An independent assessment of FM and other listening devices to help beyond the hearing aid

The new website - http://listeningdevicesforthedeaf.co.uk  is now live.
Listening devices are life enhancing to those who need them.   Take a look at this independent review which reviews them from the users point of view.  The manufacturers tend to exaggerate and boast about individual devices.
There is quite a lot of new information on it - in particular help to understand the audiogram.  Some practical insight may be obtained as to the help a listener would achieve.
I would never be without mine because they allow me to keep in touch with the outside world.  There is nothing more important than that!

June - the launch of the website

The website listening devices for the deaf will go live on the web in June.  The final adjustments to it are in hand.  It is non commercial and without sponsorship and the advice given is personal and without prejudice.  I will not give advice.  The website attempts to provide information about the products from a users point of view.  The manufacturers boasts are questioned.  They should not be taken for granted.

Caution is needed when a choice is made and the most important advice is to try the device before accepting it.  Get the agreement of the vendor at the point of sale that it may be returned if it does not come up to expectations.

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.

The new website - listening devices for the deaf

Christmas results in delays - 'flu, holidays, shopping and other distractions all play their part. The new website will go live in February. It is under preparation. The information will be easier to obtain and will be up to date and relevant.  Details will be available for the Elite listening devices.  These are the ones which use wireless transmission of sound.  They are costlier than the others but are infinitely more adaptable to differing uses and there are no wires to get in a tangle.  Information will allow comparison between the different makes so that one will be able to see more clearly what is offered and if it fulfills your particular needs.

Beyond the hearing aid In this age of communication it is ever more important, young and old alike, to keep in touch with what is going on all around. The available technology is changing all the time. The new website which will replace this one will attempt to address what is becoming available. There is no plan to provide too much detail which is the responsibility of the manufacturers. I hope to give some guidance on the basic information. This starts with a better understanding of the audiogram. There will be some guidance on this.

This blog website is shortly to be closed down. All traffic will automatically be directed to the new website which is called www.listeningdevicesforthedeaf.co.uk or .com. These domain names have been reserved already. I am working with South Devon College IT department who are most helpful. The new website should be up and running soon. All the information will be checked and updated. This has been a big task, but it has been thoroughly worthwhile as some things were out of date. I will keep you posted.

This website has been running for 4 years. There is a need to redesign it and I am currently working to that end. I hope that within a few weeks it will be up and running. The new website will be easy to use with drop down pages and a menu to access the different devices in order to get the information required. At this stage I would welcome suggestions for improvements.

Listening Devices For The Deaf
Beyond the hearing aid help is needed in social gatherings, coffee mornings, meetings, lectures hearing the television and when travelling in the car.   Listening devices are there to help in a variety of situations, but which of the listening devices is best ? We are spoilt for choice. There are numerous devices and gadgets on the market. They all have both good points and weaknesses. The weaknesses are not spelt out in the catalogue and at the same time the benefits are, in general, overstated. For this reason this website is designed to assist those who are thinking of buying one. This website is not sponsored in any way. The advice given is impartial. The opinions are mine. I am moderately severely hard of hearing. I have no hearing in my left ear –therefore an aid in that ear is of no use. My right ear needs a lot of help from the aid. I have a NHS (BTE) Siemens aid. I struggle to hear in company and in social situations. Bear this in mind at all times when you read what I have written.

The golden rules of buying a listening device
1) Keep it simple. Don’t buy something which is overcomplicated to use. Be sure you understand the controls and have the dexterity to use them.
2) Identify the situations when hearing loss is a nuisance. Should one single occasion (say watching the television) be the problem then there is no advantage in spending money on a more sophisticated listener when there is a simpler solution for that particular purpose.
3) Know that the makers’ advice about the listeners is exaggerated. In particular the ability to cut down background noise is only a slight help. Some devices having a directional microphone. You should understand that this capability is helpful but is relatively weak.
4) Most important of all is the need not to accept the device until you have tried it out in the different listening situations. If it does not meet your expectations then the device should be returned. I advise the postal wrappings are kept so that it can easily be repacked and posted.

A word of caution
One is trying to achieve improving the clarity of speech in differing situations. It is clarity rather than sound volume that is the limiting factor. Often there is background noise – pubs, restaurants and the like. Background television noise, and hearing against the engine and traffic noise in cars are also good examples and of course children are difficult because they have high pitched voices and don’t enunciate clearly. Clarity of speech is dependent on the frequency of the sound. Sadly it is the higher pitches which are lost in the usual age-related deafness. If the hearing loss is severe it may be that certain frequencies are altogether inaudible and cannot be heard no matter how loud it is amplified.

