Sneak Peak: One Manufacturer Offering New Levels of Connectivity

When it is formally released in June, Oticon’s Epoq is promising to be the most advanced personal connectivity device on the market for those with hearing impairment. Aside from a new digital platform that should offer enhanced communication ability in varied listening environments, company representatives are starting to show a demo device that looks like a simplified iPod. This device, known as the “Streamer” is what Oticon has developed to morph the old school “hearing aid” into a piece of multi-purpose communications equipment. The Streamer allows for wireless/ Bluetooth connectivity between the ear level worn instruments and essentially any other peripheral device that is Bluetooth ready. The Streamer, which is worn around the neck, creates a Personal Area Network so the user can connect to their Bluetooth mobile phone, PDA, mp3 player, TV, computer, etc. Sound is transmitted to the ears and is amplified according to the parameters established for your hearing loss. Oticon believes the Epoq will be priced similarly to some of the higher end hearing instruments on the market today. Perhaps this would mean the end of the “connectivity disconnect” for those using hearing instruments?