Listening devices for the deaf by John Rickett Sound quality comes in all shapes and sizes and in common with sight good quality hearing means one can maintain social contacts more effectively. It is not the volume of the sound but it is the clarity that is lost in those of us who have hearing problems. This is particularly noticeable when there is background noise. This can be in a crowded room, a pub, a restaurant or even when there is background noise during a television programme. The room in which one finds oneself has a big effect on the clarity. Large and particularly unfurnished rooms allow the sound to go round and round in creating echo and making the problem of hearing very much more difficult. In recent years a better understanding of sound has brought about changes in instruments of hearing to produce much improved reception particularly in the situations we all know to be difficult – the high ceiling and sparsely furnished room. This, together with background noise is the situation when we, as deaf people, struggle. This article is an attempt to guide you through the jungle of equipment currently available. The first choice to be made is that between the use of single pieces of equipment for each problem as against one system that is comprehensive and multifunctional in a variety of settings. Watching television, speaking in the car, hearing on the phone, hearing in the group settings of a restaurant, a pub, dining table, family groups and so forth. If one piece of equipment can help in all these settings it is a big advantage. Should the hearing problem only be apparent when say watching television then there are devices for that situation alone. There is no point in getting a more expensive piece of equipment for situations where it will never be used. A strong argument exists for having one hearing system and using it in as many settings as possible. If one accepts this then the so called ‘listening devices’ are often appropriate.

Listening devices Modern technology has advanced to provide us with these small, battery operated instruments. They are easily carried around in a pocket or in the hand bag. Most of them use the neck loop system. To activate this system a hearing aid should have a T- coil setting which is turned on by means of a switch on the back of the hearing aid. The neck loop is worn round the neck and can be worn either under or over clothing, but when under clothing there is sometimes a tendency for movement of clothing to result in rustling which can affect good reception. Worn outside clothing is therefore ideal. Some of the neck loops are not particularly pretty, but this is a relatively small drawback and most people care more about hearing better than whether the neck loop coordinates with their fashion accessories. The alternative to the neck loop is the headphone set. These are not particularly easy to use and some people find them awkward and fiddly and in social settings not acceptable. They are really only of benefit in the limited setting of one’s home. There are however drawbacks to the new technology. The first is that these sophisticated instruments have to be carried about. They have batteries which need charging, switches which need getting used to, and some wires which can get in the way and adjustments made according to the environment – television, car, restaurant, theatre, lecture, conference, meeting, guided tour group etc. The second drawback of course is the cost. The question remains whether we are willing to part with money when we all know perfectly well that one can throw money away on gadgets and later find they do not help. The difficulty is to acquire a gadget and try it out without having to incur costs. In an ideal world this should be possible and should be made readily available. Unfortunately this is not the case and we are required, when purchasing from the RNID to pay for the instrument before we try it out. It can be returned within 28 days, provided it is in an ‘unused’ condition – for a full refund. There is a wealth of gadgets. Some are relatively inexpensive. These low priced listeners connect to you by means of a wire. This could attach to a neck loop (T position needed) or to headphones or similar. They connect to the television, or the radio by means of an audio lead which plugs in or more simply by placing the microphone near the set. They could be used in the car. The wires are a bit of a nuisance and for that reason one might wish to spend a little more and go for a listener which connects by radio to the receiver and thus do away with all the wires. I decided that I would not be beaten by the system. I therefore ordered and paid for a gadget (the CM-1 radio listener) to try out. I found it was good but for my purpose only in quite limited situations. The specifications detailed are those of the instruments I used. These specifications can change and enquiry is recommended to check prior to making a purchase.

