WidexLink wireless technology enables communication between two part-
ners of a binaural pair of UNIQUE hearing aids and with their matched exter-
nal devices. The requirements for the quality of service (QoS) vary among
the various components and their intended user scenarios.
For programming, these requirements include a BER (Bit Error Rate) better
than 10-3, at a bitrate of 212 kbits/s, a semi-duplex transmission with a re-
quired acknowledge, a transmission latency in each direction (2x) and a re-
ceive-to-transmit mode (RX to TX) time. The data are saved in the hearing
aid even when transmission is interrupted.
During daily use, the requirements on audio streaming between hearing
aids include a BER better than 10-3. The communication is simplex with a
bitrate of 212 kbits/s. The additional audio decoding in this mode results in a
longer latency which is less than 10 ms. For remote control commands the
QoS requirements include a BER better than 10-2. The lower BER require-
ment results from redundant transmissions. Each key press results in trans-
missions of 7 data packages of which only one is needed for a successful
communication.
For inter-ear communication between hearing aids, a BER better than 10-3
is required. The communication is updated every 50 ms (or 20 Hz). The
hearing aids continue to amplify based on the last saved settings even when
the transmission range is exceeded or when communication is interfered.
Wireless Security Measures
Security of the wireless signals is assured through device system design that
includes:
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