interfering or intercepting the data being transmitted between the devices.
There are many uses for Bluetooth, but for use with hearing aids, the most important uses are Connecting a Bluetooth enabled cell phone or home phone to your hearing aids Connecting the audio from the TV, radio, Ipod, or any other audio device to your hearing aids These connections are all wireless and hands free.
To enable Bluetooth communication with your hearing aids, they need to have the wireless capabilities built into them.
These features cannot be added to your hearing aids afterwards.
Typically your higher end aids have these although they are becoming available in some mid priced models too now.
Next, you will need a communication device which acts as the link between your hearing aids and the device you wish to connect with.
This is usually in the form of a small discrete box which is worn around your neck on a neck loop.
This device transmits wirelessly to the hearing aids through this loop, using an inductive loop or other proprietary communication system (not Bluetooth).
It then uses Bluetooth to transmit and receive signals from the device you wish to connect to, such as a cell phone.
This device is basically a go-between between the hearing aids and the end device.
There are two ways to connect to devices.
One is where you need two way communication such as connecting to a cell phone.
The other is where you are just receiving a transmission and not transmitting back, for example when listening to the TV (known as streaming).
For two way transmission, the neck worn communication device has a built in microphone which collects your speech for transmission.
The hearing aids are programmed to link up with the neck worn communication device (this is done by your hearing aid dispenser) and then the neck worn communication device is paired with the end device such as the cell phone - this you can do yourself.
Once the devices are paired, they should normally not need pairing again.
When you have all the devices paired and connected, the procedure for using a cell phone or Bluetooth home phone would be as follows.
When your phone rings, it rings inside the hearing aids.
You now don't have to physically run and pick up the phone, as long as you are within the 30 feet range of the phone, you simply push the button on the neck worn device and the call is answered.
You can now talk hands free with the person on the other end of the call.
When you are ready to hang up, simply push the button on the neck worn device again.
To dial out, simply push the button on the neck worn device.
If you haves saved some voice activated phone numbers, you simply say the code word out loud for example: 'Jonathan' and your phone will dial out to the pre-stored number and connect you.
To hang up, simply push the button again.
Not only do you have the convenience of hands free communication, you now also hear in both ears (assuming you have hearing aids in both ears).
This is normally much clearer than using a phone only on one ear.
You are also not distracted by outside noise.
It alleviates some of the major problems for hearing aid wearers.
Talking on the phone often leads to feedback and/or poor understanding of the conversation due to the small speakers available on cell phones and trying to line up the phone speaker with the microphone on the hearing aid.
With more laws being introduced to mandate use of a hands free car kit when speaking on a cell phone whilst driving, the Bluetooth enabled hearing instrument solution is ideal.
In fact, you have the kit wherever you are, not just for use in the car.
No more scrambling for the phone when it rings...
When used for streaming audio to your hearing instruments, the devices are also paired.
Besides the neck worn device, you will need a Bluetooth transmitter connected to your TV or iPod.
The sound is now sent wirelessly to your hearing aids via Bluetooth (up to a range of 30 feet).
This allows you to set your own volume levels without interfering with the volume setting for your spouse or family.
The sound is now heard in both ears and the sound is modified by the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
For more information and a demonstration, contact your local hearing aid dispenser.
They should be able to hook you up with all the correct hardware and information.
Source...