snopercod
Well Known Member
As we all know, Foreflight issues various audio alerts via an iPad. The problem is getting the alerts to ones' ears. With the engine running, I certainly can't hear them through the tiny iPad speaker. Until now, I had thought my only option was either a Bluetooth-enabled audio panel ($$$) or a Bluetooth-enabled headset ($$$). Recently, though, I accidentally stumbled across a third option: Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids! I never have trouble hearing ATC with my headsets on, but I'm of an age where I'm starting to have difficulty hearing the TV set. Out of consideration for my wife ("Honey, what did he just say?") I decided to get myself some hearing aids from the VA. It took a while to get them, but the first set they gave me were Phonak Audeo-B devices. They work well, but when the audiologist was programming them, she mentioned that they had Bluetooth. Immediately, I thought of my iPad! Sadly, we discovered that the Phonak units would only connect to a phone via Bluetooth, not a streaming device like the iPad.
After the audiologist and I discovered this, she said we would trade in my Phonaks for a different brand of hearing aid, the Oticon Opn1 - MiniRITE-T (I think this is correct). I have no idea how long it will take to get these new aids but, in the meantime, she gave me a single "demo" unit so I could try it out. I went flying yesterday and it actually works! I could hear "Approaching Runway 35", "500 Feet", and all the other alerts in my left ear with the headset on. It also plays music.
These particular Oticon hearing aids only work with iPhones or iPads. The full list and the instructions for pairing them with your device is at the link above. See? There are benefits to getting older!
After the audiologist and I discovered this, she said we would trade in my Phonaks for a different brand of hearing aid, the Oticon Opn1 - MiniRITE-T (I think this is correct). I have no idea how long it will take to get these new aids but, in the meantime, she gave me a single "demo" unit so I could try it out. I went flying yesterday and it actually works! I could hear "Approaching Runway 35", "500 Feet", and all the other alerts in my left ear with the headset on. It also plays music.
These particular Oticon hearing aids only work with iPhones or iPads. The full list and the instructions for pairing them with your device is at the link above. See? There are benefits to getting older!