Hearing aid streamers are an interface between hearing aids/CIs and another device. Many modern consumer electronic devices feature Bluetooth audio. However, many hearing aids/CIs communicate wirelessly using other wireless methods that are not the same Bluetooth. Consequently, they don’t speak the same language and are not compatible. Hearing aid streamers solve this problem by acting as a translator between the two devices. It takes one form of audio transmission from one device and converts it into another form of audio. After that, it sends the audio to the second device.
There are proprietary streamers that work with specific hearing aids/CIs. In addition, there are off-the-shelf Bluetooth streamers that use induction to communicate with any hearing aids/CIs that have a telecoil. These third party streamers work with various brands. They often come with a remote microphone which helps even more. Find them here.
Streamers are useful to control basic hearing aids functions like volume and programs. Some have a built-in microphone for phone calls. They also reduce battery drain on hearing aids/CIs caused by streaming. Streamers can be a bit clunky to wear around your neck. Therefore, many people prefer to stream directly between two devices if possible. Unfortunately, they are not always compatible. Streamers also offer an easy way to switch between listening to a television and listening to other people nearby.
Streamers enhance communication in many ways:
- Talk on the phone
- Watch TV
- Listen to music
- Video chat