CM-1 This is a (wireless) listener using a radio link to a neck loop. 1) Instructions for use. The instructions are clear and concise. There was no scart lead. The audio jack is a single 3.5mm lead that fits into the television or radio. 2) Component parts – 2 battery chargers with connecting bridge, transmitter, receiver, neck loop, power supply unit, pin to set transmitter frequency, rechargeable batteries, audio cable, case. 3) Power supply – Rechargeable batteries. a) A low battery warning is given for the rechargeable batteries b) Length of charge time – 12 hours. There is nothing to indicate when the batteries are fully charged. c) Duration of transmitting/receiving time on a single charge – 12 hours. 4) Quality of sound signal using a neck loop (T switch activated) a) Interference – some interference was present from time to time. b) The sound signal was constant and consistent. But the volume of sound was for me a little too quiet. I had to use full volume. c) Transmitting distance – not stated in the manual, but found to be several metres in practice trials. 5) Ease of use. There is no clip for attachment of the transmitter to clothing, though there is a neck draw string. The speaker may have to hold the transmitter in hand when speaking. This could be a nuisance. Watching television Using the 3.5 audio jack on the TV good sound was received. Using the microphone on the transmitter pointed to the loud speaker the sound quality was not so good. Use in the car The speaker talks directly into the microphone of the transmitter. This greatly helped communication but again for me personally the volume was a little quiet. Group meetings, restaurant and pub use The instrument does not have sufficient volume to be of any real benefit to me personally as I am quite severely deaf. I found it only marginally helpful. When the room had a low ceiling and was acoustically efficient there was benefit. Used on full volume Guided tour The guide wore the transmitter round her neck. I found considerable help in hearing the guide (volume on full). Naturally enough one had to switch off the T-coil to hear what other members of the group were saying. Some general points The directional microphone is useful but is not exclusive and sound is also received from other directions. Channel changes are difficult. There should be little need to change the channel with normal use but the switches are extremely small and, and hard to find. The numbers of the volume control are very small. 6) The receiver is stated to have 2 hours usage after the low battery warning comes on. I practice the transmission cut out immediately the warning light was lit. 7) Length of warranty - 2 years 8) How does it perform in the situations for which it is recommended? Using the audio jack it was useful for watching television and for this use alone it offers value for money. Being severely deaf I found personally that the volume was not quite loud enough to use the device in other situations. It would however work a lot better for someone who was not as deaf as I am. In the car, and during guided tours it could prove a great help. 8) In comparison with other products does it offer good value for money? For the situations mentioned this listener has helped many people with moderate deafness and has provided good value for money. For those who are very severely deaf a more powerful instrument might be better.


Report on the Contego 1) Instructions for use. Are they helpful and complete? The instructions were complete and clear. 2) Component parts Neck loop and receiver (battery operated), transmitter (battery operated), connecting cables to scart, audio jacks and separate microphone. There are microphones in both the transmitter and the receiver. The sound volume of each microphone can be adjusted from the receiver. 3) Power supply – batteries (rechargeable). a) Batteries have a low power warning. b) Recharge time is 4 hours c) Transmitting/receiving time on a single charge is 16 hours 4) Quality of sound signal a) Interference can occur due to movement of receiver within clothing, but this will only occur when the receiver microphone is switched on. If interference is a nuisance it is best to only listen through the transmitter microphone. b) The sound signal was constant and reliable though sometimes the signal can be intermittent when one is at some distance from the microphone. c) Over what distance can the signal be received – 30 metres. d) There was interference with Sennheiser headphones, but this cleared when they were disconnected. 5) Length of warranty – 2 years 6) How does it perform in the situations for which it is recommended? T switch is needed on the hearing aid. a) TV – good clear sound – There is a considerable improvement but when there is much background noise or speaker does not have a clear voice or if there is whispering then I personally (I am severely deaf) found the subtitles were still needed. b) Tested in a large room committee meeting. Directional microphone was useful – hearing was good – probably about 90%. The directional microphone favours sound from the direction to which it is pointed but also receives sound from other sources. c) Group gathering. Good clarity, the microphone positioned on the table in the middle with one person talking. At dinner, with the microphone again on the table in the middle the sound was good if there was a single conversation. Not so good if several people were talking at once. The microphone then needs moving closer to sound source. In a very noisy room or restaurant it is of limited value. It can be very helpful when speeches are made during a formal dinner provided the microphone is place near the speaker. I found it particularly helpful to hear wedding