New technology provides Bluetooth capability in most hearing instruments. Bluetooth allows for streaming phone calls and music directly to your hearing devices. It also allows for hearing aid adjustments via an App on your Android/iPhone. Depending on what hearing aid manufacturer you choose, the App will have different capabilities. Most Apps allow you to adjust volume (up or down) of your devices, mute the microphones, and change to different programs. Some of the hearing aid Apps have a “Find My Hearing Aids” section. If the hearing aids are lost, the App will show you on a map where there were last seen. As you become closer to the hearing aids, it will show you if you are getting closer or further away from them. If you don’t have a cell phone you are still able to make most adjustments through the button on the hearing device itself.
Another feature that is made possible through Bluetooth and an App is the use of teleaudiology. After being fit with your devices, if follow up adjustments are needed, you may be able to schedule a virtual visit with your audiologist. A virtual visit allows for the audiologist to connect to and make changes to your devices from a separate location. This feature is very convenient for many of our patients here at Lemme Audioldy, especially during the winter months. If you are interested in virtual visits and having your hearing aids adjusted without coming into one of our offices, just give us a call at (814) 941-7770 with any questions you may have.
Ashlee McCloskey, Au.D.
