Question
What is Varicom?
Answer
Answer: Varicom is a family of products that allows Bluetooth™ connectivity through Sonic's SoundGate streamer. Varicom consists of two different technology levels, each offering four different models.
Question: What are the different models that are available?
Answer: Varicom comes in three different BTE styles and a custom ITC. The BTEs available are Compact Power, Micro BTE, and the Nano BTE.
The custom ITC comes with directional microphones, auto phone and optional telecoil, push button and volume control.
Question: What tools do I need to program Varicom?
Answer: Sonic Oasis Software, version 12.2 is the first thing you'll need! The next thing is to make sure you have the right cables. We've developed a fitting kit that includes cables as well as programming boots to program the Compact Power and Micro BTE models. You'll also get a flex strip with a battery pill for programming the ITC model. One thing to note is that a battery is needed to be in place while programming all Varicom devices.
Question: So this external streamer...is it tough to pair the SoundGate with the hearing instrument?
Answer: Pairing the SoundGate with the hearing instruments is very simple! The "End Session" step in the Oasis software walks you through the process of pairing the hearing aids to the SoundGate. Make sure the SoundGate is fully charged and turned on before you begin the pairing process
Question: Now that there is communication between the hearing instruments and the SoundGate, how do you pair the SoundGate to an external Bluetooth™ device like my cell phone?
Answer: There are 2 steps when it comes to pairing a Bluetooth™ device to the SoundGate: detecting and connecting. To detect, you need to find the Bluetooth™ connections on your device - making sure that it's on and in "discover mode".
You will be asked if you would like to add a device, press yes. From here the SoundGate needs to be in "discover mode". To do this, press and hold the Bluetooth™ button on the SoundGate until the blue light starts flashing.
Your Bluetooth™ device will now be able to detect the SoundGate. Once detection is established, you will be prompted to enter a code to connect (0000). That's it - now the device and SoundGate are paired!
Erin Reichert joined Sonic Innovations in 2006. Prior to her position as Manager of Audiology Services in March 2011, Erin managed and was part of the Audiology & Technical Support Team. The Audiology Services teams are an integral part of Sonic Innovations providing training, hearing instrument product selection, fitting and software support for professionals. Prior to coming to Sonic Innovations, Erin worked in a private practice serving south-eastern Minnesota. She earned her Master's degree in Audiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
For more information about Sonic Innovations, visit https://us.sonici.com/ or the Sonic Innovations web channel on AudiologyOnline.