What every hearing aid user should be told by their audiologist or hearing aid provider
There is some confusion among hearing professionals regarding Blue Tooth and Hearing Induction Loops. The misunderstanding that is that Bluetooth and hearing loop technology are mutually exclusive when in fact they complement each other and have tremendous capability to improve quality of life for the user.
Hearing aid users can take advantage of both: many of my clients benefit from Bluetooth wireless technology watching TV at home, while using their cellphone or on Sunday morning when they happily switch to their telecoil in church. Hearing aid users cannot benefit from telecoils if they are not educated about them and so equipped. One unhappy – because her audiologist failed to mention telecoils even once in 30+ hearing aid adjustment appointments – hearing aid user from Minnesota wrote me: “One has to have one to take advantage of the loop. I would have chosen a different instrument”.
Bluetooth does a great job linking two devices together. Some examples where Bluetooth is used to link are: a mouse to a lap top, a hearing aid to a TV device, a cell phone to a head set, a cell or home phone to a hearing aid. Bluetooth’s effective range is limited to 30 feet and requires linking aka pairing the devices in order to communicate together.
When Bluetooth is used in hearing aids the hearing aid manufacturer’s employ proprietary versions of Bluetooth which are not compatible with other hearing aids or earlier version of Bluetooth devices. This means that each user would need their own, individual Bluetooth transmitter to hear in a large venue, and would need to sit within 30 feet of the transmitter to receive the signal.
In a house of worship all the Bluetooth users would need to have their own Bluetooth microphones attached to the presenter and would need to sit less than 30 feet away in order to receive the signal in their hearing aids. The sound quality of Bluetooth is limited and people who have listened to TV using Bluetooth and then through a Hearing Loop report that the sound quality of the Hearing loop is clear and instantaneous while the Bluetooth sounds can sound more fuzzy, and users with normal hearing in the low frequencies have discerned delays in the audio.
Finally Bluetooth draws considerable battery power with some hearing aids consuming batteries 10 times faster when in the 2.4 GHz mode. For this reason many manufacturers use an intermediary device which utilizes NFMI (near field magnetic induction) which looks like a small iPod or remote control. This intermediary device receives the signal from the Bluetooth transmitter and sends it via a near field magnetic induction to the hearing aid.
While Hearing Loops can be used one-on-one such as: a neck loop attached to a Walkman or telephone, or a home loop attached to a TV, they are the technology of choice when many people need to listen in a large venue with a sound system such as a house of worship, conference room, or auditorium. The loop signal is universally compatible (around the world) with all T-Coil equipped hearing aids. A Hearing Loop installed to the IEC standard will have excellent frequency response from 100 to 5 kHz, often beyond what most hearing aids are capable of amplifying. T-coils get their power from the loop signal and draw no, or nearly negligible power from the battery.
Because hearing loops get their signal directly from the source (the speaker’s microphone or other audio output) there is no need to process the sound so there is no need for the loop to use digital processing, and take advantage of any digital processing that is being done by the hearing aid itself. And last but not least, in a looped venue the person with hearing difficulties need not self-identify as having difficulty understanding the spoken word, nor wear listening devices with unsightly and unhygienic headphones – all they need to do is discretely push the button on the hearing devices they are wearing to activate the telecoils. Testimonials of such experiences are abound on the internet on sites such as www.hearingloop.org and testimonials )
Hearing aid engineers advise that while a universally compatible Bluetooth-like device which would have similar one-to-many, wide area capability is technically feasible the hurdles of frequency spectrum allocation (not all countries have the same frequency authorizations), arriving at a mutually agreeable technology among the manufactures, and the need for people with hearing aids to buy new compatible hearing aids in order to listen. If such a technology will ever exist it will not be in the foreseeable future and some experts in the field such as Dr. Jason Galster from the American Starkey Hearing Aid company see here and Dr. Laurel Christensen from GN ReSound (who addressed this at the recent Minnesota Academy of Audiology annual meeting 2/23/2012) spoke publicly that a universal wireless standard may be 5 or 10+ years out.
It is my understanding that none of the big 6 hearing aid manufacturers and cochlear implant companies are seriously developing, or considering developing such a universal technology. The hearing aid companies continue to sell three different wireless technologies to the hard of hearing public (900MHz, 2.4GHz, and NFMI). Considering that the devices sold today as “state-of-the-art” will continue to be used between 5-7 years by the average hearing instrument user, and that Oticon recently introduced in 2nd generation NFMI computer chip platform (named the Alta see www.oticon.com/products ) and added a telecoil to the new Streamer Pro (Oticon only introduces platform changes every 3-4 years, and the first iPhone compatible hearing aids by GN ReSound are being introduced see hearingmojo , and no MFR has agreed to one type of technology as of yet, the estimate that a digital worldwide universal assistance listening system will be offered in 10 years is most probably conservative and it will likely be 15+ years – if ever.
Is it possible that hearing aid providers, who have failed to inform their clients of the benefits of telecoils, may be reluctant to admit their oversight? I had similar feelings when I first started working with hearing loops in my community yet quickly realized that it was not right to put my embarrassment ahead of my patients’ well-being. The overwhelming positive responses led me to work harder to find solutions for clients who did not have telecoils but could really benefit from them. It took some doing but I was able to either add telecoils or change many of clients’ instruments (some at my expense and some gratis thanks to my suppliers) to models that were T-coil equipped.
Audiologists and hearing aid dispensers who are recommending Bluetooth wireless or FM technology for their hearing aid and CI clients (because the BT wireless technology is beneficial for hearing on a cell phone, for TV or microphone clip in a restaurant) and counsel their clients on the use of telecoils in large venues equipped with hearing loops (now found all over the country in houses of worship, meeting rooms, as well as in transient situations such as check-out counters, theaters and airport gates see locations here or here) are meeting standard of care guidelines as specified by the American Academy of Audiology guidelines and endorsed by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, see here. They may also be aware of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and American Academy of Audiology Hearing Loop Task force recommendations regarding telecoils and hearing loops here)
Notable audiologists such as Mary Caccavo, PhD (past president of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and owner of a successful audiology practice in Lafayette, IN) and many others around the country are finding that by fostering loop installations in their communities they greatly their clients’ quality of life.
