It's nice to "hear" about another way Bluetooth technology is improving people's lives. Starkey Laboratories, one of the world's premier hearing technology companies, has developed ELI (Ear Level Instrument), a device that turns hearing aids into Bluetooth headsets.
ELI is the only product of its kind to provide wireless connectivity to other Bluetooth devices. The Bluetooth hearing aid was recently profiled in Time magazine's "Coolest Inventions" issue.
Jerry Ruzicka, president of Starkey Laboratories, says "ELI is a shining example of this as it is the first product of its kind to eliminate the interference hearing instrument wearers encounter when using portable devices like cell phones. In essence, ELI offers the hearing impaired the ability--at long last--to be wireless."
ELI was designed to eliminate the problems associated with using hearing instruments and mobile phones. When paired with a Bluetooth phone, ELI's signal automatically overides the hearing instrument's microphone signal. When the call ends, ELI automatically returns to the original microphone mode.
What types of hearing aids can use ELI?
ELI can be used with any behind-the-ear (BTE) instrument that can be attached to a direct audio input boot and with any hearing aid, custom or BTE, with a switchable telecoil.
It's good to see Starkey Laboratories produce a product that allows the hearing-impaired to enjoy the benefits of a wireless world just like everyone else.
Posted November 24, 2005 by BlueTomorrow.com Editorial Staff
