Many people know that I dream to have a built-in bluetooth in my CI processors so that we don’t have to worry about having an extra bulky piece on our ear! While this does not exist, there are quite a few great bluetooth options for CI users that I learned yesterday at the Assistive Learning Devices session at Cochlear Celebration:
Phonak SmartLink
While Phonak SmartLink is normally used as an FM, it can also be used as a bluetooth! I’m sure that many CI users who are currently students in schools have an FM already, and so, they would have a bluetooth option for their processor already!
Artone
I have to say that I am ashamed of not having heard of bluetooth neckloop! This bluetooth is a very simple option as it only requires CI users to put this neckloop around their neck and switch their processor settings to tele-coil!
Clear Sounds CLA7
This is not a bluetooth; however, it is another hands-free phone option! I tested this product at the workshop, and I have to say that it is not my favorite option as it’s very heavy and bulky, and it requires a wire to connect this device to the cellphone; however, the clarity of sounds is very clear. The user would wear this around his/her neck and set his/her processor to tele-coil settings. This product can not only work well with any phones, but also iPods.
These products can be found at these websites:
Linn Tearney, a Cochlear employee who focuses on testing assistive listening devices, gives a demonstration on using the accessories.
Yeah good post Rachel..
I knew of the FM bluetooth capability and I wanted that for college AND other activities..
most of the other solutions are good , neckloops aren’t so great , they can be moved with the clothes…
Comment by Vivie — March 28, 2009 @ 11:41 pm
Rachel,
I use the ClearSounds neckloop quite often. It’s not my favorite device, but it’s better than anything else I’ve been able to get my hands on!
I use it often because my job requires me to work with computers and speak on the phone at the same time. Using this device is the easiest way to do that. I also like that I can turn on the telecoil on my implant and my hearing aid, meaning I can use BOTH ears to listen on the phone. Hearing with two ears, of course, always helps!!!
What a great website. Thanks to you and Elizabeth for keeping us posted on such great news! Sounds like you had fun at Celebration. When and where is the next one? I need to get it on my calendar!
David
Comment by David Duncan — March 30, 2009 @ 3:53 am
[...] Alguns modelos têm suporte a bluetooth, cujo uso “oficial” é para se usar em conjunto com um dispositivo de microfone [...]
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