speeches. d) Car. One passenger has the transmitter. Very good quality sound. With other passengers speaking microphone needs to be passed to them. When listening to the radio in the car the Contego is very valuable. The microphone placed as close to the speaker as possible. One can hear better than other people who in the car at the same time. e) Conducted tour of a museum. The tour guide wears the microphone. One is then able to walk around freely looking at exhibits and at the same time keep in touch with the guide provided one is within 30 metres distance. Having the microphone of the receiver turned on allows you to hear conversation of those close around. f) Some people just do not speak very clearly. It is not simply the volume of their voice but the lack of clarity which it difficult. When the microphone is placed near their voice or directed towards them on a table one can often hear very much more clearly. g) In church if there is no T coil then the microphone can be placed in the front of the aisle with benefit. On the other hand a good T coil can obviate the need but sometimes the circuit is faulty or the volume is not sufficient. In this case the listener can be used to enhance the volume of the signal. I found that wearing the neck loop and having the receiver switched on (when the Contego transmitter microphone is switched off) made a considerable improvement to the quality and volume of reception. 6) The instrument is light, fits easily into a pocket and easy to handle. 7) In comparison with other products does it offer good value for money? I found it is a most useful help in a wide variety of situations. It allows one to keep in touch in group gatherings in which otherwise I would be out of touch. Strongly recommended with the only reservations outlined above. I was fortunately able to borrow the

Phonak Zoom Link listener. This is available in association with a neck loop(T setting needed) listener similar to the Contego or, as an alternative with an FM receiver. This is a little shoe which fits onto the bottom of the hearing aid. The system has to be switched on by means of a switch on the hearing aid. This is a similar switch to the T setting. They can both be accommodated together on the aid but obviously cannot be used at the same time. The system has to be set up by an audiologist. The Zoom link listener can be fitted to hearing aids other than those made by Phonak, but one would need to enquire through your audiologist. The FM receiver (this is sometimes called an ear level receiver) has the big advantage that a neck loop is not required. They are obtrusive, ungainly and frankly a nuisance. Therefore use of the Phonak zoom link with the FM receiver is a big advance. Unfortunately the cost is considerable. Some negotiation on the price is possible but the going price given for Zoom link and FM receiver is about £1,500. The makers, Phonak tell me that the sound received by the FM receiver is better than with the My Link neck loop because the signal is received directly into the hearing aid.

The Phonak Zoom Link listener I used this device with an FM receiver. This is a powerful listening device which has the advantage of adapting to different listening situations. It is small, neat and easily carried around in a hand bag or can be worn around the neck when not in use. This means it can be brought out quickly whenever one finds oneself in a difficult hearing situation. In a recent visit to relatives in USA there were many times when it came in handy and allowed me to enjoy the company of those I was visiting so that I could join in the conversation and not feel excluded as so often happens when one finds that one is in a difficult environment. A restaurant, a gathering of several people, or even more simply that one of the group has a quiet voice or does not speak very clearly. I found I always carried it around with me at all times so that I could produce it whenever the need arose. Two nieces had very quiet voices and so the device was always useful when they were around. During the visit I found it was useful in the airplane as the audio jack fitted the jack on the seat. This allowed me to connect with the loud speaker of the aircraft and enjoy the video/music. I have to add that the aircraft background noise was still a nuisance. Indeed it is a nuisance when using the headphones supplied by the airline. It would be a good idea in an aircraft to block the outside noise allowed into the ear through the open port in many hearing aid moulds. This could be done perhaps with a small plug of blue tack or something similar. Of course then it would be difficult to hear your neighbour if they want to talk to you. We had family gatherings and I found that the listener worked extremely well when brought out and placed on the table in the middle. At meal times is worked well, though when there was a lot of clatter of dishes, cutlery etc this distracted considerably. It was better during the later stages of the meal when the clatter had died down. The dining room as sparsely furnished with no carpet and a largish room which always makes for problems. I found I was able to enjoy the meal times, and join in the conversation when normally in such a large group I would have had much difficulty. On one occasion we visited a large and rather noisy restaurant when normally I would have been cut off except to one or two immediate neighbours. With the device on the table I was able to hear those around me. I could not connect with those at the other end of the table however but I think that even those with good hearing would have found this impossible. The directional microphone is a help but the sound received is by no means focussed accurately. I went to a museum where