An independent assessment of listening devices

Long overdue is an independent assessment of listening devices.  The manufacturers overstate their benefits and at the same time gloss over the situations where they have weaknesses.  I have studied the wireless listening devices, having borrowed them from the makers.  I have also acquired a couple which I use all the time.  They certainly allow one to participate in situation where otherwise, being quite severely handicapped by hearing loss, I would be excluded.
The website is under preparation and is expected to go live in the next two months.  There will be no sponsorship and so no favours to or from any manufacturer.

An important but often forgotten principle concerning the use of listening devices for hearing TV, lecturers, speakers etc.

The clarity of sound from a source is better the closer you are to that source.   As one moves further away so the sound is rapidly dissipated from the source in all directions (through 360 degrees).  The further the microphone distance from the source the more interference there will be from other noises in the room with the sound bouncing off walls back to the microphone.   This is the reason why it is difficult to hear a speaker in a large room is one is near the back.  There is plenty of sound but the clarity has gone.

So always place the microphone as close to the sound source as possible.  This does not mean actually on top of the speaker, but close by to avoid the distortion which is inevitable if placed too close.  It is often not easy to know exactly where the speakers are situated on many TV sets.  One has to hunt for them – possibly even get someone with good hearing to help.  The search will be rewarded.