It seems like everything in our world touts “wireless connectivity.” We can access email and the internet on our phones. Many computers and printers no longer require cumbersome cables. Our homes and offices have wireless networks. The advent of Bluetooth systems have allowed many of these ideas to take shape. Now Bluetooth systems are available to help people with hearing loss.

It seems like everything in our world touts “wireless connectivity.” We can access email and the internet on our phones. Many computers and printers no longer require cumbersome cables. Our homes and offices have wireless networks. The advent of Bluetooth systems have allowed many of these ideas to take shape. Now Bluetooth systems are available to help people with hearing loss.

People with hearing loss often have significant problems with telephone use. The more severe the hearing impairment, the more dependent a person may become on a clear signal and visual cues. Without out visual information (lip-reading, expressions, gestures, etc.) people with hearing loss often have significant difficulty understanding on the telephone, especially with unfamiliar talkers. This lack of understanding can be particularly problematic in the elderly, many of whom have been taken advantage of by telemarketing schemes that prey on those with hearing deficits. The use of hearing aids can certainly help people understand better on the telephone; however, there have always been problems coupling hearing aids to telephones, such as acoustic feedback, antenna interference and microphone positioning.

In January of 2008, the first Bluetooth systems designed for hearing aid use appeared on the U.S. Market. These systems wirelessly route the speech signal from the user’s cell phone into their hearing aids. The results have been nothing short of amazing. Dr. David Gnewikow, Audiologist, and owner of Advanced Hearing Solutions in Mt. Juliet explains, “In my fifteen years in this profession, this may be the single greatest improvement I have seen hearing aid technology. In the past, hearing aids could help patients on the phone, but there were always challenges. With Bluetooth systems, the user just pushes a single button and talks. It’s that simple. Hearing aid users hear the phone in both ears through their own hearing aids, which is a huge advantage for patients with significant hearing loss. The volume and settings of the hearing aids for telephone use can be manipulated and fine-tuned to each individuals preference and prescription. There is no interference, no feedback, and no background noise. Many of my patients say that they have never heard better on the telephone.”

C.L. Sullivan of Culleoka, TN, has worn hearing aids for over twenty years. He recently purchased Bluetooth compatible hearing aids, “No more fumbling to switch programs on my hearing aid and trying to get the cell phone in the correct position to be able to hear the call. Just push a button, on my chest, and I receive the call directly to my hearing aids. I am able to understand the conversation so much better. This device is great!”

In addition to connecting to the telephone, these Bluetooth hearing aids also connect to the television. The user can hear the television directly in their hearing aids with no background noise. The system will connect to any TV. For more information, or for a free trial with this life-changing technology, you can call Dr. David Gnewikow at Advanced Hearing Solutions in Mt. Juliet, 758-7999.