“If I didn’t have Bluetooth, I wouldn’t be here.”
Tom Kane uses AI and assistive tech daily to stay safe, connected, and confident. After a serious fall and 12-week hospital stay, Bluetooth hearing aids helped him stay tuned into the world — TV, radio, and conversations. Now, he’s a peer tech mentor, supporting others every Wednesday to explore tools like Live Transcribe, Alexa, and Copilot.
Tools That Work for Tom
- Bluetooth NHS hearing aids – Free, but add-ons like Loop cost extra
- Live Transcribe app – £5/month (free tier: 1hr/month)
- Ring doorbell – £50, boosts safety and peace of mind
- Shake-Awake smoke alarm – Free, vital for sleep safety
- iPhone Live Listening, Alexa, Copilot, GPT Chat – Everyday support
What’s Changed
- No longer excluded from meetings — Live Transcribe helps everyone follow along
- Tech reduces anxiety — doorbell and smoke alarm mean he can sleep safely
- Weekly peer sessions build confidence and community
- Bluetooth tools helped him recover and stay connected in hospital
What Needs Fixing
- Live Transcribe struggles with group chats
- Not enough awareness — many don’t know NHS hearing aids are free
- Tech must be co-produced with those with loss of hearing — real people, real testing
Tom’s Advice
- “Don’t be ashamed — use what’s available.”
- iPhones offer more built-in accessibility
- Try new tech — you won’t know until you do
- Push for awareness in health and social care