Question
Can you tell me more about the Ponto Streamer?
Answer
Ponto Streamer is the gateway to wireless connectivity, which helps Ponto Plus and Ponto Plus Power users to actively participate and enjoy communicating in a number of everyday situations. Using Ponto Streamer on its own, patients can connect with mobile phone, PC with cable, PC with Bluetooth, and streaming music. Besides this, the streamer also works as a remote control and has a built-in telecoil. Also, Euro pin FM receivers as well as additional ConnectLine devices (TV, landline phone, and microphone) work together with Ponto Streamer to add even more capabilities. Ponto Plus’ wireless system is able to help patients in the widest variety of listening situations.
Ponto Streamer works out-of-the-box, streaming audio to any Ponto Plus or Ponto Plus Power sound processor within one meter. Patients can use it right away, without even needing an appointment with an audiologist to program the device.
When do I use Ponto Streamer and when do I use ConnectLine?
Ponto Streamer is the one device which is the gateway to the ConnectLine system, as it controls all possible features of the wireless connectivity in the Ponto Plus family of sound processors. As outlined above, there are many uses for Ponto Streamer on its own. A ConnectLine product is an adapter connected to another audio source that allows its signal to be received by Ponto Streamer. Using a ConnectLine adapter will give the patient access to even more streaming audio possibilities: watching television, having a conversation over a landline telephone, or listening to a person wearing a partner microphone.
Can the Ponto Streamer be used without a neck loop?
Yes. In this case, the audiologist would just have to link Ponto Streamer to the specific Ponto Plus sound processor. This is done in Genie Medical and is a two-step procedure, completed by selecting “Linked” in the Streamer Settings of Genie Medical and entering the Ponto Streamer’s serial number in the End Fitting screen.
Remember, Ponto Streamer works with any Ponto Plus sound processor right out of the box. It is our recommendation that the streamer still be used with the neck loop for best performance.
How can I use Ponto Streamer with my landline telephone?
If you have the ConnectLine landline phone adapter attached to your phone, you can answer a phone call by pressing the phone button that lights up on Ponto Streamer when a call is received. Using the ConnectLine phone adapter will also give the benefit of not having to be near to the phone in order to pick it up, as the patient can be up to 30 feet away from the phone itself and still take the call.
What is the battery life of the Ponto Streamer?
Ponto Streamer’s battery life is about 10 hours on a full charge. This can be divided up into six hours of TV streaming, two hours of phone use or other audio input, and two hours on standby. Most people will find it convenient to charge Ponto Streamer at night as they do with many of their mobile devices.
Can you confirm that streaming does not impact the sound processor’s battery life?
You are correct, streaming audio does not have a big effect upon the sound processor’s battery life.
This Ask the Expert was adapted from the Oticon Medical recorded course, Introducing Ponto Plus, presented by Jaime Leigh Westbrook, AuD. For more information about Oticon Medical and the Ponto System, visit www.oticonmedical.com or the Oticon Medical Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.
