AudiologyOnline Phone: 800-753-2160


Signia Active IX - December 2024

Wireless FM Systems for Improving Understanding in Noise

Gus Hernandez, MA, FAAA

February 19, 2007

Share:

Question

I have been informed that a wireless receiver might be useful to increase speech recognition. I have a pair of Siemens Triano hearing aids. Is there a wireless receiver that I can purchase for these hearing aids?

Answer

Depending on the model of TRIANO™ behind-the-ear (BTE) you have, the answer is yes! The TRIANO S and TRIANO SP BTE instruments are fully compatible with all popular Frequency Modulation (FM) systems including the MicroLink™, the Amigo and the Lexis™ wireless communication systems. No modifications to the hearing instruments are necessary to ensure compatibility. The hearing instruments are coupled directly to the wireless FM receiver via clear audio shoes from Siemens. All Siemens BTE families have at least one model that is compatible with FM and, in many cases (as with TRIANO) there are multiple FM-compatible BTEs. The CONNEXX™ programming software also allows for independent programming of the direct audio input (DAI) program. This program is solely dedicated for use with FM systems and allows for changes to such parameters as frequency response and compression without affecting the other programs. When a wireless receiver is attached to the BTE(s), the hearing aid(s) automatically switch to the fourth/dedicated DAI program to facilitate ease of use for the listener. The DAI program is labeled "A" in the software with "A" indicating "audio input".

The basic design premise (and beauty) of FM is to overcome distance between the desired signal and the listener, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and maximizing speech understanding. Basically, there is a transmitter (i.e. microphone) which is worn by the person speaking (or placed centrally in a round table setting) and the receiver which is coupled to the hearing aid(s) of the listener. The FM signal is transmitted directly from the speaker/transmitter to the listener/receiver at distances up to 30 feet. Considering this, FM clearly provides the best solution for improving SNR by overcoming confounding variables such as noise, reverberation and distance. Until recently FM compatibility has only been possible with BTEs, but now there is an FM receiver with a neck-loop option that works with any hearing aid equipped with a telecoil, including custom in-the-ear (ITE) models. This innovative receiver is called MyLink™ and is manufactured by Phonak Hearing Systems.

Whether you are wearing a BTE or a custom instrument, there are many options for improving listening in noise and/or group situations. Please contact your hearing healthcare provider to determine which solution is best for your and your listening needs.

For more information on Siemens, visit www.Siemens.com.

Gus is a Sr. Educational Specialist with Siemens Hearing Instruments and coordinates the training and education of hearing healthcare professionals around the country. He has been with Siemens since 1997.


Gus Hernandez, MA, FAAA


Related Courses

Signia Expert Series: What Did They Say? Potential Solutions for Helping Patients Hear the Television
Presented by Erin Picou, AuD, PhD, Haiping Huang, AuD
Recorded Webinar
Signia

Presenters

Erin Picou, AuD, PhDHaiping Huang, AuD
Course: #37895Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Interesting subject and not very surprising that streaming is the way to go,,,'   Read Reviews
Watching television or movies at home is a very common leisure activity for adults. Yet, people with hearing loss often struggle to hear the television. This presentation will discuss the importance of television or movie viewing and will offer some evidence-based solutions for improving the television viewing experience for adults with hearing loss.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Research QuickTakes Volume 5: OTC Hearing Aids - Background, Optimization, and Delivery Issues to Consider
Presented by Brian Taylor, AuD, H. Gustav Mueller, PhD
Recorded Webinar
Signia

Presenters

Brian Taylor, AuDH. Gustav Mueller, PhD
Course: #38940Level: Intermediate1.5 Hours
  'Although not a brand new course, information is very useful for all audiologists regardless if they are dispensing or not'   Read Reviews
The new OTC hearing aid category became official the fall of 2022, and since that time there has been considerable discussion regarding its implementation. This course reviews the regulations, discusses areas where problems might occur, and provides guidelines how the interested HCPs could add this product category to their portfolio.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Research QuickTakes Volume 5: OTC Hearing Aids - Pros, Cons, and Implementation Strategies
Presented by Brian Taylor, AuD, H. Gustav Mueller, PhD
Text/Transcript
Signia

Presenters

Brian Taylor, AuDH. Gustav Mueller, PhD
Course: #38941Level: Intermediate4 Hours
  'Very informative of OTC pros and cons'   Read Reviews
In the past year, the long-awaited OTC hearing aid category has arrived. In this article, we review the background of the regulation, some issue to consider regarding fitting optimization, and practical tips for the audiologists who want to be involved in the sales and service of this product.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Research QuickTakes Volume 6 (Pt. 1): Hearing Aid Fitting Toolbox - Important Pre-Fitting Measures
Presented by Brian Taylor, AuD, H. Gustav Mueller, PhD
Text/Transcript
Signia

Presenters

Brian Taylor, AuDH. Gustav Mueller, PhD
Course: #38950Level: Intermediate5 Hours
  'Good summary of stuff, easy to relate to as I still remember some of this stuff from school, always nice to get a refresher!'   Read Reviews
Prior to the actual fitting of the hearing aid, there are several pre-fitting measures that must be conducted. In this article, we review four of these measures, and provide step-by-step guidance regarding their clinical implementation.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Research QuickTakes Volume 6 (Pt. 2): Hearing Aid Fitting Toolbox - Verification and Validation
Presented by Brian Taylor, AuD, H. Gustav Mueller, PhD
Text/Transcript
Signia

Presenters

Brian Taylor, AuDH. Gustav Mueller, PhD
Course: #38951Level: Intermediate4 Hours
  'Most do anyway - Hahahaha'   Read Reviews
This course describes procedures associated with the varication and validation of the hearing aid fitting, including probe-mic assessment, sound field threshold testing and self-assessment outcome measures. Step-by-step “how to” procedures are included.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.