Do your hearing aids contain telecoils? Be sure to ask your provider if those Bernefon aids have them, AND if so, are they activated? Telecoils can connect you to your smart phone. You may need to use a neckloop device to do that, but it should work well.
Telecoils are often referred to as 'old technology' because they are not BlueTooth (BT). Telecoils don't add cost to hearing aids, BT does. Telecoils can connect you to the hearing assistive technology that is mandated to be in public venues like performing arts centers, meeting rooms, etc. It is often available in worship centers because people there have educated about it and the congregation chooses to include it to serve them. In public venues you have to advocate. The disabilities act says it must be available, but only if the people who need it demand it. It's hard to demand something if you don't know it exists.
Those installed systems may be hearing loops, FM systems or Infrared systems. If a receiver is required to connect, which is the case with FM and IR systems, a neckloop connected to that receiver can send sound directly to your personal hearing devices. You can also plug a neckloop into a laptop, an ipad, a portable radio; any audio device that has an input jack.
This probably sounds complicated. It really isn't. Anyone who buys hearing aids deserves to receive this information and instructions on how to use it from the person who is fitting and selling the hearing aids.
Did the person who fit your hearing aids explain this to you?
Thank you so much for this information! Good to know!
I have my follow up appointment with my provider next week, so will discuss this.
Excellent info... many thanks!