there was a guide. He wore the microphone/transmitter and I was able to hear what he said very easily. This was a great advantage as I found I could wander off to look at various exhibits and still remain in contact with him. I used the Phonak listener in the car whenever we were driving. I found it most useful. Hand held and offered towards the speaker with the zoom directed. A valuable way of keeping up with the conversation at a time when normally I struggle. If one only has one companion in the car he/she can wear the mike/transmitter around their neck. If, when driving alone, one wants to listen to the radio it is useful to put the microphone very close to the speaker. One can then keep the volume low and listen without very much interference from engine noise. At home when watching television it was useful. I connected the audio lead to the TV and found the sound quality improved a lot. I found it also connected well with a radio audio connection and this was useful especially as it means one can listen and walk away from the radio but still hear the programme (as when working in the kitchen and house generally). Another method is simply to place the microphone close to the speaker. As far as overall function is concerned the instrument did well. The charging was quick and straightforward and the charge lasted very well. I found that with the small shoe on my hearing aid the batteries of the hearing aid did not last quite as long as they normally did. (10 rather than 14 days). This is, after all, hardly surprising. It was good to use this listening device as it improved the quality of my life very considerably. I recommend the Phonak Zoom. I have not been able to compare its performance when using the My link listener (neck loop version) directly with the Contego. Used with the FM (ear level receiver) it is the top of the range in terms of quality and ease of use. If you can negotiate a discount from the recommended price (about £1,500) it could be very good value. Having the instrument on a trial basis was ideal as the cost is considerable and one needs the reassurance that it ‘works for me’ before committing oneself.

The Comfort Audio Listener I tested three units of the system. The DC20 (microphone), the DH10 (receiver and T setting neck loop) along with the DM10 additional microphone for simultaneous listening with the DC20. I understand the system can be set up with an ear level receiver if necessary. One should enquire from the audiologist as to the details of this and the cost. Obviously if is an advantage not to have to use a neck loop. 1) Instructions – these were given on a memory stick for unloading onto the computer. They were succinct and clear, but I did not look at all the options as I had no Bluetooth to connect. 2) Component parts. A receiver (DH10) with neck loop (T setting needed), a transmitting mike (DM10) and a conference mike (DC20). There is an audio lead and a charger. It all comes in a nice case closed by zip. 3) Ease of use. There was a useful stand for the DC20 mike so that it can be placed in front of a sound source. Typically this might be a radio or TV. There was a useful cord so that it could be worn round the neck of the speaker. This was removable. The switching on buttons are readily located and though a bit fiddly to operate as they have to be held down for 2 seconds to allow the instrument to boot up. A similar technique is needed for shutting down. The display panel goes dark when not in use and this is a slight disadvantage as one needs sometimes to check the volume display, battery symbol etc. Otherwise the display view is good with the necessary symbols all shown. 4) Power supply. Rechargeable batteries There is a low battery symbol in the display panel. Recharge time is either 2 hours or 5 hours depending on which unit is low. Operating time is 10 hours. 5) Quality of sound. Television. With the DM10 there was some intermittent interference when listening at some distance from the sound source. The sound quality through both DM10 and DC20 was good when listening to the TV using the audio jack and when the mike is placed close to the speaker. The stand supplied for the DC20 was useful for this. Use in the car. Using either the DM10 clipped to a single person or using it hand held was useful. The conference mike (DC20) could also be used. In a restaurant if one is speaking to a single person the DM10 can be used or if there is a group the DC20 is more appropriate. This has the advantage of a directional facility to pick up sound from a more distant source, though like the other microphones I have tried the sound from the source to which it is directed is by no means specific. It is not able to focus accurately. In a conference the conference mike (DC20) is very useful and use is made of the four settings of the mike to limit unwanted noise and focus on the relevant sound source at any one time. I found that when I was using the DC20 and the DM10 simultaneously there was a marked reduction in sound volume through the neck loop. This was a nuisance as it was necessary, to optimise the sound signal, to arrange to turn one of them off if they were not needed simultaneously. Restaurant The conference mike (DC20) is very helpful with use of the different settings for the mike. If the restaurant is very noisy, the room is large and unfurnished there sound reception is effected and background noise remains a problem but this is inevitable. Those with normal hearing will have difficulty in this situation. 6) Warranty. Two years. 