The CORE (Communication Optimized Real-audio Engine) technology developed for the chip used in the new Exélia and Naída hearing instruments permits wireless communication between the left and right hearing instruments and has now spawned a trio of fabulous leading-edge accessories.
iCom
Oustanding among the three is iCom, a cool communication interface that hangs round the neck and fits into your life like your MP3 player or cell phone. Featuring full stereo sound, broadband audio streaming, FM connectivity and Bluetooth, it provides unlimited wireless connection to entertainment and communication devices.
iCom - the communication interface
iCom receives Bluetooth signals from a mobile phone, wirelessly streaming them to both Exélia or Naída instruments like a Bluetooth headset. Effectively, then, hearing impaired people using their cell phones will be in a better position to understand in noisy situations than people with normal hearing. And accessing the full range of functions couldn't be easier: they're all available at the touch of a single button.
But Bluetooth isn't intended just for phone use: it hooks your iCom up to all the other devices that are part and parcel of our lives, such as laptops, MP3 players, televisions, GPS and stereo systems. The alternative to Bluetooth is a wired connection between the audio jack of iCom and the eadphone output of any audio device. To integrate FM solutions, simply click an FM receiver on iCom and you can pick up speech with a transmitter and receive it in a range of up to 20m.
myPilot
Although modern digital hearing instruments are designed to work fully automatically, some end-users welcome the option of manual control. With myPilot, Phonak introduces a brand- new generation of remote controls with a host of new functionalities that also provide access to completely new features such as ZoomControl. Bidirectional communication between myPilot and the hearing instrument allows wearers to change individual settings and obtain useful status information such as battery levels, volume or current program. This information is shown on a large color display. Convenient functions such as time and date displays and an alarm are also integrated.
iCube
Finally, new wireless CORE technology simplifies the programming process for the fitter. Until now, connections between hearing instruments and the PC have been established with cables. The iCube fitting device facilitates CableFree Fitting by streaming the fitting data wirelessly to
the hearing instruments. The result: reliable, hassle-free fitting.
iCube - CableFree Fitting device
Features
iCom communication interface
- easy handling - a single big main button
- Bluetooth connection for comfortable use of the phone and stereo streaming of audio signals
- wired audio and FM connections
- ultimate control and status information of the hearing system
- visual feedback with color LCD display
- access to new functions
- totally CableFree Fitting of the hearing instruments
- easy and reliable programming
- eliminates the hassle of cables
Headquartered near Zurich, Switzerland, Phonak has developed, produced and globally distributed state-of-the-art hearing systems and wireless devices for over 50 years. The combination of expertise in hearing technology, mastery in acoustics and strong cooperation with hearing care professionals allows Phonak to significantly improve people's hearing ability and speech understanding and therefore their quality of life.
Phonak offers a complete range of digital hearing instruments, along with complementary wireless communication systems. With 2'500 employees worldwide, Phonak drives innovation and sets new industry benchmarks regarding miniaturization and performance.
For more information on Phonak, please visit www.phonak.com or you may also visit the Phonak Web Channel on Audiology Online.
