The Made-for-iPhone® and Android Hearing Aids seem to be all the rage right now in the world of hearing technology, but you don’t need a smartphone to take advantage of some of the great features that those units have to offer. Many hearing aid manufacturers produce devices that stream sound from audio sources directly into your hearing aids. Let’s take a look at the differences between two popular streamers, the ConnectLine and the SurfLink.

 

ConnectClip

Oticon ConnectClip device

At Roseburg Audiology Center, we’re always looking for ways to help people live better through the power and convenience of hearing technology. It’s one of the reasons we offer Oticon’s ConnectClip, an accessory that lets your hearing aids double as wireless stereo headsets.

Pretty convenient, right? In fact, ConnectClip lets you:

  • Enjoy hands-free calling and music-streaming using your iOS or Android smartphone
  • Experience in-person conversations even more clearly through the remote microphone
  • Set up video chats and have audio from your computer-delivered directly to your ears
  • Conveniently control your hearing devices with the remote-control function.

 

TV Adapter

Oticon TV Adapter device

Hearing difficulties can make TV-watching difficult — especially when trying to understand speech:

  • Turning the volume higher may make the sound louder but won’t necessarily make it clearer.
  • Higher volumes can prove harmful to your ears, and loved ones might complain about the loudness.
  • Captions can be a big help, but some may find them distracting, and they don’t always sync with real-time speech.

So what to do? Properly fit hearing aids can make a powerful difference in your TV-listening experience. What’s more, a TV streamer can work hand in hand with your hearing devices to make the experience even better. It’s why we’re excited to tell you about the Oticon TV Adapter, which lets you watch television on your terms, whether enjoying a show solo or with the whole family!

 

SurfLink®


Starkey SurfLink Mobile device

Starkey SurfLink Media device

Starkey SurfLink Programmer Device

Starkey SurfLink Remote device


The SurfLink products are similar in purpose, but the devices differ in how they operate. There are four SurfLink devices: the SurfLink Mobile, SurfLink Media, SurfLink Programmer, and SurfLink Remotes. The choice of devices allows the user to decide which wireless capability they would like based on their lifestyle and activity level.

  • SurfLink Mobile: This allows for hands-free cell phone conversations that transmit the signal to your hearing aids. It wirelessly streams sound from your Bluetooth-enabled TV or MP3 player and can act as an assistive listening device that can be placed on the table for listening in group settings, meetings, or restaurant conversations.
  • SurfLink Media: A device that is plugged directly into a sound source (a TV, radio, or MP3 player) to stream sound to your hearing aids. It allows multiple users with SurfLink-compatible hearing aids to connect to a single device. Set the device up, and it automatically streams audio to your hearing instruments when you’re in range.
  • SurfLink Programmer: This unit allows hearing care providers to quickly and easily fit your hearing aids. It connects to a computer via a standard USB connection, allowing for quick programming by your hearing care specialist.
  • SurfLink Remote: There are three different remote control options for those who wish to adjust their hearing aids using a more traditional remote device. Make memory and volume adjustments to hearing aids, or choose to activate/deactivate streaming modes.