Hearing Aids and Wireless Technology
By Boothroyd, Arthur, PhD; Fitz, Kelly PhD; Kindred, Jon, PhD; Kochkin, Sergei, PhD; Levitt, Harry, PhD; Moore, Brian C., PhD; Yanz, Jerry, PhD ; Hearing Review,Publication Date: June 2007
Article focuses on the use of wireless technology for people who use hearing aids, which can offer a solution to the problem of hearing in noise. Several manufacturers have produced hearing aids with built-in wireless receivers, and one manufacturer has addressed the need for multiple microphones in a group setting with the use of frequency-hopping technology. Clinical research literature has also been providing evidence of improved use and acceptance following appropriate instruction, demonstration, coaching, and counseling. Other potential audio sources for a wireless link include radios, televisions, MP3 players, transponders, and cell phones. For people who use hearing aids with unilateral hearing loss, a microphone and transmitter can be placed in a hearing aid case worn on the impaired ear. Also available is wireless transmission from a handheld or head-mounted, beam-forming microphone, as these devices attain high directionality and enhanced SNR for the speech of the talker at whom they are pointed. They also yield the advantage of being under the user's control and are less intrusive than the remote microphone. Limitations inherent in the use of wireless devices with hearing aids are also discussed.
Published by: Ascend Media LLC (Website:http://www.ascendmedia.com)
Link to text: http://www.hearingreview.com/issues/articles/2007-06_05.asp
