AMI Semiconductor's BelaSigna 200 DSP-based audio system was selected by Phonak Communications for the SmartLink SX, a communication device that provides hearing aid users with clear speech input in adverse listening situations. It also enables them to communicate easily through mobile phones and other Bluetooth-compatible devices.

Even with the best hearing instruments, most hearing-impaired people notice that certain situations present more hearing difficulties. Using a wireless communication system (FM system) makes communication easier. Such a system consists of a handheld microphone (SmartLink SX) that picks up the sound as close as possible to the source, along with a miniaturised receiver (MicroLink) that is clicked upon the hearing instrument.

Sound-processing algorithms developed by Phonak, including a digital beamformer, work with the AMIS BelaSigna 200 chip to remove noise and deliver clear speech to hearing aid users. Through integral microphones, audio inputs, and a Bluetooth link, the SmartLink receives and processes audio signals and transmits them to the user's hearing aid using Phonak's MicroLink technology.

The single-chip BelaSigna 200 interfaces seamlessly with wireless devices and consumes only a few milliamps of current at 1.8 V. It contains a DSP core, stereo CODEC, memory, power management, and a hardware-based WOLA filterbank coprocessor, which reduces power consumption and chip size while providing low group delay and adjustable parameters for easy integration into a range of designs.

I have had a pretty comprehensive Phonak MlX system for about 5 years now. The bluetooth interface (smartlink SX is a nice addition) however its the FM system itself and in particular the receivers (which btw you can plug into a shoe adapter for just about any hearing aid that is capable of taking a "shoe". The Microlink system is a bit expensive tho' but then you get what you pay for - quality. But I for one couldnt do without it now - especially for television and landline telephone use at home (Phonak TelCom). Its a expanding system - the best thing to happen to hearing aids since they went digital. Ultimately the mlx receivers will probably be replaced by built-in bluetooth receivers built into all hearing aids (headset mode). But due to the incredible shrinking size of the mlX FM receivers it won't make that much difference!.

I'd certainly like to know more about this incredible gadget.Seems like just what the doctor ordered!! Pl send me details. And i do hope this request doesn't fall on deaf ears!! Thx

Aughi

I LIKE TO FIND OUT COST AND ADAPTABILITY FOR WIDEX HEARING INSTRUMENT. PLUS WHAT ARE THE POSSIBILITY OF BLUESTOOTH WORKING ON ALL HEARING INSTRUMENTS.

THANKS

Sounds great!! My father is profoundly deaf but can hear with a microphone/amplifier box connected to an earphone. The problem is the wire. Where can I buy a similar product with Bluetooth to replace the wire? Regards...Jonathan Yonge