Advocates are not for hearing loops per se, they are for a technology that is relatively low cost, worldwide universal, non-proprietary, directly compatible with the majority of hearing aids useful in a variety of large area listening. BT wireless technology – though useful in many one-on-one situations is not setup for large area listening systems and won’t be for years to come. My husband is still waiting for his jetpack.
Let's Loop Wisconsin 
Good article. I have many patients that take advantage of both bluetooth and t-coil looping benefits. It is wonderful to have so many options for our patients today. Our patients depend on us to know when and which technology would benefit them the most. Having an array of choices is wonderful for the aging of America as we tackle this epidemic of dementia. Keeping our patients engaged and connected to family and events will lead to a better life for everyone involved. Mary Caccavo, Ph.D. audiologist and loop advocate for Indiana.
LikeLike
I finally figured out why audiologists, especially the younger ones, just don’t get it and say telecoils aren’t needed. It’s because the training in academia and the manufacturers’ training which focuses on their respective sound processing algorithms begins by discussing everything after the microphone. In fact, the reps ignore the microphone and thus audiologists seem to forget and perhaps never really understood that the microphone provides the input to the digital analog converter and the expensive sound processing that follows. Microphones always pick up what’s closest, always pick up what’s loudest, and have no idea whose voices are important to the listener. That’s it, folks, that’s why we need loops. Linda S. Remensnyder, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology, President: Beyond Hearing Aids: Sound Advice, P.C., Loop advocate for Illinois.
LikeLike
If nay-saying audiologists realized that in a hearing loop the microphone on the lapel of the minister, the lectern of the auditorium or performer on the stage of the theater in effect takes the place of the microphone on the hearing instrument they would immediately understand it. The people who wholehearted agree and endorse hearing loops are the ones who have experienced a loop. Hearing is believing. Yet the average audiologist has never used a hearing aid in a loop. I dare to say they have never taken occluding hearing aids in a noisy restaurant or reverberant church.
I lectured at the Academy of Audiology Colorado annual conference in a looped room to audiologists without a PA system together with Laura Hansen from http://www.assist2hear.com. At the end of the 3 hour workshop everyone was either using a loop listener or a hearing aid with a T-coil. Every attendee came out a believer and ready to start advocating for loops.
Being for loops doesn’t mean you are against wireless technology – au contraire… if a provider recommends wireless technology (be it for school with an FM system, for TV, clip on mic or for a cellphone connection) s/he is also for loops but may not know it…yet!
LikeLike
I have all these options in my hearing aids; however, some of the streamers, etc. may be cost prohabitive to many users. My church recently installed a loop system and it is wonderful. I have had t-coils in my hearing aids for twenty years and surprised many people don’t have them becuase of the manner they work with my landline phone. I also use a streamer with my phone and t.v. which works very well also but as pointed out so well in the article, the t-coil is the way to go in churches and large venues since all I have to do to get “connected” is touch the rocker swtich on my hearing aid. Bill Rogers, 30+ year hearing aid user and advocate for the loop system in Middle Tennessee.
LikeLike
Well done Juliette. Like you, I do workshops annually at three local Canadian learning institutions (Conestoga College, George Brown College and University of Western Ontario). I make it a point to compare the four technologies (BT, FM, IR and Hearing Loops) with hearing loops becoming the clear winner. I can use your article to enhance my own knowledge. Thank you!
LikeLike
Juliette – Thank you for sharing this information. You are right on target with your comments. While dispensing hearing instruments at a hospital, I always asked my patients, when they committed themselves to using hearing instruments, if they liked technology and I explained that there were various technologies available to help individuals hear while viewing TV, in the theatre, etc. All my patients received T coils even if they weren’t technologically savvy because I knew I would have the opportunity to share various hearing assistance technology with them in the future – even if they were not interested in the technology initially. At the very least, I knew the T coil would help them on the telephone. As an Audiologist, I felt I had to give them as many options as possible with their hearing instrument(s) and to discuss hearing assistance technology when the time was right – but first, I had to get them a hearing instrument with a t coil.
Lastly, hearing loops are very current and I hope audiologists and hearing instrument dispensers are willing to recognize and accept it. In the last year, we have seen numerous hearing loop installations such as The Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan (MoMA), Penn Station, NYC, Amtrak’s Union Station in Washington DC, Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville, NY, and numerous libraries. There is a place for all of these technologies and it’s our job to share information about a variety of hearing assistance technology with the individuals we fit with hearing instruments. I think we are at our best when we keep an open mind about the variety of hearing assistance technology available and take the opportunity to learn about technologies that we may not understand well so we can ultimately share accurate information with the people we fit with hearing instruments.
LikeLike
HELP PLEASE ! I can’t hear in church. The church offers a small box with a single ear bud. Not good, at least for me. I just read this article and it is little confusing. I am a little old and a lot deaf. OK, I have a new set of Phonak aids with blue tooth. I have a transmitter for TV along with my receiver ( Around my neck ) and the aids. This is the best thing since popcorn that I have ever used for TV. Now,,,I would like to hear my pastor. We tried connect my receiver to our sound booth with no luck. I don’t fully understand t coil vrs blue tooth. I don’t know if my aids are both Is there any way to combine an Apple Ipad with what I have, or do you have a solution. Where would I go for help? Thanks for any suggestions or answers. Can we converse direct? to my email? Larry
LikeLike
Hello Larry
I received your entry to my blog. Thanks for writing.
What I do “hear” you say is that you like the Phonak TV device – the good news is that hearing loops work much the same way but in public places. The loop “broadcasts/sends” the clean/clear audio input (from a lectern, microphone or stage on a theater) wirelessly to the telecoil in your hearing instruments. This results in clear sound and improved understanding – much like you are getting from your wireless TV device.
