Cochlear has announced Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) support on compatible Amazon Fire TV devices for people living with hearing implant technology.
This advancement is the first time that a smart TV device will stream audio directly to a hearing implant sound processor.
Cochlear has configured direct streaming from Fire TV to Cochlear Nucleus 8, Nucleus 7, Nucleus Kanso 2, and Baha 6 Max Sound Processors. Using ASHA, sound processors connect with the Fire TV device at the system level so customers can enjoy audio from their favourite streaming apps, use Alexa, listen to music, navigational sounds, and more.
ASHA-enabled Fire TV devices include the Fire TV Omni QLED Series, Fire TV Omni Series, Fire TV 4-Series, Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen), and Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen).
Pairing a hearing implant sound processor to a Fire TV device is straightforward through the Fire TV’s settings and accessibility options. Users can select Hearing Aids from the accessibility menu and follow the on-screen instruction to connect them.
“We’re delighted by our customers’ response to the innovation we’ve made in the entertainment space for people with hearing loss, even as we continue to build solutions that make entertainment more enjoyable for all customers,” said Peter Korn, director of Accessibility for Devices at Amazon. “Now, by working with Cochlear, we’re thrilled that more people will have a simple way to enjoy their favourite TV shows, movies and more. Entertainment should be accessible to everyone. This is one more way to help make that goal a reality.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 1.5 billion people around the world live with hearing loss.