Nokia intros Loopset for cellphones, hearing aids

Nokia on Wednesday announced the release of its latest Wireless Loopset, the HS-67WL, designed to improve cellular phone usability for users with hearing aids. The Loopset is compatible with T-coil-equipped hearing aids or cochlear implants and makes hands-free connections between the hearing aid devices and Bluetooth 2.1-equipped cell phones. Background noise filtering thanks to induction technology improves speech discrimination for clear, distortion-free calls, Nokia says.

The HS-67WL has a vibrating alert function to notify users of incoming calls, which they can answer or end with a single button. An adjustable sidetone level controls the amount of feedback from users' own voices in the headpiece. The volume range and frequency response are likewise tuned appropriately for the intended application.

The HS-67WL Loopset will be available worldwide in the first quarter of 2009 with an equivalent price of about $315.