This page takes you through the most important issues you need to check before ordering NOAHlink.

NOAHlink minimum requirements

NOAHlink can run on any PC that meets the minimum hardware and software requirements for NOAH System software. For more information, see the NOAH System 3 minimum requirements page.

Compatible NOAH modules

NOAHlink is supported by most hearing instrument manufacturers. However, not all NOAH 3 certified fitting modules support NOAHlink.

Therefore, it is very important that you make sure that NOAHlink is supported by the modules and instruments that you work with on a daily basis.

• For a list of hearing instrument manufacturers with NOAH 3 modules that support NOAHlink, click on the NOAHlink Certified Modules link in the right-hand menu.
  
• For a list of all hearing instrument manufacturers who support or plan to support NOAHlink, click on the Companies Supporting NOAHlink link in the right-hand menu.

NOAHlink programming cables

As with HI-PRO, you must have NOAHlink programming cables for the hearing instruments you want to program. These cables are much thinner and shorter than those used with HI-PRO. In addition, HIMSA and its member companies have worked hard to share common programming cables wherever possible.

Ask your hearing instrument distributors for your NOAHlink cables at the same time you ask to receive their NOAHlink-compatible NOAH 3 module.

Bluetooth interface

In order to use NOAHlink, your computer must have a Bluetooth interface.

Ezurio Bluetooth device included with NOAHlink

HIMSA supplies an Ezurio Bluetooth device with NOAHlink, and recommends this device for use with NOAHlink.  All HIMSA release testing and HIMSA certification testing procedures are performed using the Ezurio Bluetooth device.

Other Bluetooth devices

HIMSA does not test NOAHlink with other Bluetooth devices. However, in principle, NOAHlink should also communicate satisfactorily with other Bluetooth devices which use the Widcomm/Broadcom and Microsoft Bluethooth stack, such as Belkin and IOGear devices. Although HIMSA does not officially support these alternative devices reports from the field appear to indicate satisfactory performance.  If an installation has problems with inconsistent communication (e.g. connection to a hearing instrument is lost during a fine tuning) HIMSA recommends switching to the provided Ezurio Bluetooth device.

Built-in Bluetooth

Built-in Bluetooth is also an option on many new laptop computers. HIMSA’s compatibility claim and support stance is the same as “Other Bluetooth devices”.  If you have a computer with built-in Bluetooth your best chance for success is to install NOAHLink version 1.53 or newer as the installation process is more suited for built in Bluetooth.

Warning!

We have confirmed that on some Dell laptops, the Bluetooth Stack for Windows by Toshiba (version 4 and 5) does NOT communicate with NOAHlink. To determine if your built-in Bluetooth stack is the "Bluetooth Stack for Windows by Toshiba", right click on the Bluetooth icon by the time and choose About. To proceed you can uninstall the Bluetooth Stack for Windows by Toshiba from Add/Remove Programs and use the Ezurio device and Bluetooth driver that ships with NOAHlink.