Audio accessories that pair up to hearing instruments help to improve a listeners signal to noise ratio.  Simply put;  the speech becomes clearer and more prominent for the listener.   While streaming accessories are a pleasant addition for all hearing instruments users….certain testing scores actually will indicate the necessity of an assistive listening device or accessory to allow a patient to be able to understand in certain environments.  There are several types of types of accessories:

TV Media Device.   This device hooks up to the tv or satellite receiver either through the optic link connection or Audio out.  Very simple to hook up.  Others in the room can still enjoy the tv at the same time while the sound streams clearly to the patients hearing instrument.  When a person sits 10’ to 15’ from the tv the sound dissipates as it travels across the room… by the time the sound gets to the hearing aid it is much reduced.  High frequencies where speech comes from are weak for they fade the fastest.  So the hearing instrument user turns up the tv to compensate but that just makes the background noise louder…not the speech.  This results in the person with normal hearing being uncomfortable and possibly damaging their hearing over time… and the hearing instrument user still struggling to understand in elevated noise.   Patients that purchase this product from our office that need help hooking them help can rest assured that we will come to your house and see that it is hooked up and working properly

Table Microphone:  This device is a round disk a little smaller than a coaster.  It has 8 microphones that are adaptive and can automatically switch between speakers to magically identify the needed voice and stream it to the hearing instruments.  It is rechargeable and will run for about 4 hours.   In a noisy restaurant, clubhouse, church, in front of the tv… so many places.. set it down and let it do its’ job. 

Remote Microphone:  This device can stream others voices but is also compatible to different audio equipment.  Through different types of adaptive cables or specific pairing it can open up a whole new world of streaming. 

Mini Microphone:  This is a tiny, unobtrusive device about 1” wide by 2” long.  The mini mic is clipped to the shirt of whoever’s voice you are trying to hear better.  This is great device for spouses with patients whose voices have become weak.  Certain health issues such as; Parkinson’s, dementia, strokes, or cancers can create weakened and difficult voices for the hearing impaired person to hear and understand.  This little device is truly a miracle for such situations. 

We provide full training for all these devices.  If you are not hearing as well as you should be and need a bit more assistance this may be your answer.  Give us a call and see if there is an accessory available for your specific hearing instrument!  To Hear Better Is To Live Better!!  385-3497

By: Roseann B. Kiefer, B.A., BC-HIS