Music Player Tips

Auria® BTE

Using Portable Music Players with the Auria® Sound Processor

Many patients enjoy listening to music and ask us for recommendations on how to connect their Auria Sound Processor to a portable music player such as an iPod® or MP3.

Below are some ideas or ways of doing this.

T-Mic^® Microphone
The T-Mic Microphone earhook provides a simple method for listening to your portable music player. The T-Mic sits in the bowl of the ear, which allows sound to be picked up from a natural position. Advanced Bionics implant users can wear a standard pair of headphones over the ears or use earbuds, and the T-Mic will pick up the sound. The T-Mic is an optional earhook and is the default choice for most adult cochlear implant users. To order a T-Mic (#CI-5830), visit the Webstore at or call Customer Care at (877) 829-0026; (800) 678-3575 (TTY).



Direct Connect™ System
Another popular choice for connecting your Auria BTE to a portable music player is through the Direct Connect System. The Direct Connect System includes an earhook and cables and provides a direct wire connection between the portable music player and the Auria BTE.

You will need the following parts:

• Direct Connect Earhook (# CI-5840)
• Direct Connect Cable (# CI-5841)
• Audio Interface Cable (# CI-5815)

To use, attach the Direct Connect Earhook to the Auria Sound Processor, connect the Direct Connect Cable to the Earhook, and plug in the Audio Interface Cable to the end of that cable and the portable music player. To order the Direct Connect System, visit the Webstore or call Customer Care at (877) 829-0026; (800) 678-3575 (TTY).

NOTE: We strongly recommend that the Auxiliary Audio Cable only be used with battery-operated devices.

    
Direct Connect Earhook (#CI-5840)   

Direct Connect Cable (#CI-5841)           

Audio Interface Cable (#CI-5815)

Audio Mixing
Audio mixing options are available on the Auria Sound Processor. Audio mixing allows the microphone on your BTE Sound Processor to remain active when connected directly to an external audio-input such as the T-Mic or Direct Connect system. This is important so you can hear your own voice and environmental sounds in addition to the signal transmitted through the auxiliary device. You may need to see your audiologist to set up a program with the correct audio mixing for connecting to your portable music player. If you are directly connecting to a music player through the Direct Connect system, you may want your audiologist to set up an audio mixing ratio of 100% auxiliary input so that you hear only the music player, and not environmental sounds.

For more information, contact the Bionic Ear Association at: hear@advancedbionics.com.

The Bionic Ear Association (BEA) is a FREE membership organization that supports you and your family.

Whether you are considering cochlear implants or currently use them, the BEA provides resources, information and programs to support you along your Journey to Sound. Join today!