Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Bluetooth Hearing Aids: What You Need To Know

Bluetooth wireless technology allows wireless communication
between electronic devices. Bluetooth uses short-range
wireless radio technology to connect devices to each other,
generally within a distance of 30 ft. Newer devices may
have ranges of over 100 ft. It eliminates the need for
wires to be connected to all the devices, making it much
easier to operate them.

Although Bluetooth technology has been around for a while
it is now becoming the new standard for most electronic
devices. For those who wear hearing aids the technology
provides the ability to use hands free devices along with
the hearing aid. As most hearing aid users know, in the
past, there have been compatibility issues with hearing
aids and devices such as cell phone headsets and iPod ear
piece. However, the latest technology incorporates
Bluetooth wireless technology into hearing aids, making
them compatible with many Bluetooth enabled devices.

Bluetooth enabled hearing aids use this wireless technology
twofold. Bluetooth wireless technology allows for
communication between two hearing aids. This helps to get
the most natural hearing enhancement possible. The two
hearing aids "talk" to each other to make instantaneous
enhancements to improve hearing. Another exciting function
of Bluetooth enabled hearing aids is wireless connectivity
with other Bluetooth enabled devices such as cell phones
and music players. This technology is a vast improvement
over hearing aids in the past which were often incompatible
with other devices.

Several leading manufacturers have developed Bluetooth
enabled hearing aids. Oticon's newest hearing aid range is
called Epoq. It provides wireless binaural communication
between the right and left hearing aids to make
stereophonic sound more natural. Integrated Bluetooth
technology also enables the Epoq hearing aid to get mobile
phone reception directly into it. This effectively
eliminates the need for attached wires, which in the past
was the only way to provide connectivity.

The Phonak's Smartlink uses integrated Bluetooth technology
to enable bi-directional digital link between the hearing
aid and a Bluetooth enabled cell phone. An external audio
input or microphone signal can also be transmitted
wirelessly via Smartlink to the hearing aid by attaching to
the smart interface.

Starkey Laboratories offers the Eli hearing aid, which
incorporates Bluetooth technology allowing communication
between hearing aid users, and the growing assortment of
Bluetooth enabled devices such as a cell phone. The Eli is
the smallest Bluetooth enabled hearing aid on the market.

Those who are shopping for their first hearing aid will do
well by purchasing one with Bluetooth technology. No
matter what your needs, Bluetooth technology is the wave of
the future and will enable you to connect easily and
wirelessly with many devices. All of the major hearing aid
companies are developing their own hearing aids that
utilize Bluetooth technology. Working with a hearing
health care professional will ensure that you choose the
hearing aid that is best for you and your specific hearing
loss.


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For people with hearing problems, getting quality hearing
aids can open up a new world to them. Bluetooth hearing
aids are becoming more discreet, fashionable and high tech,
making them a good choice for the young and old. Check out
our top resources on best hearing aids at
http://www.abouthearingaid.com/art-blue

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