What is needed to hear in a loop is a T-coil, telecoil aka the telephone program. The T-coil can be accessed by pushing on a small button on your instruments. If you are using Phonak hearing aids with a #13 (orange) sticker – then there is a pretty good chance that you have this T-coil. Please contact your audiologist to find out what programs she has set up for you in your instruments. Your audiologist is welcome to contact me with questions about programming your instruments for hearing loop use. Most users like 2 loop programs: one that gives you a loop signal only (a so called T only program) and one that gives you a mix Mic+T – that way you can still hear what is going on around you and hear what is coming through the loop.
In order for you to be able to use your T-coils in a hearing loop – your church has to have this hearing loop installed according to the IEC standard. This will require a site visit by a trained installer. You can find installers at http://www.hearingloop.org/vendors.htm or by emailing Rhiannon at rz@contactainc.com or Stephen Woolley from the Listen Technology Company. They can steer you to trained installers. Be sure to verify that an installer is familiar with this IEC standard and don’t accept anything less.
To find looped venues in your area you could visit http://www.aldlocator.com If you are interested in learning more about living with hearing loss – I highly recommend you join the Hearing Loss Association of America http://www.hearingloss.org and find a support group to learn to get more from your hearing aids and live better with hearing loss. Most people like you find that this will be time well spent.
In the meantime I have a few websites for you to review:
• my website http://www.loopwisconsin.com
• When you have time visit the comprehensive website from audiologist Dr. Cynthia Compton-Conley http://www.soundstrategy.com (Be sure to make yourself some strong coffee… as she has a lot of information on her website.
• Another site where you can find much information about hearing loops is http://www.hearinglosshelp.com
I hope this information is useful. If you email me back with your state and location I would be able to help you further by getting you in contact with local loop advocates.
Juliette Sterkens
LikeLike
Hi Larry. I am an audiologist who has helped some of my patients and fellow churchgoers figure out how to use the church “box” with their bluetooth neck loop receiver to hear at church. If your church gave you a box with one ear bud, chances are the box says Comtek on it. If it does, it means your church is like my church and uses an FM system. Most churches that have an FM system in the chapel are not looped. Bummer, I know. But great news: the boxes can still be used with your hearing aids. Yay! The person who sold you the hearing aids should be the one to help you with this. They will need to know what the “box” from church is (make and model is helpful).
The Bluetooth neck loop you use at home for TV can be plugged into the box they give you at church. You should have a cord that looks like a headphone plug on both ends. Unplug the church ear bud and plug your cord into the church box and your neck loop. Turn on the church box and hit the button on your neck loop and you’re set! You may have to adjust the volume on the box or on your hearing aids until it’s comfortable, but this works very well at my church.
If for some reason that doesn’t work, write down the make and model or take a picture of the “box” from church to the person who sold you the hearing aids. They will call Phonak and figure out if it needs a different cord to make it work. Or, if your hearing aids have a telecoil (see Juliette’s explanation) and a MANUAL telecoil program, you can get a neckloop that is made to work with that box. Comtek or whoever made the box sells them, and your church or your hearing aid provider can order you one. Plug that loop into the box, turn on the box, wear the loop around your neck, push the button on your hearing aids to change to your telecoil program, and you have a personal loop.
I hope this helps.
Sarah Chipman, Au.D.
Layton, UT
LikeLike
Hello Dr. Chipman,
Thank you for your reply. It is frustrating that many places have had FM systems installed by well meaning AV engineers but these professionals don’t know much about hearing loss and usually provide ear-buds or headphones without supplying the correct neck-loops. This leaves people like Larry, who need it the most, to “fend for themselves”. I hope your answer is helpful to him.
It is easy to see why hearing loops are the up and coming hearing assist system of choice and among experienced users preferred 9 to 1: The user is not required to take out their hearing aid or handle a confusing listening device with a neck-loop or feedback causing headphones, because with looping the user’s own hearing aid is the device.
I highly recommend audiologists, ushers and sound people in houses of worship or other venues take time to listen to what sounds are being routed through the assistive listening systems (ALS). In some churches the organ, music or piano is sometimes so loud that people with hearing loss have to turn their devices off or down and up again for the sermon or readings. Some sound folks are under the, mistaken, impression that the more sounds are routed through the hearing assist the better. WRONG… what most users of ALS systems want to hear are the voices and vocals – their open or vented ear-molds or environmental mics on their hearing aids (if set to M+T) will take care of the instrumental music. We could use some AuD Captstone studies in this area!
Juliette Sterkens, AuD
LikeLike
Greetings Sara. I am Larry. Today was my first time to try your suggestion. THANK YOU ! . Today I could hear ! With just my hearing aids I could understand about 50%. Today, with the “church” box and my aids, it jumped to 90 %. I attribute the other 10% to The pastors speech. I have one problem left. Throughout the morning the sound jumped in and out and there was static and buzzing. I moved the box to different directions and was sometimes better. May I assume the box was mostly at fault? If so, I could buy my own box, maybe of better quality? You are a lifesaver. My hearing system was provided by the Veterans. Very high quality but service and questions are very poor. I have 30 minutes for all issues and not a minute more. And appointments are hard to get. Thank you again for going beyond the norm to assist me. Larry
LikeLike
Hi Larry,
So pleased this worked out for you. The issues you report (intermittent sound and fading) may have been your particular box – try a different next time or it could have been the way you positioned the neck-loop on your shoulders. You want to make sure the neck-loop is draped wide over your shoulders – I sometimes put it underneath a collar of shirt. You should also see if bending your heard forward (when you pray) causes the sound to diminish. This is not unusual when using a neck-loop.
The buzzing could be due to some magnetic noise in the sanctuary – try walking around some time after a service and see if some areas have more or less buzzing. Static could be due to the FM device not being tuned right. I don’t know if yours can be “returned”. Again try a different box – if your church offers more than one.
Let us know how it goes next Sunday. Thanks for emailing.
Best regards, Juliette Sterkens
LikeLike
Hearing loss can affect your life in many ways. You may miss out on talks with friends and family. Y
LikeLike
[…] time, or looking to purchase a new pair, be sure to read this excellent article/blog post, “Ready to buy new hearing aids? Be sure it has bluetooth as well as telecoil wireless technology!” from Loop Wisconsin. The article explains the uses of bluetooth and telecoil technology, […]
LikeLike
Thanks for linking my blog to LoopSeattle.org!
