Sink or Swim in the Deep Bluetooth Sea of Technology
 Phonak is here to help!
 We want to provide you with all the
tools you need to effectively help
your clients & stand out from the
competition:
 Online resources
– Step by step guides
– Instruction movies
 User Guides
– Detailed
– Troubleshooting tips
 Audiology Support
 eLearns!!!
What we hope to accomplish today:
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What is Bluetooth and how does it work?
Why is Bluetooth important to my practice?
How does the ComPilot work?
Can I troubleshoot like a Phonakian?
**Note: We have provided the ComPilot User Guide page numbers for
you during the different topics of the presentation.
History of Bluetooth
 In 1996, a group of technology companies came together to develop a
unified standard for cell phones and computers to communicate
 The original technology was invented in 1994 by engineers working at
Ericsson
 When Bluetooth was officially introduced in 1998, its intended basic purpose
was to be a wire replacement technology in order to rapidly transfer voice
and data
 It was named after a 10th century Danish king, Harald Blatand, or Harold
Bluetooth in English. He was famous for uniting warring factions of Sweden,
Norway and Denmark
What is
? (pg. 51)
 A proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data
(eg. voice, music, video, etc.) over short distances between two
paired devices
 The technology uses short wavelength radio waves
 Operates in the 2.4 – 2.483 GHz range
 This is within the unlicensed Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM)
2.4 GHz short-range radio frequency band
 Uses adaptive frequency hopping to avoid interference
– usually performs 1600 hops per second
 Able to send information within your own personal space, which is
called a Personal Area Network or "PAN"
Bluetooth Applications
– Wireless control and communication between a mobile phone and
a wireless headset
– Wireless communication between computers and input devices,
such as keyboards, printers and mice
– Wireless replacement of serial port applications, such as GPS
receivers and medical devices (i.e. – NOAHLink)
– Wireless networking of computers, where small amounts of
information exchange occur
– Wireless transfer of contact information and calendar details
The difference between Bluetooth and other radio wave
based transmissions
 So, if Bluetooth, radio, TV, FM systems, etc. all use radio waves, how are
they different?
Bluetooth
Radio, TV, FM systems
 short distances
 one to one communication
between paired devices
 longer distances
 one device can broadcast to
many devices
Bluetooth Versions
 There have been many versions of the standard and it is constantly
evolving
– Version 1.0 - bad
– Version 1.1 - better
– Version 1.2 - usable (original RAZR used this)
– Version 2.0 + EDR - passed in 2004 and finally allowed good
headsets
– Version 2.1 + EDR
– Version 3.0 + HS & Low Energy
– Version 4.0 - passed June 2010
Bluetooth & Power Consumption
 Low power consumption was a design consideration from the
beginning
 There are three classifications, cell phones are typically Class 2
– Class 1
• 100mW maximum power consumption
• 300 foot range
– Class 2
• 2.5 mW maximum power consumption
• 30 foot range
– Class 3
• 1 mW maximum power consumption
• 3 foot range
How is Bluetooth different than the wireless link between
hearing aids or between hearing aids and the ComPilot?
 The frequency and mode of transmission
– The wireless signal between 2 Phonak hearing aids and
between the hearing aids and the iCom/ComPilot is a 10.6MHz
signal that is unique to Phonak
– We call it HiBAN – hearing instrument body area network
– It uses an induction loop type transmission
 So the transmission between a cell phone or TVLink and the
iCom/ComPilot is a bluetooth signal, but the transmission between
the iCom/ComPilot to the hearing aids is Phonak’s 10.6MHz
proprietary signal
– So two wireless transmissions (Bluetooth and Phonak) are used
to make the whole process work!
