Bluetooth® is trademark for the most popular wireless technology in the world. This technology,
first introduced in 1998, has achieved widespread global acceptance and is reshaping the definition of wireless. Unlike WiFi, which can cover a large area, Bluetooth uses radio waves to wirelessly connect devices within a short range – up to 109 yards. Primary advantages of Bluetooth technology are that it is a low-powered source and inexpensive.
Bluetooth devices are rated in power as Class 1, 2 or 3 on the basis of the transmission range of
the microchip embedded in the device. Because these devices use a radio communication system, they do not have to be in direct line of sight of each other and can even be in other rooms, as long as the received transmission is powerful enough. The majority of applications used for audio purposes are Class 2 devices, providing a range of up to 66 feet.
Bluetooth is already installed in many devices as some of its proponents include Microsoft, Apple,
IBM, Intel and Nokia. By using a Bluetooth adaptor in your computer (ranging from $20 to $100)
you can easily start your own network using devices never before dreamed compatible. Once your
software has been installed, you will be able to locate equipment that is Bluetooth compatible and begin your own network. Devices such as cell phones, desktop and notebook computers, printers, digital cameras, PDAs and MP3 players can all be networked, and this doesn’t just include your own gadgets. You can network with friends or coworkers and share files, print pictures and documents easily and efficiently.
Modern marvels abound as Bluetooth appears in all sorts of products, from cars manufactured with wireless phone capabilities to sunglasses that play iTunes. Video game systems are using Bluetooth technology as well for their wireless controllers.
Applications for Bluetooth technology are unlimited. Many hearing care professionals are already using Bluetooth to program hearing aids with a device called NOAHlink.
Another application currently in the early stages of development is the Medical Devices Profile, enabling a variety of health-related devices to interface wirelessly. For people with hearing loss who
wear aids or have an implant, there are several ways in which the Bluetooth signal can be accessed, either acoustically or by using a bridge from the Bluetooth transmitter to your hearing aid or cochlear implants (CI). Although there are no hearing aids or CIs that are fully integrated with Bluetooth technology, most hearing instrument and implant manufacturers are taking Bluetooth technology into account.
Acoustic Access
To use Bluetooth devices acoustically, wear a Bluetooth headset to receive the wireless signal and allow the sound to enter the hearing aid or CI from the headset speaker, or use Bluetooth headphones. These are very simple, inexpensive ways of making your hearing aid or CI Bluetooth-compatible. The Callpod Dragon Headset (www.callpod.com) can be worn over the microphone of in-thecanal, in-the-ear, behind-the-ear hearing devices and some implants. The iLuv i903 (www.i-luv.com) is a swivel-designed, noise-canceling headphone that provides full access to Bluetooth signals while eliminating outside noise so that you can listen to what you want and need to hear. The headphones come with a Bluetooth enabled audio transmitter which plugs into a 3.5mm headphone jack, transforming any media player into a device with Bluetooth capability. Alternatively, the iLuv i222 has a built-in mic and is a perfect choice to synchronize with cell phones or MP3 players. Both can be worn over hearing aids and CIs. Other headphones are available from Nokia (www.nokiausa.com/accessories) and Samsung (www.samsung.com). It is best to try the headphones with your hearing device/implant before purchasing to choose one that will work well for you.
Another method to access the acoustic Bluetooth signal is via the use of a Bluetooth speaker. The GoldLantern G-Lite Sonus Bluetooth Speaker (www.goldlantern.com) looks good on a bookshelf, credenza or anywhere you want it. This speaker unit automatically pairs and works great with Bluetooth-enabled devices including PCs, cell phones and MP3 players. For the car, there’s the GoldLantern Visor Talk Bluetooth Handsfree Car Kit that hangs on a visor and has caller ID.
Telecoil/Induction
One way to access Bluetooth audio directly in your hearing aid or CI is with a telecoil. If your hearing
aid/CI has a t-coil, attach a single or double silhouette induction receiver, like the Beetle (H1 or H2) or the T-Link, or attach a traditional neck loop to a Bluetooth receiver and switch your hearing aid/CI to the t-coil or MT setting. If you wear two hearing aids or a CI in one ear and a hearing aid in the other, both hearing devices will receive the sound with the T-Link. These induction couplers are available from TecEar (www.tecear.com). TecEar also has a helpful comparison chart on Bluetooth t-coil accessories at www.tecear.com/Bluetooth_ Comparison_Guide.htm.
Alternatively, some hearing aid manufacturers have developed their own Bluetooth interface devices.
For example, the Phonak iCom was designed specifically to work with Phonak Exelia and Nadia
behind-the-ear hearing aids. The iCom receives a Bluetooth signal, from a cell phone, for example, and sends the signal wirelessly (via near field induction) to both hearing instruments, leaving your hands free. With iCom, you can take or end a connect to cell phones via t-coil or Bluetooth, stream audio from MP3 players and serve as an FM interface. For more visit www.phonak.com.
The Sonic Innovations Sonic Blu is a Bluetooth receiver that uses a neck loop or ear loops in
conjunction with a t-coil on Sonic Innovation hearing aids. Sonic Blu answers the phone with a push of a button and is also compatible with MP3 players (www.sonici.com).