LikeLike
Great article … loads of information on Blue Tooth and Hearing Induction Loops .. thanks a lot
LikeLike
Thanks for the info. It’s always great to have comparisons between two different technologies. A lot of times companies tend to confuse people with seemingly complicated marketing terminology when in reality the actual tech is quite simple.
On a slightly separate note, my grandfather was using Bluetooth hearing aids for a while but he finally ended up taking advantage of both technologies and he’s incredibly happy. Using both technologies is the way to go.
LikeLike
Hi, I am larry and you have helped me before, and now I need more. I have Phonak Amber aids, I use the Bluetooth components and they work great. Question is,,, I have a tv in my RV and two TV in my home. I have been moving the components from place to place.. Are there generic transmitters to choose from? The Phonaks are far too costly. To buy one for each TV.
LikeLike
Larry, you could purchase a tv loop with loop pad – see http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/loopinfo.htm. Otherwise email me at jsterkens@new.rr.com
LikeLike
Hi Juliette, I am Larry and I am back. I am using Phonak aids and their Bluetooth add ons. I just purchased a smart tv and there is not any Audio out available. They do have a Digital Audio outlet. With this system you need a “tosslink” cable and receiver. This system worked fine with another older tv.
However on the new smart TV I need to choose between speakers or Digital Audio. Do you have any suggestions?
LikeLike
my son has starkey halo hearing aids without FM. Is FM recommended? He says he cannot listen properly and his old phonak hearing aid is better. please advise if the starkey’s Neck Loop system (or) FM transmitter and FM receiver with audio shoe feature is better than this as I plan an exchange.
LikeLike
Hello “SRVZ”, Thanks for asking. It is my experience that most MFRs allow returns and exchanges for up to three months with some documentation. Can you tell me how old your son is? The benefits of the Halo (as I see it) involve mostly for direct connecting to the iPhone. While that can be pretty nifty – it may not be of huge benefit to your son. Plus if he has complaints now about his hearing ability – it will likely not get any better. Has his audiologist completed sound field testing or Real-Ear testing comparing his old vs. his new instruments? Be sure to ask why or why not? For good information on how to purchase hearing aids see http://www.hearingloss.org/sites/default/files/docs/Fact_Sheet_PurchasingHearingAid.pdf
While I may not be 100% certain, I understand that the Starkey Halo instruments either do not have telecoils or some of them have are unfortunately equipped with horizontally located telecoil which is not good for use with neckloops and room loops. Most European instruments have solid telecoils (such as Phonak, Widex, Oticon and Siemens). How old is your son? Has he used an FM system in the past? Is he willing to continue doing so? If so you will want to choose hearing aids for him that offer strong vertically oriented telecoils and/or audio input options. For most hearing device users no matter the level of technology and for adults as well as children in larger (class)rooms/auditoriums/churches etc are not enough and some kind of assistive technology such as FM or a room loop are very beneficial. For example see http://www.soundstrategy.com
If you have additional questions feel free to email me at jsterkens@hearingloss.org – There is nothing more important than to help your son hear to the best of his ability as it is critical as to how he will do in school and later in life. You are to be commended for reaching out! (I have two kids of my own I totally get this!)
LikeLike
Your general health, medications you take, childhood diseases, and your symptoms of hearing loss all influence the choice of hearing aid model appropriate for you.
Andrew@MyHearGear
LikeLike
Hello Andrew,
While it is true that all these conditions as do ear canal anatomy, whether the person produces earwax, dexterity of the user and financial resources of the new user will influence the type and degree of hearing loss determine the model of hearing instrument, what is most critical to all users is audibility and MELU. For audibility and MELU in large venues such as houses of worship, lecture halls or auditoriums, and theaters – where we as providers know that hearing aids are of limited benefit due to distance, background noise and reverberation – a telecoil in a loop can be VERY beneficial. For comments of users read more http://www.loopwisconsin.com/PDFFiles/Own%20_words.pdf and http://www.loopwisconsin.com/Testimonials.aspx.
For the devices to provide the user with optimal hearing/audibility for his or her hearing loss the performance has to be verified with real ear (and preferably followed up with sound field testing which will allow the provider to counsel the client on his/her residual hearing loss). MELU, which refers to Multiple Listening Utility is critical for consumer satisfaction. Do the hearing aids provide benefit in situations that are important to the client? For refernces on the MELU concept see http://old.betterhearing.org/pdfs/kochkin_hearingjournal1107.pdf and http://www.hearingreview.com/2014/08/customer-loyalty-quotient-clq/
Audiologists and hearing care providers involved with hearing loop advocacy recommend that providers need to demonstrate telecoils and hearing loops in their offices – see http://www.hearingloop.org/AP+Vol+6+Issue+4_LoopingGuide.pdf. This can be done through a waiting room hearing loop – or a seat cushion loop. That way consumer and family members can listen for themselves. I say ask a very simple question: “Where do you NOT want to hear?”
Unless a consumer is unable to use a push button or remote control there is no reason not to fit a client with a telecoil. It is a free option on most behind-the-ear devices (and a low cost option on custom instruments) and will greatly improve the ability of the consumer to hear in public venues (either through a hearing loop or through the ADA mandated neckloops on assistive listening devices) – so why not offer it?
Read about a study among 866 hearing aid and CI users as to the benefits of hearing loops authored by Sergei Kochkin, PhD et al: http://www.hearingreview.com/2014/09/consumer-perceptions-impact-inductively-looped-venues-utility-hearing-devices/
LikeLike
In the above article I would like to understand more of what the article is trying tell hearing aid users my self. I have a set of Widex hearing aids that came with a Bluetooth device between my hearing aids and
smartphone but was wondering if you are offering a blue tooth device that can work with any hearing aid (compatible) manufacturers product.
