A new system of innovative wireless connectivity solutions is enabling people with hearing loss to experience more natural personal communication and more freedom.

“When wireless connectivity was first introduced, people with hearing loss, for the first time, were able to stream sound directly from cell phones to their hearing devices — opening a world of easy communication that had previously been off limits for them,” states Edward Maznio of PurTone Hearing Centers in Phoenix, Arizona.  “But there were limitations when it came to steaming sound from TVs and existing landline phones.”

These limitations created a number of quality of life challenges for patients and their families.  “I had adult children who were concerned that a hearing impaired parent’s difficulty speaking on the phone made it impossible to check in on their health and safety during the day,” says Mr. Maznio. “I also found that a patient’s need to turn the volume of the television so loud that it drove others out of the room was a recurring source of frustration for many families.” 

Now, new Oticon ConnectLine™ enables a simple, high fidelity connection to any TV or landline phone. The new “plug and play” ConnectLine TV Adaptor and ConnectLine Phone Adaptor optimize the wireless connectivity potential of the popular Dual and Epoq hearing solutions.  With just the push of a button on the hearing instruments’ Streamer companion device, the ConnectLine system connects wirelessly and seamlessly to TV and landline phones.  Transitions between phone or TV functions are equally easy with just a touch of a button.

The small and attractive ConnectLine TV Adaptor connects to the audio output of any TV. It has a range of up to 30 feet and runs on its own power supply.  Users enjoy high quality audio streaming through their hearing instruments – listening at their own preferred volume and without the delay experienced with off-the-shelf Bluetooth transmitters.  There is no need to recharge the ConnectLine TV Adaptor and there are no additional gadgets or loop installations required.  After an initial pairing with the Streamer device, the ConnectLine connects automatically whenever the Streamer is activated.

ConnectLine Phone Adaptor turns any landline phone into a cordless Bluetooth phone.  The ConnectLine Phone Adaptor can be especially beneficial for seniors who want to continue using their current landline phone.  Users simply press the phone button on the Streamer to pick-up or end the call.  The ConnectLine Phone Adaptor does not interfere with the ability of other household members to use the landline phone as usual. 

“ConnectLine Adaptors deliver excellent sound quality and are easy to use.  There are no dropped connections and no need to pair again,” notes Edward Maznio.  “Because the adaptors work on their own power supply, there is no need to recharge.”

For more information about hearing health and the new ConnectLine system, contact PurTone Hearing Centers at 1-888-614-HEAR (4327) or visit www.ArizonaHears.com.