7) How does it perform in the situations for which it is recommended? As with many things in life you pay for what you get. The Comfort Audio is at the top of the range. It is light, easy to handle, convenient and more adaptable to different situations than any other device I have tried. For those who attend conferences or meetings regularly it would be a valuable addition to improve the quality of communication. It is possible that money might be available under the Access to Work funding. 8) Bluetooth connectivity The DC20 can be connected to two phones for conference work. This facility was not tested. 9) Value for money. For those whose lifestyle depends on good group communication the instrument could provide, despite the cost, good value for money. I personally found a real drawback was the inability to control the microphones from the receiver (DH10). Technically you can do this with the Contego. For those requiring a Bluetooth phone connection it could prove invaluable. It is strongly recommended that potential purchasers try it out in practice before making a commitment. In summary There is absolutely no point in paying for a device that is over the top for the purpose for which it is required. All the time the manufacturers are making modifications and improvements and with patience a better model may be available later. If this was to happen this would reward one’s patience. I found that even with the very expensive devices the ability to hear better sound in the very noisy restaurant or large group social gatherings (cocktail parties) the device could not cope and the sound signal was overwhelmed. The best one can hope for is a slight improvement. Directional microphones are a help but the sound picked up is by no means specific to the direction to which it is focussed. I found in practice it was most useful to be able to control the sound volume and direction of the mobile microphone from a switch on the receiver (neck loop models). All the listening devices I tried could be used for listening and watching television either by audio or scart lead or even by means of the microphone placed near the speaker. However in terms of pure sound quality I found that for TV the best was from use of Sennheiser cordless headphones. The listening devices were particularly useful in these situations. 1) The car. As driver or passenger the microphone can be worn around the neck. When driving alone one can place it in a position close to the car radio speaker. 2) Hearing a quietly spoken person or when having a conversation with someone who does not speak very clearly – ie they mumble. 3) Small group tea or dinner parties or similar gatherings like coffee mornings. 4) Television and radio listening. The sound signal can be heard at considerable distance from the microphone and sound source (up to 30 metres). One can listen to the radio in the house using the neck loop whilst working in the garage. 5) Going round public places with a guide. The guide wears the microphone and one can then hear perfectly even when one is at the back of the group. 6) Speeches when there is no loud speaker public address system. Weddings, public dinners etc – in church if there is no T- loop system available (get the vicar to wear the microphone or place it in on the front row in the aisle where it will pick up the sound from the lectern, pulpit etc). 7) Committee meetings. Place the transmitting mike on the committee table. You can then sit near the back. In lectures the lecturer should wear the mike clipped to clothing or hanging round the neck. 8) In a noisy restaurant one tip is to make sure the table you choose is on the perimeter of the room rather than in the middle. One can then place the transmitting mike as far away from the wall as possible, but pointing towards it. This helps to cut down unwanted sound but allows sound from those sitting at the table. If you job depends on your ability to hear well and you are registered as disabled for this reason then you just might be eligible for a grant towards the cost under the government's Access to Work scheme. Summary of advice in the choice of a listening device. 1) Decide the situations where help is needed. In may simply be in the car. It that is the case then there is no point in going over the top and getting a highly sophisticated instrument. Alternatively for watching the television the same thing applies. Don’t go over the top. Find a simple device which solves the problem. 2) Decide how much money you have to spend. Chose something in the right budget. 3) Choose a device that you think will cope with your needs, order it, but be prepared to send it back if you are not satisfied. It may be that the instrument is not working properly. There may be humming with some hearing aids. If this occurs contact the supplier and enquire to enquire if there is any way to stop this (possibly by changing the channel). It should be used as much as possible and returned within the allowable time if it is unsatisfactory. Never accept an instrument that does not work for you. 4) Use it as much as possible. Get as much as you can out of it as you will then be familiar with its good points and equally be aware of what it cannot do. Listening devices studied and prices (these do not include VAT and will need checking) CM-1 £299 Conversor £349 Contego £425 Phonak Zoom link with neck loop £500 Phonak Zoom Link with FM receiver £1,500 (approx) Comfort Audio £3,500 (depends on model) Please note I have written individual reports about each of these devices. These reports are based on my own very personal experience. I cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies. My opinions are my own. I have been honest in my opinions. I receive no commission or payment whatsoever. Sometimes the devices are updated and improved without my knowledge. The prices quoted were those on going to press and would need updating. One should check all the details before making any decisions.