LikeLike
HI Robert – I am sorry having missed your message. (I am not that great at using WordPress) – I am pretty knowledgeable on Widex instruments (my mom has used that brand for over 15 years) – if you have questions – I can be reached via jsterkens@hearingloss.org
Regards, Juliette
LikeLike
Hearing aids can significantly improve the user’s communication and can return the hearing impaired to a full and active lifestyle.
Williams@Soundtvamplifiers
LikeLike
My parents are 85 yrs old .Just taken Audio q30 Phonak hearing aids for both ears on trial and tried for one month.now changing to Q 50 .Their main activity is to sit in Park in a group ,visit market ,watch TV and talk on telephone ,mostly landline .No visits to public address places like churches .Main problem is no improvement in speech while talking on telephone .Is hearing aid with T coil and compatible telephone instrument or a cordless instrument ,not requiring expensive proprietary telephone equipment of hearing aid manufacturer ,a solution .Can somebody explain which features I should l insist on In Phonak hearing aids and which models for RIC (currently I am planning Audio Q50 312 —–I do not know whether it should be 312 or 312 T)should I prefer to get the solution of good voice from at least landline telephone ,desirable on mobile too and good TV reception (already not bad) . Manufacturers do not explain details of tele coil uses or blue tooth or other uses so much but try to push their proprietary wireless accessories.
LikeLike
My apologies for the late response. I highly recommend you discuss your concerns with the audiologist/hearing care provider. Just know that ALL hearing aids have limitations due to the the degree of hearing loss, the issues with background noise (no hearing aid can eliminate that) and the limitations of your parents’ auditory speech processing (Do they speak English but is their native language different?). For this reason audiologists highly recommend assistive listening technology. I refer you to the following blogs with some great information:
1. http://hearinglosshelp.com/blog/five-facts-about-hearing-loss-and-hearing-aids-that-make-using-loop-systems-important/ – if your parents visit looped venues and would have a hearing loop in their TV room (can be self installed for less than $300) then getting a telecoil/t-coil instrument is important. Otherwise they could forgo this feature. Wireless features, while nifty for the techie person – may be way too much to manage for your parents.
2. Audiologist Dr. Cynthia Compton Conley writes an excellent blog on hearing loss, hearing aids and wireless technology here: http://fedretire.net/author/cynthia-conley-compton/
3. For more consumer information visit the Hearing Loss Association of America website: http://www.hearingloss.org or the Consumer Reports http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/hearing-aids/buying-guide.htm for hearing aid purchasing information.
LikeLike
Hi
My name is Amani. I use hearing aids and also selected in the nursing program. I want to know, I bought a Cardionice E scope because I will be using stethoscopes for heart and lung sounds. I have to use the stethoscope with hearing aids on, so my question is what this blue tooth is, I just have a normal hearing aids. what benefit the blue tooth will provide me in order to hear the lung and heart sounds better with my Cardionics E scope or the normal hearing aids will do the same job. thanks
LikeLike
Hello Amani,
If you are hearing the lung and heart sounds well with your amplified stethoscope you may not have to change anything. Bluetooth is used to transmit a signal wirelessly from a device (be it your smart phone, your TV or a stethoscope) to your hearing aids but delays can be an issue, as is keeping devices linked/paired and charged. My experience is the simpler the better. You could contact audiologist Dr. A.U. Bankaitis at Oaktree products with this specific question as she is a far greater expert in this area than I am. I further recommend you or become a member of the http://www.AMPHL.org the Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Loss group. And be sure to look for that group on Facebook as well. For additional questions you can also contact me via jsterkens@hearingloss.org
Good luck with your studies!
LikeLike
I hate Carrying too many device. It would be great that phone have apps for hearing aids included without using extra device
LikeLike
I have to decide between Phonak V90 312 and 312T. As part of my profession, I need to use Land Line Phone a lot (no Mobile Phones – so no blue tooth). Can you please confirm if Tcoil equipped V90 312T will help me in any way with Land Line Phone. My audiologist live me a very vague answer. Please help
LikeLike
Atul, I feel so dumb – having missed your message. (I am not that great at using WordPress) I am happy to help – contact me via jsterkens@hearingloss.org
LikeLike
Hello, It’s so great that you’re answering people’s questions here! Thank you. I’ve read the article, but still could use some help. My dad, 80, is a bit hearing impaired, and has hearing aids from Costco (Rexton KSHA04; same as Onyx 16+?). I believe these have the telecoil technology, and I don’t know what else. They are in his ear, not behind. They help him a lot.
However, he still can’t hear the person he speaks to the most — my Mom. Mom has Parkinson’s Disease, and the associated loss of volume in her voice. She tries to speak up, but it’s a strain on her. Dad tries to hear, but it’s a strain on him. Mom can’t go out much, so really, their need for this is in a quiet home, within close range. They might have the TV on, but I don’t think Dad connects to the TV with his hearing aid — his corrected hearing is pretty good without extra help.
Sorry – I know I’m not using any of the right terminology! I’m just beginning to learn about this stuff. I’m just wondering if there is a low-cost and simple to use solution to their problem. I’ve read about FM receivers a bit, but get confused over how that fits in with loops, transmitters, bluetooth, etc etc. Any advice? Thank you! -Heather
LikeLike
Hi Heather,
Email me after January 2nd and I will try to respond – please email me via jsterkens@hearingloss.org
Thanks
Juliette
LikeLike
My wife is torn between Starkey Xion i70 hearing aids and Phonak Bolero V-50.
She has minimal hearing loss with tinnitus as her main issue.
Would you recommend one over the other (price being comparable)?
LikeLike
My wife is trying to choose between Starkey Xino i70 and Phonak Bolero V-50 hearing aids. Assuming costs to be about equal, would you rate either company better than the other?