Bluetooth
HiBAN
HiBAN
Bluetooth Profiles
Not all Bluetooth signals are created equal! (pg. 52)
 Think of profiles as capabilities or features
 Both devices have to support the same profile for the Bluetooth
transmission to work
 There are many different profiles available
Available Bluetooth Profiles
 The variety of profiles includes:
– Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), Audio / Video
Control Transport Protocol (AVRCP), Basic Imaging Profile
(BIP), Basic Printing Profile (BPP), Common ISDN Access
Profile (CIP), Cordless Telephony Profile (CTP), Dial-Up
Network Profile (DUN), Fax Profile (FAX), File Transfer
Profile (FTP), General Audio/Video Distribution Profile
(GAVDP), Generic Object Profile (GOEP) Hands-Free Profile
(HFP), Hard Copy Cable Replacement Profile (HCRP),
Headset Profile (HSP), Human Interface Device Profile (HID),
Intercom Profile (ICP), Object Push Profile (OPP), Personal
Area Networking Profile (PAN), Service Discovery
Application Profile (SDAP), Service Port Profile (SPP),
Synchronization Profile (SYNC), Video Distribution Profile
(VDP)
Bluetooth Profiles
 So… depending on the data being transmitted, different profiles are
necessary
 With regards to the iCom/ComPilot and other audio transmissions,
the profiles important are to you include:
– Headset Profile (HSP)
– Hands-Free Profile (HFP)
– Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
Bluetooth Profiles
Headset Profile (HSP)
– This is the most commonly used profile and allows mobile
phones to communicate with wireless headsets
– It only allows to ability to ring, adjust the volume, answer a call
and hang up
Bluetooth Profiles
Hands-Free Profile (HFP)
– This is commonly used to allow communication with a car hands
free system
– The extra features that HFP allows are last number redial, call
waiting and voice dialing
** Most Bluetooth headsets and phones support both HSP and HFP
profiles
Bluetooth Profiles
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
– This profile is used to define how high quality mono and stereo
audio information is streamed from one device to another (one way
transmission)
– Examples include:
• Music from a mobile phone to a car audio system or a wireless
headset
• Audio from a television or stereo to a wireless headset
Bluetooth Profiles
 It is important to note that most smart phones (eg. iPhone, androids)
use both a HSP/HFP and A2DP Bluetooth profiles
 This way, the cell phone can transmit calls as well as audio such as
music, videos and games to the ComPilot
 ….keep this in mind for when we discuss how many devices can be
active with the ComPilot at one time and as we discuss
troubleshooting these devices
Grouping & Pairing & Connecting… Oh My! (pg. 54-55)
 There are three terms that are frequently interchanged, however, need to
be clearly defined.
 Grouping occurs in the Phonak software. It is when an ComPilot is
attached to hearing instruments to create a hearing system.
 Pairing is when a trusted relationship is established between two Bluetooth
devices. The devices place each other on their “buddy list”
 Connecting is when two previously paired devices recognize each other
and start talking.
Bluetooth: Pairing (pg. 56-62)
 Pairing occurs when two devices agree that it is safe to communicate with
one another
 To pair two compatible devices, a shared pin code is needed
 Many devices use the standard 0000, especially those without keyboards for
manual number input
 Once two devices are paired, they do not need to be re-paired unless either
device is reset or the pairing has been deleted
Bluetooth: Pairing
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The pairing process is:
1. Device A searches for other Bluetooth devices
2. Device B is found by Device A
3. Device A asks for a pin code and sends it to Device B
4. Device B sends the pin code back to Device A and creates a
trusted pairing if both pin codes are the same
Connecting (pg. 58-59)
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The ComPilot needs to be on
In the phone’s Bluetooth menu, find the list of paired devices
Choose ComPilot and select “connect”
Often there is some visual confirmation on the phone that it is
currently connected to a Bluetooth receiver (eg. the Bluetooth symbol
may appear near the battery indicator)
Which devices can be supported in parallel (pg. 42-45)
 The “Multi-Point” feature
The “Multi point” feature
 Most simple communication to your client is that ComPilot can
monitor two Bluetooth devices without problems
 The ComPilot allows you to monitor:
– 2 channels A2DP and
– 2 channels HFP/HSP at the same time
 You can toggle between inputs using the main button
 Keep in mind that most mobile phones will transmit both speech
(HFP/HSP) and music (A2DP)
 Most Bluetooth landline cordless phones (DECT) will only transmit
via HSP/HFP
 A audio/music streamer (eg. TVLink S) trasmits via A2DP
Which devices can be supported in parallel?
