The Bluetooth Special Interest Group today said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) that will eventually lead to a new profile to connect mobile devices to hearing aids. The groups will use low-power Bluetooth to create a link between devices such as smartphones, tablets, PCs, and TVs with hearing aids. The groups believe using Bluetooth Smart technology can benefit the population of hearing aid users, and allow them to take further advantage of today's mobile technology offerings. The groups will start with a hearing aid profile that allows streaming of audio sources at mono speech or stereo music quality to hearing aids, with other profiles and uses to follow. Working groups are forming now, and the Bluetooth SIG and EHIMA encourage industry players to participate.


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