Technology is ever-changing and improving.
As hearing aids become more intelligent and mainstream, so do the devices that pair with them.
Wireless connectivity devices, such as Oticon’s ConnectClip and Starkey’s SurfLink Mobile 2, were created to fill any gaps in clarity or volume that you may be experiencing with your hearing aids alone. These devices enable you to make hands-free phone calls that stream directly into your hearing aids with Bluetooth capability. They are equipped with directional microphones to enhance one-on-one conversations, especially in noisy environments like a crowded restaurant, a birthday party, or a team meeting at work.
The range for intelligibility when wearing the ConnectClip is an impressive 65 feet. That means that you could place the ConnectClip at the pew of your church or temple and be able to hear the speaker clearly! The speaker itself is small, easily clips onto your clothing, can be given to another person in a one-on-one conversation, or placed table-center to better hear everyone around you.
The goal behind the ConnectClip and the SurfLink Mobile 2 is simple. They were created both to enhance everyday communication, and to take what was once an impossible listening situation and breathe life, hope, and sound into that space once again.
We at Kubick and Kubick Inc. have seen great success with patients once they begin using a wireless device in combination with their hearing aids. Recently, a man named Warren came in to the office and was finding it difficult to hear while watching movies on TV. Warren is a movie buff that enjoys traveling between his three homes with his wife. He was struggling to find a solution that would allow him to hear his home theater without the volume being unbearable for his wife. Warren was frustrated. He couldn’t find a device that would allow him to easily hear in every location. With the SurfLink Mobile 2, Warren is able to place the wireless device near his TV, and have the sounds stream directly into his ears, while his wife can enjoy the volume coming from the TV itself.
What makes these devices so special is their versatility? Everyone’s lifestyles are unique to them.
Now, when Warren goes to a restaurant he can confidently know that he will be able to savor the entire experience. He simply lays the device on the table, or if it’s an extremely loud environment, like a wedding, Warren has the option to give the speaker to his wife.
Wireless connectivity devices are truly life changing — for those with hearing loss, and those close to them in their lives.
Specifications for Oticon ConnectClip
- Microphone Range: can reach up to 65 feet (20 meters) away
- Bluetooth USB dongle: For connecting to your PC and other devices without built-in Bluetooth, ConnectClip uses the BTD 800 USB dongle
- Size: 53x27x18 mm
- Weight: 27 grams
Specifications for Starkey SurfLink Mobile 2
- Enables hands-free cell phone conversations by turning our wireless hearing aids into the phone microphone and receiver:
- Microphone: User’s hearing aids pick up their voice and send it to the person they’re talking to.
- Receiver: SurfLink Mobile streams the voice on the other end directly to both of the hearing aids.
- Directional microphone enhances one-on-one conversations in noisy environments.
- Omnidirectional capability is ideal for listening in meetings or group settings.
- Can be used as a convenient and powerful assistive listening device.
- Wirelessly streams sound from any Bluetooth®-enabled music device.