Why is Bluetooth important in my practice?
 This technology is no longer just for clients who fit this
demographic...
Now, this technology is applicable to ALL demographics!
Phonak ComPilot – Your connection to connectivity!
ComPilot orientation
Main button
Connect
Home button
Volume
ComPilot Function
 Points to remember
– A slow steady flashing blue light on the ComPilot means that the
ComPilot is currently connected to a device that it has been
previously paired with
– A steady blue light means that the ComPilot is currently
receiving a streamed signal such as output from a television
streamer or during an active phone call
Troubleshoot wireless
connections like a Phonakian
Pg. 65-71
Troubleshooting the ComPilot
 First conduct an audio check with the ComPilot to ensure proper HA
and ComPilot function (pg. 15)
– Press and hold the Connect and the Main buttons together for ~2
seconds until audio indicator is purple
– Should then hear a melody in the HAs confirming good
transmission from ComPilot to the hearing aids
– This will immediately rule out the hearing aids or the ComPilot as
the source of the issue
If the audio check was unsuccessful…
 Ensure the product is not a “petite” or “mini” – they do not have a
wireless antenna
 Ensure the neckloop is fully plugged in to the body of the ComPilot
and is being worn around the neck
 Regroup the hearing aids and ComPilot
 If the audio check was successful in one ear:
– The wireless antenna in the other aid may be defective
• Test the QuickSync feature
– The neckloop wires may be broken on that side of the neckloop
• If you have another neckloop in the clinic, attach it to the
client’s ComPilot and conduct the test again
Troubleshooting Bluetooth cell phone calls
Bluetooth
HiBAN
The cell phone cannot find the ComPilot when searching
for Bluetooth devices
 Ensure both phone and ComPilot are actually in Bluetooth pairing
mode
 The ComPilot may initially appear as “Headset” on some phones
(until the pin code is entered, then it will appear as “ComPilot”)
 If you are in an area with many Bluetooth signals (eg. NOAHLink,
iCube, your own cell phone, etc.), try moving to a room with less
interference
The cell phone and ComPilot paired successfully, so why
can’t I hear the phone ring in the hearing aids?
 Check that the phone says “Connected” to the ComPilot
– Remember “pairing” and “connecting” are different
 Ensure that the ComPilot is the primary Bluetooth device for the
phone (ie. ‘priority device’ or ‘primary’)
 Are the acoustic indicators turned off on either the phone or the
hearing aids?
I can hear the phone ring in the hearing aids, but when I
answer the call, I can’t hear the caller’s voice in the hearing
aids.
 Make sure the client is wearing the ComPilot around their neck
 Ensure the cell phone is not being worn in the back pocket, this will
interfere with the Bluetooth transmission (“body shielding”)
 When a call comes in, it has to be answered using the ComPilot
main button
 If the person answers the call on the cell phone itself, the phone will
“disconnect” from the ComPilot and expect to be used as ‘normal’
 When all else fails:
– Deleted the pairing from the phone and complete the pairing
process again
The phone call is successful, but the person on the other
end of the phone says they are having trouble hearing me
 Ensure the ComPilot is being worn correctly
– Cannot be worn on the person’s back
– Cannot be worn under clothing during a phone call
 The ComPilot microphones are directional facing upwards, therefore
do not turn the ComPilot sideways to try and troubleshoot this
 Reduce the amount of background noise
 Try not to move around excessively during a call
– The mics may be rubbing against clothing or other objects
– The wearer may be turning their head/mouth outside of the
directionality of the mics
 If the wearer needs to be moving around or in background noise
during calls, we suggest getting the MC1 external microphone to clip
to their lapels
Other Considerations
 Another issue is that the ComPilot may already be currently
connected to another device using the same profile that is needed to
connect to the new device.
