Siemens Hearing Instruments has announced the launch of its new, multifunctional miniTek™ device, which acts as both a remote control and automatic streamer to synchronise all the latest gadgets with hearing device instruments with a pair of hearing aids. The miniTek is a natural technology progression from the Tek™ that Siemens has been supplying since 2008. Put simply, the miniTek™ easily connects the sound of home entertainment or mobile audio devices such as laptops, mobile phones, iPods™ and TVs directly into the hearing instruments.

miniTek weighs just 55g and is only slightly larger than the latest iPod Nano. It wirelessly streams the sound from any Bluetooth® audio device directly into the hearing instruments to provide greater sound quality, convenience and comfort. Previously, hearing instrument wearers may have gone without MP3 music players and mobile phones and faced exclusion from the gadget nation.

Now, hearing instrument wearers can benefit from hands-free calls and fiddle-free listening. The small device allows users to change programs and adjust volume, plus it slips easily into a pocket, or clips stylishly onto clothing, for discreet operation and wireless listening on the go.

“Hearing instrument wearers can now enjoy the benefits of advancing audio technology by using this innovative device to link any of their audio outputs directly to their instruments, they no longer need to feel left behind as technology advances at great pace,” said Mark Laben, Product and Marketing Manager at Siemens Hearing Instruments. “There are around nine million people in the UK who are deaf or hard of hearing and as we live in a gadget nation it is inevitable that many of these people will have been missing out. miniTek makes it easier for people with hearing loss to stay entertained, informed and in touch.”

miniTek comes pre-paired with two transmitters that can connect at the same time. For example, one transmitter can plug into a TV and the other into a stereo system with automatic switch over controlled from the miniTek. It also enables a user to wirelessly connect a mobile and Bluetooth-enabled landline phone simultaneously. When either rings, miniTek is automatically activated so the call can be answered without the need to get up and go and find the phone. Furthermore, if the wearer is watching TV and wants to take a call the instrument automatically switches over from the TV feed to the input signal from the phone.

miniTek can also receive and transmit audio via e2e™ wireless technology, connect with FM transmitters commonly used in schools plus stream sound from induction loops commonly found in cinemas, banks and theatres via its in built T-coil. For those with non wireless equipment, the device also has a 3.5mm headphone jack.

miniTek is compatible with almost all of Siemens’ hearing instruments, even the smallest in-the-ear models that are completely hidden from view. miniTek will be available from January 2011. For further information visit http://www.siemens.co.uk/hearing