Hearing Aids and Bluetooth Devices



Posted: Friday, September 04, 2009

by Kelly Calkins
AidRight Hearing Aids

There are several hearing aids on the market today that utilize Bluetooth technology. The first question I hear from patients about Bluetooth is "what is it?", followed quickly by "Do I need it?". Bluetooth is a wireless technology that is used to connect electronic devices and send information. For hearing aids, that can mean connecting your cellphone, cordless phone, computer, TV, iPod, or any of a number of devices to your hearing aids. You actually hear the phone or TV through your hearing aids as if they were wired directly to them. That means better, clearer sound without outside interference.

The connection is accomplished by using a another piece of equipment to link the cellphone to the hearing aids. These are usually worn around the neck, though not always. 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.

Whether you need Bluetooth or not depends on your personal circumstances. 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 doesn't make the hearing aids any louder, but it is a nice convenience factor if you spend a lot of time on the cell phone.

Digital Hearing Aid accessories are excellent tools, but only to those who really need them. I don't typically recommend that you buy any extra accessories like Bluetooth, FM systems, or remote controls unless you really need them. Keep in mind that it is one more thing to buy, one more thing that could break, and one more battery to change/recharge. You can always add them later if you need to.

You may also live in a state or area where "hands free" laws are in effect. If this is the case, then Bluetooth may be a great option for you while you are in your car driving down the road. While Bluetooth is a great option and extremely convenient, the main goal of a hearing aid is to reconnect you with your family, friends, and loved ones so that you can experience life to the fullest again!

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Kelly C. Calkins is a doctor of audiology and has practiced for over 20 years. Buying a hearing aid can be confusing, let us help! For more information about digital hearing aids or to find the nearest hearing professional to you, call us today at 877-777-1710 or visit our website at http://www.aidright.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Anonymous
 2 years 239 days ago.
The article would have been of greater benefit if Kelly Calkins had 'named' some of these Bluetooth devices. I agree that "a hearing aid is to reconnect you with your family, friends, and loved ones", but connecting to the wider world, via telephone, TV, etc., also enhances one's quality of life. Bluetooth devices that assist one's hearing aids are of great benefit.
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