Siemens has announced the release of a special remote control to operate hearing aids that can also act as an audio signal router to hear sound coming from different consumer electronic devices. Bluetooth phones, mp3 players, and televisions with a plugged in Tek-Transmitter can all connect to the miniTek and the user simply selects which one to listen to.
Adapters that are connected to a TV, for example, make it possible for the sound to be transmitted via the “miniTek” to the hearing instrument wearer. Furthermore, the system can connect the hearing instruments with the FM transmitters commonly used in schools and elsewhere and with the induction loops installed in movie theaters or function rooms.
Since the “miniTek” can process information from multiple devices simultaneously, its users will be prepared for nearly every hearing situation life offers. For example, a television can transmit sound via a connected “Tek”-Transmitter directly to the “miniTek”. Hearing system wearers can individually set their personal volume preferences. A stereo or a second television can also be connected to the “miniTek” with a second “Tek”-Transmitter. At the same time the “miniTek also stays connected to phones, which signal incoming calls directly to the hearing instruments. If the wearer accepts the call by pressing a button on the “miniTek”, the instrument automatically switches over from the television or stereo feed. When watching TV, a person can also indulge in a conversation at the same time.
The “miniTek” remote control works with almost all of the current Siemens hearing systems. It weighs only 55 grams and is not much bigger than a matchbox. All of the controls are designed so that they are easy to feel without looking at the remote, making it possible to operate it intuitively. In addition to having a button for accepting telephone calls and a button for connecting to external audio sources, the remote control can be used to directly adjust the volume and select the listening program. The integrated rechargeable battery lasts a day depending on use and can be completely recharged in only three hours.
Press release: Multifunctional remote control from Siemens turns hearing instruments into audio platform
