Connecting to other technology
Hearing devices can be connected to a variety of other technology to give the CYP direct access to eg mobiles, gaming consoles, TV, iPad or tablet, mobile phones, smart board.
Some assistive listening devices can be used to do this, either by bluetooth or using direct input leads.
The Connevans website allows you to see the technology that is compatible with your hearing aids
Connection of ALD to External Accessories
Most instruction books only give a few pictorial instructions for connection of ALD or Cochlear Implants to phones-computers etc which gives the impression this is an instantaneous activity whereas some connection may take 15 minutes to achieve, unfortunately the devil is in the detail and the objective of this document is to provide a more detailed description of such connections and the complications which may arise
Please be aware that any form of streaming will deplete the battery life of the ALD.
Mobile Phones
The most common connection used is Bluetooth, which comes in three main forms:
- Classic: which almost every mobile phone has and is also used for wireless headphone, earbuds and connection to computer audio etc. Bluetooth SIG regularly issues updated versions and older mobiles phone or specific models may not be compatible with the ALD software.
- LE or low energy: not many models of phone currently have this, manufacturer’s using LE will have a list of suitable phones or an external unit which converts the ALD transmission to classic.
- Auracast: released in late 2023 and not yet commonly available on phones (as at October 2024), whereas Bluetooth Classic and LE are a one to one link Auracast is a broadcast, i.e. one to many BUT the linkage will depend on the transmitter manufacturers “assistant” which is the software app controlling access to that transmission which is currently under the control of the manufacturer’s design. Also, an ALD manufacturer may “lock” their accessories to their own ALDs
If problems are experienced which cannot be overcome by information in this document most ALD manufactures have a list of phones which can be used with their device.
When connecting an ALD to a phone for the first time it is best to switch off any Bluetooth transmissions in computers-mouse-headphones -wireless speakers and some HiFi and radios etc or physically separate the ALD and phone by going outside or into another room.
When the phone is placed in search mode for “pair new device” it will pick up any other Bluetooth device in range and most, such as a PC will have relatively powerful transmissions compared with the ALD, therefore it may require a number of repeats of the “pair new device” before the ALD is found
A further complication is to ensure the ALD is in pair mode as most have a time limited transmission.
And of course, the ALD has a fully charged battery.
Once the ALD is “found “it may take some time before it has a full connection as there is often an extensive exchange of data to ensure the phone and ALD software are compatible
Warning: when programming or pairing ALD is best to keep away from laptop or PC as they generate a strong magnetic and EMC field which may generate damage to the ALD software
An ALD may have two connections to a mobile phone:
- To a manufacturers app
- To the phone for audio from phone calls music etc
In most cases pair the ALD with the phone before attempting to connect to the app.
In the case of an external device between the ALD and phone pair the external device first
In all cases as described above this may be a protracted activity. It can take in excess of 15 minutes to achieve full connection.
TV Streamers
These will mainly use some form of Bluetooth (including Auracast), and the pairing issues identified above are relevant.
Audio Connection
These require a connection to the TV audio output which used to be a simple connection to Philips/RCA connectors or if daisy chained from HiFi a simple doubler, however most modern TVs only have an optical or HDMI connector.
Optical: Doublers or treble units are available using the description to search: Digital Audio Optical Cable 1 in 2 out Toslink Splitter Dual Port Audio Adaptor
HDMI: A converter from RCA to HDMI are available using the search description: RCA to HDMI Adapter.
RCA to HDMI Adapter: Please note these require a 5V power source please
Companies, such as Connevans can advise on these items .
