Phonak have a number of assistive devices for their Spice range of hearing aids, including remote controls and Bluetooth streamers.
Phonak PilotOne is the latest remote control from Phonak designed specifically for the Spice range. It focuses on simplicity of use, is small and neat enough to fit in the pocket. It can actually be operated while still in your pocket and has an increase and decrease button, a program change button and a home button to put you right back to initial settings of volume / program etc. The remote has a lock button so you don’t accidentally activate the controls while it is in your pocket or handbag.
Phonak myPilot is a more sophisticated remote control for the wearer that wants extra control, it has a full colour LCD display and access to more control through a menu system. It is compatible with the Spice range of Phonak hearing aids and also the previous Core range of hearing aids too.
Phonak iCom is a neck worn device that allows wireless communication between your hearing aids and any number of devices that emit Bluetooth audio. It receives audio in high quality stereo. A typical use of the Phonak iCom would be to use as effectively a hands free device for your mobile phone whilst driving. Your mobile phone is in the boot of your car as you are driving along, someone tries to call you. Your mobile phone rings and via the iCom you hear the ring tone directly in your hearing aids!
You press the iCom button to accept the call and carry out a conversation via the iCom hands free. When you want to drop the call you press the button again. Direct audio input into your hearing aids is very beneficial, particularly in a noisy environment lie a car journey say on the motorway.
Phonak TV-Link is a device intended to help with TV listening. It uses the iCom and a little box that plugs into the audio output of your television. The audio output from the television transfers through the TV-Link box which emits a Bluetooth audio signal. (In fact the TV-Link box can be used to stream Bluetooth audio out from any analogue audio source with the right connections).
The iCom used in conjunction with the TV-Link receives the Bluetooth audio and streams it wirelessly to your hearing aids. The benefit of direct audio input leads to excellent sound quality with no time lag / lip sync issues. You can even go into the kitchen to make a cup of tea and still listen to your favourite TV program!
