Tek™ Wirelessly Brings Together Hearing Instruments with Cell Phones, Audio Systems, TVs and PCs For Tech-Savvy Boomers
Charlotte, NC, April 2, 2008 - For the roughly six million Americans who wear a hearing instrument, using personal electronic devices can pose a challenge, oftentimes requiring removal or adjustment of the hearing instrument to accommodate the other devices. To help hearing aid wearers incorporate personal technologies more easily into their lives, Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. has introduced Tek, a wireless enhancement that enables wearers to stay seamlessly connected to their mobile technologies through their hearing instrument. Tek is being unveiled at the American Academy of Audiology's 20th Annual AudiologyNOW! Conference, to be held from April 2 to 5, 2008, in Charlotte, N.C. (Booth #1825).
Siemens Tek enhancement, through its wireless remote control, Tek™ Connect, allows wearers of select Siemens hearing instruments to control wireless communications between their hearing instruments and their cell phone, PDAs, MP3s, audio systems, televisions and even personal computers. Tek Connect communicates wirelessly with the wearer's mobile devices, allowing phone calls, music and data to feed directly into the hearing instrument, enabling the wearer to stay connected without having to tamper with or remove the hearing instrument.
"The importance of staying connected has become an undeniable part of society. As the tech-savvy boomer population ages, Siemens wants to ensure that individuals experiencing hearing loss do not feel cut-off from the enjoyment and value of the latest communication technologies," said Dr. Thomas Powers, Vice President of Audiology and Professional Relations at Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. "Siemens designed Tek specifically to meet the demands of today's interactive hearing instrument wearer, so they can truly be one with their world."
About Tek and Tek Connect
Designed with connectivity in mind, users of Siemens Tek can find themselves instantly linked to all of their most important technologies. Tek Connect allows wearers to make and take calls directly from a Bluetooth-enabled mobile or cordless phone. By transmitting the signal wirelessly to both devices, Tek Connect tells the wearer when a call is coming in, even when in a different program mode, enabling the wearer's hearing instruments to become a virtual hands-free headset.
Wearers will also experience the benefits of Tek while watching TV or DVDs. Tek Connect wirelessly transmits audio signals simultaneously to both hearing instruments in true stereo fashion. And, with Siemens proprietary Bluetooth protocol, wearers are able to enjoy viewing their favorite programs without the typical signal delay and echo experienced with ordinary Bluetooth.
Additionally, Tek Connect keeps users listening to their favorite music through streaming stereo sound wirelessly from audio systems or MP3 players right into the hearing instruments. Tek automatically synchronizes high-definition balanced, stereo signals to the instruments and allows users to control treble range, allowing for various wearing environments. Siemens Tek enhancement is available for all Pure® 700, Pure 500 and Explorer™ 500.
Further information can be found by visiting www.usa.siemens.com/hearing, or the Siemens Web Channel on Audiology Online at www.audiologyonline.com/channels/siemens.asp
