Mobile phones in
particular are problematic for many hearing aid users since there
is often interference between the mobile phone and the hearing aid.
Bluetooth hearing aids may be about to change all of that.
Bluetooth hearing aids allow hearing aid users to take advantage of
some modern electronics that have been difficult for them to use
before. Bluetooth hearing aids provide opportunities
for hearing aid
users that many people have come to take for granted. Hearing aids
equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology allow hearing aid users
to talk on their mobile phone, as well as listening to radio or
television programs without interference or cumbersome wires.
Starkey Labs has developed the ELI DirX (Ear Level Instrument). The
DirX is the first instrument of its kind. DirX is a Bluetooth unit
that connects to any behind-the-ear style hearing aid that uses the
standard Europlug Direct Audio Input (DAI) connector. The DirX
simply plugs into the DAI connection port on the users hearing aid
and provides an instant Bluetooth wireless connection between the
hearing aid and any Bluetooth devices within
range.
A microphone on
the bottom of the DirX unit picks up the users voice and transmits
the voice to the mobile phone. The DirX also has a push button on
the unit that will connect and disconnect when making calls. For
hearing aid users without a DAI connector on their hearing aid
Starkey Labs offers a neck loop that allows the DirX to be worn
around the neck. The DirX is also compatible with hearing aids
equipped with a telecoil.
Artone also manufactures a Bluetooth Inductive Neckloop/Loopset for
hearing aid users. The Artone unit is worn around the neck and
works with hearing aids with a telecoil. The Artone Bluetooth
hearing aid device is available for less than $200.
The disadvantage of these styles of Bluetooth hearing aid adapter
is that they only serve a small percentage of hearing aid users.
The majority of hearing aid users now own smaller units that fit
into the ear canal rather than the larger, behind-the-ear style
hearing aids. So far, Bluetooth hearing aids are really only
Bluetooth adapters for hearing aid users. Hearing aid manufacturers
have yet to integrate Bluetooth technology into their in-the-ear
hearing aid units.
Bluetooth hearing aids are helping to improve the lives of many
people with hearing problems. These Bluetooth devices help to
bridge the existing gap between technology that many people already
use and enjoy and the technical limitations that many have been
forced to live with. It is always encouraging to see technology
serving to improve quality of life.
There is still
much work to be done in order to make Bluetooth wireless technology
available to all hearing aid users. However, the developments of
the past few years serve as a positive reminder that more is yet to
come.