 The ComPilot may consider another cell phone the ‘primary’ phone if
using the multipoint feature
 Remember the multipoint feature we discussed, the ComPilot cannot
accept a call on the 2nd cell phone while connected to the primary
cell phone
*** And don’t forget, an intermittent Bluetooth signal could actually be a
bad cell phone signal!
Troubleshooting Bluetooth TVLink connections
Audio out cables
Bluetooth
HiBAN
A point to remember about the TVLink and ComPilot
 Bluetooth is a one-to-one connection (it does not support broadcast
streaming)
 Therefore, two receiving devices cannot be connected to one
transmitting device at the same time.
• For example, a husband and wife, each with their own
ComPilot, would each need their own television transmitter.
Completing an audio check between the TVLink and the
ComPilot (pg. 34 of the TVLink User Guide)
 Turn off the TVLink basestation
 Press the basestation power button and the volume minus (-) button
at the same time until the status light starts to blink in different colors
 You should hear a test melody through the hearing aids
 This will immediately rule out any dysfunction with the link between:
1) TVLink and the ComPilot
2) ComPilot and the hearing aids
If the audio check was unsuccessful, re-pair the devices
 Press and hold the power button on the TVLink base until it starts
flashing blue
 Press and hold the Connect button and the volume up (+) button on
the ComPilot until it starts flashing blue rapidly (pairing mode)
 When the pairing is successful, the TVLink’s flashing light will turn
solid blue
The pairing was successful, but I can’t hear the TV through
the hearing aids
 Ensure the ComPilot is being worn correctly around the neck
 Check that the client has not pressed the Main button on the
ComPilot, thus pausing the signal
– If it is paused, the blue light on the ComPilot will be flashing
rather than solid
 Ensure the TVLink is connected to the TV properly
– The red and white cables must be in the “Audio Out” ports, not
the “Audio In” ports
 The ComPilot may currently be receiving a Bluetooth signal from
another A2DP device (eg. iPod, music streaming)
– Turn other devices off
The signal is intermittent
 Check that the cables are securely connected to the TV ports
– the red and white cables often ‘click’ when secure
 If the wearer uses the ComPilot with their Bluetooth cell phone, the
cell phone takes priority
– Therefore, if they are receiving a call, voicemail, text, or email on
the phone this will be transmitted to the hearing aids
The client’s TV does not have an analog ‘Audio Out’
 There are 2 ways around this:
1) Use the double sided audio cable that came with the TVLink to plug
the TVLink into the headphone jack of the TV
– Note that for many TVs this will disable the TV speakers so that
others in the room will not be able to hear the TV
2) Purchase a digital to analog converter at any electronics store
– For TVs that only have a ‘digital out’ or ‘optical out’ this will be
necessary
– Please consult our TVLink set-up guide document for creative
ideas for connecting to less than straightforward TVs!
ComPilot and RemoteMic
Bluetooth
HiBAN
Troubleshooting RemoteMic
 Re-pair the devices
– Turn off the RemoteMic
– Hold the “+” button while turning RemoteMic on
– Put ComPilot into pairing mode
– Light on RemoteMic will go solid when pairing is successful
 Remember that it can take ~60 seconds of stimulus into the
RemoteMic for the ComPilot to recognize it then switch to the
appropriate streaming mode
 Ensure RemoteMic is worn within 6” of the mouth (or placed in front of
audio speaker)
ComPilot and Bluetooth landline phones
Bluetooth
HiBAN
Troubleshooting a Bluetooth landline phone
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Your client is truly your best resource!
Ensure phone is compatible with Bluetooth v. 2.1
Re-pair the devices
Ensure client is using the proper procedure – it’s different than with a
cell phone!
– This is the most common troubleshooting we do for these
devices
– Dial phone # on handset
– Then press the ‘Connect’ button on the ComPilot
– Takes ~ 5 seconds to dial
Recommended Resources
 The Official Bluetooth Technology Info Site
– www.bluetooth.com
 Wikipedia – Bluetooth Reference
– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth
Happy Sailing on the Deep Bluetooth Sea of Technology!