The ELI device from Starkey Laboratories
uses Bluetooth to reduce the buzzing noises and feedback that hearing-aid users are subjected to from digital
cellphones. The device plugs into the bottom of most hearing aids that are worn behind the ear. Incoming calls are
routed directly from the phone to the ELI and then the hearing aid. A microphone located at the end of the ELI device
picks up the users' side of the conversation and transmits it back to the phone.
This niche blog has now been merged into the The Wireless Report (www.thewirelessreport.com), which covers all things wireless.
Bluetooth Add-On For Hearing Aids
Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. Agree. Am trying ELI. I can hear others great. They hear echos, satellite-type delay.
I am going to try the t-coil neck loop to see if it is better sound.
Too bad
Posted at 5:25AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Scott
3. ELI EM-100: I'm not even having as much luck as the other two respondents...callers can hear me fine...I can "hear" the callers but cannot understand one word they're saying. What have I done wrong??? I am using a Treo 650 (Sprint). Thanks! eahlbrand@theadeogroup.com
1. Hello.. Just a comment on the ELI EM-100... I have the device and am using it BUT Starkey and Micro-Tech have a long long way to go with this product.! Cell phone reception is great, but the mircophone setup (located at the bottom of the ELI and behind the ear as well ) is just plain poor at transmitting your voice back to the caller. IF a patch-cable (about 1 foot long with clip ) could be provided that would couple the Hearing Aid Boot directly to the ELI so that the ELI could be clipped to the collar with the microphone facing either up or out, the device would then be useful for actual cell phone conversations ! At present however, it is nearly impossible for callers to hear what I'm saying.
Another point is.. I cant find any audio dongles for TV or whatever, that are compatible with the ELI. Starkey says that it is V1.2 compatible, but do not state what PROFILE is supported. Thus far both Starkey and Micro-tech have not replied to my many many e-mail questions asking what "dongles" are useable with the ELI.
The charger that comes with it is too light to stay anywhere you want, AND the 'standby' time of 140 hours is a joke. I cannot get more that 10 hours, barely one work day, before a re-charge is necessary !
So far the product is good only for receiving calls and listening to whatever the message might be. Holding a conversation is out of the question ! If I had to buy the ELI again, I would wait until it is somewhat more developed.. Thus far I am disappointed.
Good luck everyone... and if anyone knows how to succesfully contact Starkey or Micro-Tech please let me know !
Posted at 5:25AM on Dec 19th 2005 by Ernie226