Another interesting Bluetooth application employing the use of magnetic induction is Oticon Epoq behind-the-ear hearing aid and the Streamer, a Bluetoothenabled receiver and remote control that sends signals to the hearing aids. The Streamer receives the Bluetooth signal and forwards it to
the hearing aids using near field magnetic induction. The Streamer provides remote control of volume
and program adjustments. This system can be used with a Bluetoothcompatible cell phone or landline, with the user speaking into the microphone on the Streamer. The Streamer can be connected to iPod/MP3 players, stereos, PCs or laptops. For further information visit www.oticonusa.com.
Direct Audio Input
Yet another method to access the Bluetooth signal is via direct coupling, known as direct audio input
(DAI). With DAI, the user attaches a cable to a Bluetooth receiver and plugs the other end into the
DAI input of a hearing aid/CI. The Jabra BT3030 (www.jabra.com) is a stylish dog tag device that plays music from any enabled device such as a cell phone or MP3 player. The BT3030 allows you to play, pause, skip and control music remotely. If attached to a phone, when a call comes in, the music pauses and the call connects. A microphone in the dog tag picks up the user’s voice loud and clear.
Starkey ELI (Ear Level Instrument) is a Bluetooth receiver designed primarily for cell phone communication. ELI attaches to the DAI shoe of a behind-the ear hearing aid or to an adapted neck loop for t-coil pickup. By eliminating the electromagnetic interference that has plagued attempts to use cell phones with hearing aids, ELI has opened this communication avenue to hard of hearing people. Shortly after ELI’s release, Starkey introduced a Bluetooth device for people without
hearing loss called SoundPort® FleX, which is distinguished by its custom earmold to deliver a quality acoustic signal. For additional information visit www.starkey.com.
FM Connections
If you’ve already invested in an FM transmitter, like Phonak’s SmartLink, no need to purchase
another device to get Bluetooth directly to your hearing instrument. A Bluetooth-compatible FM
transmitter can receive the signal and transmit to an ear-level FM receiver such as the Edulink or
MLxs Micro Receiver attached to a behind-the-ear hearing aid. This method is great for people who already have the Smartlink or a similar system, because they don’t need to purchase anything else to access Bluetooth devices.
Now that you know how to pick up the Bluetooth signal, let’s look at some gadgets that people with
hearing loss can take advantage of via Bluetooth.
SmartPhones
A smartphone is a cell phone offering advanced capabilities beyond a typical cell phone, often with PClike functionality. Although there is no industry standard for the definition of a smartphone, the following phones qualify on the basis of their expandable memory, PDA features, and built-in MP3 player. Furthermore, all these phones are hearing aid compatible and Bluetooth enabled: Apple iPhone, AT&T Tilt, LG Dare and Decoy, Nokia N95, Palm Centro, RIM Blackberry Curve 8320 and Samsung SCH i760.
Landlines
The landline telephone industry has also recognized the benefits of hands-free telephone use.
Uniden (www.uniden.com) offers two Bluetooth-equipped phones, Models 585 and 595, and Panasonic plans to release a Bluetooth landline phone soon. These devices can exchange audio
signals with ELI, SoundPort or any Bluetooth receiver. Several companies also offer devices that
receive a Bluetooth signal from a cell phone and route it to the landline phones in a home. While this is not a hands-free option, it is a means of consolidating telephone subscriptions under one provider,
instead of two. We expect these developments to represent a growing trend.
VOIP
Skype (www.skype.com) is a voice over the Internet (VOIP) software that enables you to make free calls to anyone in the world via the Internet. For a modest fee, there’s SkypeOut calling for reaching landlines and cell phones worldwide. Additional features include voicemail, conference calling and secure file transferring. Skype calls are secure with end-to-end encryption and have comparable
sound quality to cell phones. Skype can enhance video calls as well. Bluetooth receivers can be used with Skype on any desktop, laptop or notebook that is Bluetooth enabled. Additionally, you need either a microphone on your computer, or some Bluetooth headsets such as the iLuv i222 have a microphone built into the headset.
Hands Free Car Phones
In 2002, Audi, and later DaimlerChrysler, Acura and BMW, were the first auto manufacturers to install Bluetooth technology in a car, enabling the passenger to use a wireless in-car phone. Many other manufacturers such as Toyota, Infinity and Lexus have followed suit. The Ford Sync Bluetooth Car Kit (www.syncmyride.com) allows users with Bluetooth equipped cell phones to make use of some of the phones’ features, such as making calls, while the phone itself might be in a suitcase or in the trunk. Companies like Nokia, Johnson Controls, Raytel, Parrot and Motorola manufacture Bluetooth hands-free car kits.
Bluetooth “Pairing” – How do you get connected?
When two Bluetooth devices connect, it’s a beautiful thing and it’s called “pairing.”
Here’s how it happens:
- When set to “discover,” Bluetooth device A detects and attempts to establish a connection with other Bluetooth devices.
- Bluetooth device A finds Bluetooth device B, indicating what type of device it is (e.g., a printer, cell phone, headset, etc.) and its device name – something the user gave the device or the originally programmed factory name.
- Bluetooth Device A prompts you to enter a password (passkey).
- With advanced devices, both users must agree on the passkey and enter it into their device. If both devices are yours, you will have determined the code. If one belongs to someone else, you have to ask that person what the passkey is. Some devices, such as Bluetooth headsets, have default passkeys – most often, the passkey is zero. Refer to the product’s manual for the default passkey.
- Once you enter the passkey, Bluetooth device A sends the passkey to Bluetooth device B.
- Bluetooth device B sends the Passkey back to Bluetooth device A. If both Passkeys are the same, a trusted pair is automatically formed.
- Bluetooth device A and B are now paired and able to exchange data.