LikeLike
Hello Joe, From what I gather – the Starkey i70 does NOT come equipped with a telecoil (and in some Starkey Halo models the telecoil is weak and horizontally located) while it is an option on the Bolero V-50 – although it has to be specified at the time of order. From an amplification point of view they will likely sound very similar but without the telecoil your wife would not be able to link into ADA mandated assistive listening technology and hearing loops (though at this point she may not have much need for this). I can recommend the Widex instruments and their built in tinnitus masking programs. Might be good to discuss why this make instrument was not recommended. I can recommend two other websites for you: http://www.soundstrategy.com (this site allows the consumer to do a self survey of needs) and the https://www.hearingtracker.com/hearing-aids site – where you can read what other consumers say about different model instruments. You may also be interested in the “How to purchase a hearing aid” document from the Hearing Loss Association of America (www.hearingloss.org) – see http://www.hearingloss.org/sites/default/files/docs/Fact_Sheet_PurchasingHearingAid.pdf If you would like to communicate further please email me at jsterkens@hearingloss.org
You are to be commended for looking for more information for your wife! Best regards, Juliette Sterkens, AuD – http://www.loopwisconsin.com
LikeLike
Hi Juliette,
First of all, thanks so much for your quick reply. I must confess that the ADA information is interesting, but would probably not apply to my wife. She is challenged, to say the least, when it comes to any type of electronic devices. Having said that, I must emphasize that her hearing loss is minimal, and it’s the tinnitus that is her major issue. After your reply, I checked out some of those links, as well as speaking to the audiologist. She is recommending an RIC Starkey Xino i70 (the only brand she deals with is Starkey, and when I asked her why, she said, and I believe her, that with all the computer work programs involved with each manufacturer, it would get to difficult to become familiar a lot of different brands. She has confidence in Starkey, and knows them inside out; pun intended).
I went on the Starkey website and found that the Xino i70 does have directional microphones, Tinnitus Noise Treatment, 8 Channels/and is wireless. It was described as the two separate units “talk” to one another. I am nearly 71 and my wife is approaching 69. Neither of us drives well (not at all, at night), and the audiologist in question was recommended by our longtime G.P., whom we trust. If you have a second, I would love to know your opinion. If you don’t have time, I certainly understand, too. Here is a link to the most helpful information (at least for me…lol) https://starkeypro.com/products/wireless-hearing-aids/xino-wireless/micro-ric-312
Once again, thank you so much for your help. (“We” are going to take the assessment test tomorrow morning; we’re too tired tonight).
Joe
LikeLike
Hi Juliette,
I’m reposting this, because I had a number of errors in my initial try (and since I’m an author, it was a bit embarrassing). First of all, thanks so much for your quick reply. I must confess that the ADA information is interesting, but would probably NOT apply to my wife. She is challenged, to say the least, when it comes to any type of electronic devices. Having said that, I must emphasize that her hearing loss is minimal, and it’s the tinnitus that is her major issue. After your reply, I checked out some of those links, and spoke to the audiologist. She is recommending an RIC 312 Starkey Xino i70 (the only brand she deals with is Starkey, and when I asked her why, she said, and I believe her, that with all the computer work involved in programming the devices of each manufacturer, it would be too difficult to become familiar a lot of various brands). She has confidence in Starkey, and knows them inside out (pun intended).
I went on the Starkey website and found that the Xino i70 does have directional microphones, Tinnitus Noise Treatment, 8 Channels/and is wireless. The wireless component was described to me as giving the individual devices the ability to “talk” to one another. I am nearly 71 and my wife is approaching 69. Neither of us drives well (not at all, at night), and the audiologist in question was recommended by our longtime G.P., whom we trust. If you have a second, I would love to know your opinion. If you don’t have time, I certainly understand, too. Here is a link to the most helpful information (at least for me…lol) https://starkeypro.com/products/wireless-hearing-aids/xino-wireless/micro-ric-312
Once again, thank you so much for your help. (“We” are going to take the assessment test tomorrow morning; we’re too tired tonight).
Joe
P.S. Sorry for the redundancy. 😉
LikeLike
Hi Joe,
Sounds like you found a good provider. As long as the audiologist is following the guidelines from AAA http://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/guideline-for-audiologic-management-adult-966 and HLAA (see the link I sent you previously) – your wife will be fine. Many MFRs tout their own technology drum but there are (unfortunately) very little double blind studies out there that support their claims. As long as your wife has good word recognition issues – most hearing aids will benefit her as for milder hearing losses hearing aids improve audibility (though do not restore it to normal) within a 4-6 feet range. If cost is a big issue – you could ask the audiologist to program two different level technology instruments to compare. Good luck! Thanks for emailing.
Please consider joining the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Merry Christmas,
Juliette Sterkens, AuD
LikeLike
Joe, if you and your wife live in Asheville – do consider the telecoil option in hthe instruments – all it requires is activating (pushing a button) and several churches and public venues are installing hearing loops – see http://www.HearingLoop.org for more information.
LikeLike
I will definitely consider joining the HLAA (heck, I may be next…lol). If you have an opportunity tomorrow morning (after 9:00 AM, EST) check out my latest blog post regarding the experience of buying hearing aids. Its title is “Eh? What’d Ya Say, Honey?”. Here’s a link (but it will only work after 9 AM tomorrow).
I often write about my first-hand medical experiences (more and more, lately, I’m afraid).
Thanks again for being so responsive. It is greatly appreciated, and certainly refreshing.
Have a Merry Christmas!
P.S. Oh, and yes, we are just 25 miles from Asheville, in Hendersonville. Been here 16* years, and never want to leave.
LikeLike
Hi Joe.
I posted a lengthy comment on your site but for some reason it has not (yet) shown up. Can you let me know if you did or did not get it? Could it be because it includes URLs?
Thanks!
Juliette
LikeLike
I have it set to not accept a comment with more than 3 URLs in it. (I just raised it to 4, however, so you might want to try posting it again.)
LikeLike
I now have tried four times – and my comments do not show up. I am giving up. Here is what I wrote
Great blog. Thanks for writing it and I love, love the humor sprinkled within it…indeed many consumers are out on their own, or so it may seem. Yet the Hearing Loss Association of America has offered solid hearing aid purchase advice for years – Google their Fact Sheet for Purchasing a Hearing Aid.
