New Wireless Technology now in Hearing Aids!
What does this mean for you?
As you may have already heard,
new wireless technology are now being used in several digital hearing
aids. One of them, called Epoq and Dual from Oticon actually communicates with
each other to present a single, balanced picture for your brain to
process.
According to Oticon: "With Epoq
as your personal "Sound compass" you won't be in any doubt as to what
sounds are and where they are coming from. Whether it's a car coming
from the side or a person calling you from behind, you'll be able to
hear and locate them in an instant. Because your ears will tell you
where to look.
And that's not all, as well as
helping you locate and interpret the sounds around you, Epoq also helps
you get the best out of devices such as mobile phones and other
electronic equipment.:
An even newer entrant into the
wireless market is the Phonak Exelia, Naida and Audeo YES. According to Phonak: Exelia
with, without a doubt, the most sophisticated hearing instrument ever
introduced. The unique combination of cutting-edge technology,
audiological expertise and wireless connectivity offer you:
- Unprecendented hearing performance
- Convenient control
- Easy access to modern communication and entertainment systems
Exelia celebrates the diversity of
personal communication needs with comprehensive, tailored hearing
solutions for everyone."
Both models incorporate bluetooth
technology, thus allowing you to connect to bluetooth devices and have
the ability to hear conversations through both hearing aids wirelessly,
which is great for phone conversations. They also allow you to adjust
the volume on both instruments simultaneously.
Here are the pros and cons as I see it:
Pros:
- Wireless connectivity
- Wireless communication between hearing aids
- Easier volume control and program changes
Cons:
- Higher costs
- Requires a box with a small wire that you wear around your neck, like a pendant
- Slightly larger sized hearing aid(s)