Hearing aid manufacturers have been making great strides by using Apple technology. Now, with the introduction of the Apple Watch and new apps created to work with it, wearers can adjust their hearing experiences right from their wrist.
By Cheryl Tanita, Au.D., CCC-A Chief of Audiology
We blogged a year ago about the remarkable strides that hearing aid manufacturers were making by using Apple technology. Now, with the introduction of the Apple Watch and new apps created to work with it, wearers can adjust their hearing experiences right from their wrist.
The GN ReSound LiNX2 and Starkey Halo both work with the iPhone and Apple watch to connect directly to hearing aids using a low-power version of Bluetooth wireless technology. Sound quality has made great strides with these apps. They can control noise and wind levels, activate speech focus and balance streaming audio from TVs, computers and music players. They also allow wearers to geotag locations and “remember” settings for each, such as for restaurants, sports stadiums, home or office. Another feature allows the use of an iPhone as a microphone to enjoy group conversations. Simply set the iPhone nearby, turn on the feature and conversations are streamed directly to the wearer’s hearing aids. Together, the Apple watch and these apps promise an unparalleled listening experience and the most personalized user interfaces ever introduced.
For those with a hearing loss and an Apple watch, these apps provide discreet ways to connect, interact and engage with the world around them. ReSound Smart™ and Starkey’s TruLink™ are free apps and available from the App store and Google Play.
Both LiNX2 and Halo are available in our Seal Beach and Newport Beach locations. To make an appointment for a demo, click here.