What are "Allergies?"

An "allergy" is simply an over-reaction of the immune system to a substance that is inhaled, eaten, or touched and viewed as a threat. When a foreign substance is introduced to the body, the immune system may treat this usually harmless substance as a threat. It immediately produces antibodies to neutralize the threat and to protect the body from future "attacks" by the same substance. This process leads to the release of histamine. Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the symptoms associated with allergies including sneezing, inflammation, scratchy throat, and runny nose. Any substance that triggers an allergic reaction is known as an "allergen." Pollen, mold, dust, and animal dander are the most common allergens. Allergies can be inherited and are often unique to the individual. For more information on allergies, visit The Asthma and Allergy Foundation. Image provided courtesy of renjithkrishnan

How Hearing Aid Manufacturers Utilize Bluetooth Technology Differently

Each hearing aid manufacturer utilizes different accessories to make wireless streaming possible. Phonak's new bluetooth streamer features an all-in-one remote control with double the battery life of the older model. Widex bluetooth streamer features audible caller ID in both ears. Oticon features a "mini-mic" that your spouse can wear to further improve speech understanding in noisy environments. Siemens, Widex, and GN Resound do not require a neckloop antenna to receive sound. Chances are good that your hearing aids are already bluetooth compatible! If you are interested in more information, please consult one of our clinical audiologists.

How Bluetooth Technology Works

Bluetooth technology wirelessly streams the volume of an audio device to your hearing aids in multiple ways. Each hearing aid manufacturer utilizes different equipment to transmit the audio signal to the hearing aids. It typically involves a necklace known as a neck loop and a remote control.  Click here for a video from Oticon describing how bluetooth technology works.