Amazon and Cochlear have collaborated to introduce a groundbreaking feature that allows audio to be streamed directly from Fire TV devices to hearing implants, using the Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) protocol. This marks the first time that a smart TV device can directly stream sound to a hearing implant processor.
According to Ryan Lopez, a product management and marketing director at Cochlear, working on streaming audio from smartphones to hearing aids made television a natural next step. He explained that television plays a significant role in people’s lives, providing access to news, information, entertainment, sports, and music. Working with Amazon, Cochlear discovered a shared commitment to accessibility, effective communication, and integrating these technologies. Lopez expressed pride in Cochlear’s involvement in this initiative.
The feature is compatible with Cochlear’s Nucleus 8, Nucleus 7, Nucleus Kanso 2, and Baha 6 Max sound processors. Users will also require a Fire TV Omni QLED Series, Fire TV Omni Series, Fire TV 4-Series, Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen), or Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) to access this feature.
Peter Korn, the director of accessibility for Amazon Devices, stated that their discussions with audiologists, hearing aid users, and other experts in the field revealed that the first priority for people with hearing loss is to be able to hear the people around them clearly. The second priority is to be able to hear the television and enjoy entertainment.
