Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Posted by HearingAids on December 14, 2010 under Hearing Aids | Be the First to Comment

What if your patients knew that they could get a custom fit Bluetooth earset that would:

• Offer greater security in cell phone transmissions
• Better signal-to-noise ratio when listening in noisy environments
• Improved safety while driving
• Cost less than the deductible for a hypothetical car accident
• Comfortably free up their hands for multi-tasking while talking at length.

Google records that the number of search hits for the word Bluetooth is a hot topic.  Say “wireless earset” and no one will know what you are talking about.  Say “your Bluetooth” and now you’re connected.  According to Michael Foley, Ph.D., Executive Director, Bluetooth SIG, the installed base of Bluetooth products exceeded 1 billion in 2006.  “To put this in perspective, 1 billion is greater than the number of PC users in the world and equal to the number of mobile phones shipped this year.”  Market share anyone?

Bluetooth protocol offers a way to think forward with technology that is literally changing at the speed of light.  The information is sent in profiles that is received by an electronic device with a matching PIN.  That is why “the Bluetooth” has to be paired with the mobile phone.  The devices are paired one time at start-up.  Once in a great while, they may have to be paired again, should an error message consistently appear on the cell.  When we fit ALDs and hearing aids, we want to offer options that will enable the consumer to be connected to whatever he/she desires. Bluetooth  has the potential to link the ear with the TV, computer, video games, phone, entertainment system,  ATM, car, or airline/hotel check-in.  In addition, the list is growing because Bluetooth is low power, small size, low cost, and digital.

You already know how Bluetooth earsets are tearing down the stigma associated with wearing an electronic gadget on the head.  With the Sound ID PSS, which is classified by the FDA as a hearing aid (HCPCS code V5298), the earset can be shaped to fit the hearing loss.  The patient can listen monaurally to the environment, with direct connection to a favored sound source through a companion microphone, and switch over to a mobile phone call with the click of a finger.  For example, a Realtor can place the companion mic in the back of the SUV and talk to clients – despite car noise – while driving and pointing out properties – and divert to a phone call – with both hands on the wheel.