Bluetooth and Hearing Aids
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that connects electronic devices to transfer information. For hearing aids this means that you can finally connect directly with your cell phone, television, computer, iPod, or any other Bluetooth enabled device. This means that you can hear your TV or cell phone as if you were directly wired to them without any sort of background interference. While its not a necessary option, it is very nice and extremely convenient – especially in the car.
The connection is accomplished by using a another piece of equipment to link the cellphone to the hearing aids. These devices are generally worn around the neck, but a few manufacturers have designed devices that you can carry in your pocket. The device that you wear around your neck has a microphone in it so that you can talk on the phone. The wire around your neck is what sends the sound to the hearing aid.
Depending on your lifestyle, Bluetooth may be a great option for you. If you talk on your cell phone a lot, it will be a great option for you. If you don’t need Bluetooth for the cellphone, you probably don’t need it for other things like TV or iPods. For many patients the extra equipment is a little overwhelming and many do well on the TV and Cell phone without Bluetooth. Bluetooth is simply for connection to other devices only and doesnt make the hearing aids any louder, but it is a nice convenience factor if you spend a lot of time on the cell phone.
