ELI on back of ear, and on neckloop - courtesy NCI (Photo: Business Wire)

The ELI (Ear Level Instrument) provides Bluetooth(R) connectivity between hearing aids and Bluetooth(R)-enhanced mobile phones.

Hearing aid users often experience a buzzing sound that makes conversations over a digital wireless phone difficult or impossible to hear. To combat the problem, the FCC has required cellular handset manufacturers to provide a small selection of wireless handsets that will significantly minimize or eliminate this interference.

The advantage of the ELI device is that the hearing-impaired user can utilize any Bluetooth(R)-enabled wireless phone. Bluetooth(R)-enabled phones in a cellular carrier's existing inventory become instantly hearing-aid compatible when paired with ELI. And the hearing aid user can choose from a wider selection of wireless handsets.

ELI comes in two different configurations. For Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids equipped with a Direct Audio Input (DAI), the standard ELI can be used. For hearing aids equipped with a telecoil, ELI can be combined with a specially designed neckloop for proper operation. ELI is FCC, CE and Bluetooth(R) compliant.

Starkey President Jerry Ruzicka said, "ELI offers hearing instrument wearers the freedom to communicate with Bluetooth(R)-compatible wireless phones. Because the solution is wireless, it eliminates the hassle of cable clutter."

"National Cellular is excited to work with Starkey and a product that can help hearing-impaired people use wireless phones," said Jack Wrigley, National Cellular's Director of Carrier Sales. "We look forward to our joint effort with Starkey to introduce and market this innovative new product."

To learn more about ELI: www.elihearing.com.

To learn about the FCC's mandate for hearing-impaired wireless phones: www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/accessiblewireless.html.

For more information about NCI: www.ncicellular.com.

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