Music Player Tips

CII and Platinum BTE

Using Portable Music Players With the Platinum BTE® or CII BTE Sound Processors
Many patients enjoy listening to music and ask us for recommendations on how to connect their Platinum or CII BTE 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 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. Cochlear 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-5825), visit the Webstore  or call Customer Care at (877) 829-0026; (800) 678-3575 (TTY).

Auxiliary Audio Earhook and Cable
Another popular choice for connecting your Platinum or CII BTE Sound Processor to a portable music player is through the Auxiliary Audio Earhook. This earhook attaches to the BTE sound processor and has a built-in cable that will provide a direct connection between the portable music player and the Platinum or CII BTE Sound Processor.

You will need the Auxiliary Audio Earhook (# CI-5705), as well as the Audio Interface Cable (# CI-5815).

To use, attach the Auxiliary Audio Earhook to your BTE Sound Processor, and plug in the audio interface cable into the end of that cable and the opposite end into the portable music player. To order the Auxiliary Audio Earhook and Audio Interface Cable, 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.

Auxiliary Audio Earhook                            

Audio Interface Cable

Audio Mixing
Audio mixing options are available on the Platinum and CII BTE Sound Processors. 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 the Auxiliary Audio Earhook and Cable. 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, 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, please 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!