Your readers might also like the articles written by well-known audiologist Dr. Cynthia Compton Conley’s http://www.hearingloss.org/site/default/files/docs/HLM_JulAug2015_Compton-Conley.pdf Several of her practical blogs on dealing with hearing loss and how to go about finding a good hearing aid provider (written for federal retirees) see http://fedretire.net/author/cynthia-conley-compton/ or visit her website: http://www.soundstrategy.com
Hearing aids do not restore hearing to normal (like eyeglasses do for most typical vision problems) and if your needs are very specific (like hearing on the phone, or in church, lectures or on the job) carefully review all hearing aid options and make sure you have a telecoil option in the instruments (or remote control or streamer). This telecoil is an older/proven analog technology that can make all the difference in places where hearing aids are unable to deliver due to distance, background noise or reverberation.
Some hearing care professionals (brainwashed by the hearing aid manufacturers – where they obtain many free continuing credits) will pooh-pooh this telecoil – be sure ask for a demonstration in an office hearing loop before you forego one. While many model hearing aids come standard with this small low or no-cost telecoil it can usually NOT be added at a later time. To hear the difference a hearing loop can make in a reverberant situation listen to this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3XoVrUjfaY
Readers are referred to the hearing loop website from Dr. David Myers – a professor of psychology turned consumer advocate due to his own hearing loss.
Juliette Sterkens, AuD – audiologist and consumer advocate
LikeLike
Aging is not for sissies, is it? Do please join HLAA here: http://www.hearingloss.org/content/join (It will be $35 well spent). Please link #hearingloss, #hearingloop #HLAA and #telecoil in your blog – that way hearing loss advocates will pick it up. There are several very active HLAA chapters in your area (Asheville and Brevard) – since I have been active as the HLAA Hearing Loop Advocate I have made the BEST friends in these chapters.
BTW to hear the difference a loop can make listen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3XoVrUjfaY & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahbz0VvlZF0
Happy to help you!
Good luck with your blog. :o)
J
LikeLike
Email me with the comment at joetheauthor@joeperronejr.com (with the URLs, and I will see that it gets posted on my blog. I’m guessing it was because of the URLs.
LikeLike
Here is what I wrote originally
Great blog. Thanks for writing it and I love, love the humor sprinkled within it…indeed many consumers are out on their own, or so it may seem. Yet the Hearing Loss Association of America has offered solid hearing aid purchase advice for years â Google their Fact Sheet for Purchasing a Hearing Aid.
Your readers might also like the articles written by well-known audiologist Dr. Cynthia Compton Conley’s http://www.hearingloss.org/site/default/files/docs/HLM_JulAug2015_Compton-Conley.pdf Several of her practical blogs on dealing with hearing loss and how to go about finding a good hearing aid provider (written for federal retirees) see http://fedretire.net/author/cynthia-conley-compton/ or visit her website: http://www.soundstrategy.com
Hearing aids do not restore hearing to normal (like eyeglasses do for most typical vision problems) and if your needs are very specific (like hearing on the phone, or in church, lectures or on the job) carefully review all hearing aid options and make sure you have a telecoil option in the instruments (or remote control or streamer). This telecoil is an older/proven analog technology that can make all the difference in places where hearing aids are unable to deliver due to distance, background noise or reverberation.
Some hearing care professionals (brainwashed by the hearing aid manufacturers – where they obtain many free continuing credits) will pooh-pooh this telecoil – be sure ask for a demonstration in an office hearing loop before you forego one. While many model hearing aids come standard with this small low or no-cost telecoil it can usually NOT be added at a later time. To hear the difference a hearing loop can make in a reverberant situation listen to this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3XoVrUjfaY
Readers are referred to the hearing loop website from Dr. David Myers – a professor of psychology turned consumer advocate due to his own hearing loss.
Juliette Sterkens, AuD – audiologist and consumer advocate
LikeLike
Which AIDS have Bluetooth and t coil looping
LikeLike
HI Mike,
At the moment, most hearing aid makes require you to use a “gateway” device (aka a streamer), to receive Bluetooth signals from your cell-phone, TV, wireless mic or computer. Most of these makes (Widex, Phonak, Siemens, Oticon and Unitron) offer models with excellent telecoils inside the hearing aids (most user friendly) or in the gateway device (a bit more complicated to use the telecoil but allows you to use a smaller hearing aid – if that is important).
If you want to know which brand is capable of receiving a bluetooth signals DIRECTLY from your cell-phone (without a gateway device), often referred to as MFi (Made for iPhone as well as Android) AND also has a strong telecoil on board/inside the hearing aid casing itself – there is currently only one brand that can do this – GN ReSound. While Starkey makes an MFi hearing aid, its telecoil is not only poorly positioned inside the hearing aid, but its telecoil strength is below par, so I cannot recommend it for hearing loop use. I understand that Starkey is working to correct this in a future model.
Is this the information you were looking for?
LikeLike
Hello Juliette. I’ve heard you speak at several conferences. Looping is a sometime thing in Rochester, NY; many venues have opted for fm or infrared. I came upon this site while researching Bluetooth (have learned a lot!)
Anyhow, many many times I’ve encountered fellow hearing disabled listeners in large venues. On telling them “this place has a hearing loop, turn your hearing aid to its telecoil setting,” I almost always receive a blank, puzzled look and, “What is that? I don’t know about that? No one ever told me about that.” type response. This happens repeatedly. I fought for a loop at a recent banquet. No one ever says that location location location is crucial to understanding in a looped venue, and I think I wasn’t within the loop at the banquet because sound quality wasn’t good. (I use two cochlear implants.) It was disillusioning. I felt foolish praising tcoils to other participants and then the loop didn’t work well. Tcoil ignorance also comes into play with fm systems.
I feel like Susan B. Anthony fighting for women’s voting rights….maybe telecoils will be accepted but not in my lifetime, because there’s a disconnect between users and audiologists. Either tcoils are not installed or effected OR users are not informed about them. There are many audiologists in this city, and the local HLAA chapter is well known. But what % of locals belong to it who know about tcoils? You all may have looped Wisconsin but Western NY has far to go imho.
