Bluetooth 101
What is Bluetooth? Bluetooth is a communications technology designed to replace cords and wires. It is a wireless transfer of information that occurs over a secure connection at short distances, which allows devices manufactured by different companies to communicate. Bluetooth has three different classifications allowing this transmission of information to occur at various distances: Class 3 at a distance of three feet, Class 2 at a distance of 30 feet and Class 1 at a distance of 300 feet. (The Class 2 is most commonly used for rechargeable devices.) As long as both devices are within range of each other, the information transfer can occur. Bluetooth is now in over 1000 different products.
Bluetooth technology has been implemented in numerous consumer electronic devices and has now struck the field of Audiology. A handful of Bluetooth products are now available to patients to enhance the listening performance of current hearing systems. Bluetooth devices available on the market enable wireless transmission of sound between a mobile phone and an ear-level unit, a mobile phone and a microphone transmitter, and a microphone transmitter to an ear-level unit. This ear-level unit may be attached to an existing hearing aid or an independent device fitted directly in the ear canal.
How do Bluetooth devices communicate? Bluetooth devices communicate through a series of three different processes: Discovery, Pairing, and Connecting. Discovery enables the two devices to find each other and Paring links the devices for secure communications. Connecting is the process by which the two paired devices transfer auditory information back and forth. Once the devices are turned on in the proper order, a light on the earpiece may flash. The flashing indicates that the earpiece is searching for its paired partner and verifying the password. Once connected, the phone may give confirmation that connection has been made. A Bluetooth symbol may appear on the phone and/or a message stating "connected to (name of intended device)." The fitting procedure for Bluetooth devices will vary depending on the particular product. Every product, however, will go through the connecting and pairing procedure for communication between the devices to be established.
Bluetooth devices have been gaining in popularity over the past couple of years, with the number of Bluetooth-enabled product shipments more than doubling from 2004 to 2005. The projections indicate this trend will continue. Current Bluetooth products on the market give the Hearing Professional more options to offer existing clients.