Connect
← Return to Cochlear Implant Experiences
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Thanks, Julie. Yes I’m aware of those techs. I have had telecoils for at least 20 years but I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve used it. Cell phones and Bluetooth have replaced those old phones and I find few places have loop systems, at least places I go.
I’m told a new longer range Bluetooth system is coming that will make it easier and cheaper for venues to install.
The biggest change for me came quite a few years ago with the first iCom Bluetooth neckloop for Phonak aids. I’m now on ComPilot II. Phone calls are pretty easy and I can stream music, tv, videos, etc. Of course now Bluetooth is built into the aids and CIs.
I’m told some / all CIs do not have telecoil. I think LE Bluetooth and a form of wifi may make telecoils unnecessary. I’d be interested in how others feel about that.
I also have a Phonak cordless phone that connects to my hearing aids if I hold near them. I used that quite a bit a number of years ago but now just use the ComPilot.
I have not tried the microphones that you give to the other person as I am generally able to converse even in somewhat noisy spaces. My providers have always introduced various technologies and I’d hate to think others do not.
Thanks for the thoughts.
Tom
Replies to "Thanks, Julie. Yes I’m aware of those techs. I have had telecoils for at least 20..."
Connect
Thank you for your thoughts Tom. I respectfully disagree with you on the telecoil issue. I've not used mine on the phone for a long time. but I sure find them terrific at the performing arts centers, at church and in numerous meeting spaces. Plus, they add zero cost to the price of a hearing aid or CI processor. The only CI processors that don't have telecoils are the off the ear models, but they can connect with a telecoil via the hand held Mini Mic 2+ BlueTooth is great too, but for different purposes. Auracast AI is going to be interesting. Good to know that your providers are on top of it all. Many are not.
We are fortunate to be living in times when technology is developing. When I was diagnosed with progressive sensorineural hearing loss back in the 60s I was told that nothing would ever be developed in my lifetime to help me. "Just learn to live with it" was the answer.
It's been a good ride to get involved in the national movement to make hearing loss an issue of concern. http://www.hearingloop.org has some terrific information if you're willing to explore it.