Innovative Hearing aid Connects Wirelessly to Electronic Devices

A new hearing aid uses Bluetooth technology connect to a variety of electronic sources and transmit audio from these sources to the hearing aid.

The ReSound Alera wireless hearing aid operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency, and together with the accompanying line of Unite wireless accessories receives sound from devices such as TVs, stereos, cell phones, and computers, from up to 7 meters away, without cables, wires, or the need to wear uncomfortable accessories. Users are able to tune directly into their TV and connect their mobile phone to their hearing aid via Bluetooth technology. At the same time, the users can participate in conversations while tuned into devices, since the environmental noise is not blocked out.

The Alera employs Surround Sound technology to deliver a rich and crisp 360-degree sound that immediately puts the users in touch with what is going on around them. In addition, because the Alera uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology, it can be easily fitted without the use of a bulky device to connect the hearing aid to the fitting software. With the aid of the AirLink fitting accessory, which is inserted into the USB port of a computer, adjustments can be made remotely. The technology, new to hearing aids, has already been proven in the gaming industry and in the use of wireless keyboards. The ReSound Alera wireless hearing aid is a product of ReSound (Bloomington, MN, USA).

"Other wireless technologies used in the hearing industry require the user to wear inconvenient accessories around their neck," said Laurel Christensen, M.D., chief audiology officer at ReSound. "With Alera, there is no intermediary device, the signal goes directly to the hearing aid, and users have complete freedom."

"A big benefit for the hearing aid dispensers is the ability to fit Alera completely wirelessly," added Dr. Christensen. "Gone are the days of hunting around for the right cables and the patient having to wear a hook around their neck. For the first time, fitting is directly from computer to hearing aid."

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