HLAA Convention Exhibits - Part One

June 2010

Editor: One of the great things about the hearing loss conventions is the exhibit floor, where attendees can see all the latest and greatest devices from the scores of vendors. Cheryl and Bonnie did their usual outstanding job of recording what's available.

Complete Convention Coverage

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AT&T
By Cheryl Heppner

The AT&T exhibit was my first stop at this year's HLAA convention Exhibit Hall because it was the first one I caught sight of. That A&T orange really stands out. Chan Wilhoit answered my questions, and I also talked with Toni Acton and Doug Burasco.

On display were the iPhone 3G, Samsung Rugby II, Samsung Impression, BlackBerry Curve 8520, Motorola Backflip, AT&T 3G MicroCell, Pantech Pursuit and Palm Pixi Plus. There was an iPhone 3G but it always seemed to be in action. This year I was really pleased to see that AT&T had both wireless phones and options to make them more accessible for people who struggle to hear and understand calls. The AT&T staff said that one of the most frequently asked questions people ask them at this convention is whether Bluetooth will work with their hearing aids.

Three of the Bluetooth options AT&T had for display and demonstration were: - The Plantronics Voyager C headset, which claims to cancel up to 80 dB of background noise, and adjusts sound levels to your comfort zone. This headset has an adjustable boom microphone that is located near your mouth and two noise-cancelling microphones. The boom mic uses WinSmart technology. Stainless steel microphones are meant to "outsmart the wind" at three levels.

- The Jabra Stone headset has dual mics to deal with background noise and digital signal processing to hear your caller better. You can also use it for listening to music with your iPhone or listening to podcasts. There was a $30 rebate offer (retail cost was $100) if you purchased one at the convention and completed a survey. However, staff assured me that if you purchase one at an AT&T store, they will give you the rebate right away. The headset comes in black or white.

- The Samsung WEP490 Bluetooth headset is considered a "value headset" with up to 6 hours of talk time for $39.99. It's billed as being for the active mobile user with wind noise reduction and automatic volume adjustment.

For those who use iPhones, AT&T offers Apple Care protection plan for PC and Mac, and MobileMe to store data and push through email, calendar, contacts, etc. AT&T has a 30-day return or exchange policy for all products purchased at this convention.

Also on display was information about AT&T IM Relay on AIM, which allows you to connect on your computer or most mobile devices. You can be reached by anyone from any phone after signing up for your 10-digit number from AT&T IM Relay. Callers can dial your 10-digit number like any other local number and you will receive calls when you are logged into AIM.

Wireless: www.wireless.att.com IM Relay: www.att.com/relay or rm-attcustomercare@att.com.

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Wireless Hearing Solutions
By Cheryl Heppner

Wireless Hearing Solutions offered InLOOP convention discounts for a variety of home/personal loops, commercial loop amplifiers and loop accessories. They also offer special pricing and discounts to hearing centers, distributors and audio companies. W. Scott Peyton, General Manager, was staffing the Spring Lake, Michigan-based company's booth.

Induction loops systems transmit the signal from your microphone or sound system through a wire that "loops" around the listening area. If you have a telecoil (t-coil) in your hearing aid or cochlear implant processor, this technology can help you get clear sound while eliminating background noise. It technology can be used anywhere from a small TV room to an auditorium or house of worship.

They are the country's largest supplier of inLOOP and Univox home and commercial induction loop equipment in the U.S. Their regular retail prices for the home/personal loops range from $108.90 to $229; commercial loop amplifiers range from $1,210 to $4,510. Loop receivers and accessories are also available.

www.wireless.com www.inLOOP.tv

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MED-EL
By Cheryl Heppner

I spoke with Jeff Campagna, MED-EL Director of Marketing for North America about MED-EL's cochlear implant. Right now MED-EL has been all about the Maestro, its cochlear implant system. What's great about it, Jeff told me, is that it is high performance but simple to use. He calls it a device you can put on that works in any environment, with all the programming embedded in the processor.

Maestro is designed to focus on the nuances of music and not just speech. This emphasis is also reputed to help an individual hear better in noise. The processor's FineHearing Technology endeavors to provide better music appreciation and hearing in noisy environments.

The Opus 2 processor, MED-EL's newest product, uses Fine Structure Processing (FSP) in gearing toward music. At 8.7 mm wide and 10.1 g of weight, its behind-the-ear processor is thin and light. Its implant is also smaller than those of competitors.

The Opus has a built-in telecoil and the telecoil program will operate independently of all other programs. The processor has a standard input jack that gives easy connection to an iPod or assistive listening device equipped with a standard headphone port. A rechargeable battery system that is compatible with FM systems and devices like Bluetooth gives a green alternative to batteries. A battery takes about four hours to charge and two batteries can be charged simultaneously. Once charged, a battery will last from 10-12 hours. A nifty gadget for emergency use MED'EL's car cigarette lighter adapter cable for charging batteries.

Individuals who find they are fumbling to operate the right switch on their processors will appreciate having an alternative. The Opus has a thin, lightweight remote control with large buttons they can use instead.

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