LikeLike
You are so right that advocating for hearing access can seem endless. I have experienced the same in my efforts to foster more hearing loops. In the past 7 years we have made a lot of progress as now well over 500 places have installed the technology (where less than a half dozen existed in 2008)though a lot more work needs to be done. In Wisconsin a tipping point appears to have been reached in our North-East region – as loops are now appearing in churches and meeting rooms WITHOUT my ever having been involved! (Me thinks this is a good thing.)
How to foster hearing loops in a community, educate the consumers (what I call the “ordinary” the non-HLAA member hearing aid users) and get the support of the providers? That is a process – that requires all hands on deck so to speak. A few ideas? Keep a list of and verify that the loops actually work well. (In the past some non-IEC 60118-4 standard hearing loops were installed by non-trained installers, providing poor benefit, or only limited benefit in some areas of the venue or church).
A few other suggestions:
1. Your chapter could undertake a hearing loop EXPO/workshop – contact Julie Olson from the Fox Valley for more information.
2. Agree to use walk-for-hearing funds to offer small “seed” grants to foster loops (like $500 for each new loop in a church for example)
3. Educate librarians about the LSTA grant for loops
4. Post a list of hearing loop supporting audiologists on your website
5. Use hearing loop advocacy cards wherever your members are unable to hear
6. Each member could reach out to their grocery store manager, their pharmacy church or theater with loop information
7. Each member could agree to reach out to his or her provider with a request to loop the waiting room and a copy of my Roadmap to a Looped Community article http://www.loopwisconsin.com/Images_PDF/SterkensATMayJun.pdf
8. Frequent and heap praise on those venues that offer hearing loops
Start by creating a “Loop Committee” and ask HLAA member Stephen O. Frazier hlaanm@juno.com from NM to add you to his list of loop committees around the country. If one or more could join the planned meeting in Washington DC that would be great. Together we can change the world for the better.
LikeLike
Juliette, I respectfully must say that you seem to miss my point: that there are lots of loops and other hearing systems in this city but hearing aid users do not know about telecoils which are their means of access to the systems. Audiologists seemingly favor bluetooth which doesn’t do users any good because the systems in place aren’t bluetooth compatible. Many times I’ve gone into my “telecoil talk” with hearing aid users whose eyes glaze over because they have no idea what I’m babbling about. FM systems will have ear buds which can be used w/o hearing aids or tcoils.
Unless audiologists adopt “old technology” and tell and inform their clients about it, loops are useless. MHO.
Janet McKenna
LikeLike
Yes Janet, you are right, it all “hinges” on providers taking the time to explain that hearing aids have limitations and educate consumers on the work-arounds (i.e. using TV transmitter, Bluetooth on the phone, clip-on mic in the car and assistive technology and hearing loops) AND that it is their civil right to hear in public venues.
The BIG question: How can we reach these providers? They are essentially “brainwashed” (for lack of a nicer term) by the MFRs to think upgrading hearing aids rather than look into assistive listening technology. New hearing aids do NOT take care of poor word discrimination or those whose QSIN results exceed 10-15dB. If you have any ideas on how to reach out to providers – let me know and I will blog about it and post on audiology list servs.
Have you read this blog? http://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearingviews/2016/dispelling-myth-old-telecoil-technology/
LikeLike
Greetings to all who are listening in. Hooray! Thanks and Amen. I can finally hear in church. I saw the light! I have blue tooth with a neck loop. My church has the ” old” FM box with an ear plug. I plugged them together and for the first time in YEARS, I heard ALL that was said. As per loops and telicoil, I am 75, and have never been anywhere to try it. My biggest problem will never be solved in my lifetime. CONVERSATION. I can not understand most all that is said unless it is pretty much one on one. I have the best Aids that Phonak offers and they are just a few months old. However for the first time ever I can now hear my dogs nails click on our hardwood floor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing your Information,very useful information
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Juliette,
My name is Steve, I currently have and older set of Unitron Moxi Pro Ric, I am getting my hearing aids through the VA. I have only 20% hearing in my right ear. The hearing aids I have are good and the VA in Denver has bee second to none as far as adjusting, and listening to my wants. My hearing loose is service connected, many years ago. I’m finding even with the aids that there are a lot of words I don’t understand, and have been told through the VA that there are a lot of sounds that I will never hear again. I have a horrible time understanding the TV at any volume it seems. I have magnets on our phone to engage or amplify the aids for so I can hear on either ear. I am due for new hearing aids and happened on to this nice article. I was wondering what you would recommend, I was wondering about bluetooth and if it would help me, or just drain my batteries. Usually the VA doesn’t have to many recommendations, just style. I also have an iphone, and have been reading that it could be hooked up to that. I can only hear my iphone in the left ear with the aids I have. Thank You,
Steve
LikeLike
HI Steve, I am so sorry that I TOTALLY missed this message. I would love to help you and can be reached via jsterkens@hearingloss.org
LikeLike
Interesting perspective.Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject
LikeLike
[…] It was a chance to network, as well as to learn more about hearing loops. One issue we had run into was discussed. Two people told us that their audiologists had told them that they could have BlueTooth OR a Telecoil in their hearing aids, but not both. We weren’t sure if that was a miscommunication, but since we’d read in various articles that in fact a person can have all kinds of programs in their hearing aids, including BlueTooth, Telecoil, and Tinnitus Masking, it was a good opportunity to bring it up and have it confirmed. For more information on this subject, here is a link to an article written by American audiologist Juliette Sterkens: https://loopwisconsin.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/ready-to-buy-a-new-hearing-aid-be-sure-it-includes-bl… […]
LikeLike
[…] Bluetooth is another program that is available in a hearing aid, as is a tinnitus masking program, among others. Just as you can get more than one channel on your TV, you can get more than one program in your hearing aids. So the answer is no, a telecoil program will not interfere with a Bluetooth program. They are complementary programs with very different functions. For more information, here is a link to an article written by American audiologist Juliette Sterkens: https://loopwisconsin.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/ready-to-buy-a-new-hearing-aid-be-sure-it-includes-bl…. […]
LikeLike
[…] consideration with Bluetooth hearing aids is battery drain. Bluetooth capability drains the battery faster for any device (turn it off on your cell phone to conserve battery!) and hearing aids are no […]
LikeLike