Hearing aids are designed individually to compensate for the particular loss in each person. The sound is boosted where the audiogram suggests the need. Boosting the sound beyond a certain level may not help. This should be born in mind when considering the purchase of an expensive device. They should be tried out before accepting the purchase. In general speech the vowels are easier to hear. A E I O and U. It is the consonants which pose the problems, especially Ps and Bs and Vs. Nor is lip reading to distinguish between P and B easy!

Types of listening devices
1) A simple microphone at the sound source which connects to you by means of a wire. Those who don’t wear a hearing aid can use a stethoset . This is worn like a light plastic stethoscope. Hearing aid users can also use a telecoil loop. This is worn around the neck (the hearing aid will need the T-coil setting). This is the least expensive method, but wires can be a nuisance and some people prefer a radio (wireless) link.
2) The microphone which picks up the sound connects to you wirelessly. One wears a receiver which attaches to one’s clothing. This connects to the ear either by stethoset (non-hearing aid users) or telecoil loop around the neck(T-coil setting needed on the hearing aid).
3) A microphone as in (2) above which connects wirelessly direct to the hearing aid without the need of a separate receiver. The receiver is in the form of a small shoe which fits onto the bottom of thehearing aid. This is known as an ear level receiver. This shoe has to be purchased at the same time and needs setting up by an audiologist. This method is a little more expensive but is certainly convenient.
4) There are other methods of transfer of sound from the source to you. These are good in particular circumstances. I do not intend to give further details about them. Bluetooth is one of these. Some listeners are Bluetooth compatible. This is certainly something which could be explored at the point of purchase.

This blog seems to be getting some good attention. In view of this I have been considering if allowing some linkages on the site would be acceptable. These would be obviously targetted to the content but it would not alter the basic principle that the content is not sponsored in any way. The opinions expressed are not influenced by any commercial interest. This policy I will adhere to very strictly. I will keep testing equipment, borrowed from the makers, on the understanding that my opinion expressed subsequently in the report, checked for factual errors, would be my own.

I keep a keen eye out for new developments in listening devices. My particular interest is those which can be used in a variety of settings. Hearing in individual situations is usually resolved with the use of gadjets designed for that one particular purpose. These are less costly. The listeners described are adaptable to a variety of listening situations. They are relatively sophisticated, quite expensive, and often need some manipulative skills and some dexterity. If you think they may be for you read on:

The FMGenie

Hearing aids are a great help in communicating but many people need more assistance than they provide to enjoy the company of others. If you are visiting this site for the first time I recommend you go to the April 2010 posting before reading further. If you are thinking of buying any of the devices I have written about remember the caveats. Try it out before purchasing and be prepared to send it back if it does not meet the requirments. Good luck.

I was recently lent the FMGenie by Connevans. This is my report.

Report on the FM Genie June 2011

The instructions
These were good. On first looking at the book which runs to over 100 pages including 7 appendices I formed the impression that the Genie was very complicated. However having familiarized myself with the basics I found the instructions very good and the instrument is simple to use. The detail outlined in all the appendices deal with particular problems which one might encounter in different circumstances.
The equipment
This consist of a transmitter and a receiver. The receiver is normally attached to a neck loop (T position needed on the hearing aid), though one can use a ‘direct input lead’ which connects the receiver directly to a shoe on the hearing aid or aids. This would have to be separately purchased. The receiver has a socket for an external microphone. It has no internal microphone.
The transmitter is normally worn or carried by the person with whom one is communicating. I found the transmitting distance to be normally about 20-30 metres and even more than this under ideal circumstances. The transmitter has an external microphone socket. The microphone is attached to the lapel of the person carrying the transmitter. There is also an internal microphone on the transmitter. Only when this is used a short aerial lead is required connected to the transmitter.
There are rechargeable batteries and a battery charger. There is a conference microphone. This connects with the transmitter.
The accessories are numerous and allow convenience for the Genie to be used in all sorts of circumstances. Shoulder straps, belts, cases for the transmitter and receiver etc.
A version of the Genie is now available with a 'direct input' shoe on the hearing aid.  This obviates the need of a receiver as the sound signal from the transmitter goes direct to the hearing aid.  It is more expensive but without the receiver would be more convenient in use.  I say this but have not tried it out myself.

How does it perform?
I used the Genie with my hearing aid  (neck loop of the Genie, HA set in T position).
Used for watching the TV – The Genie connects with either with a scart lead or via audio leads or using the internal microphone on the transmitter. Quality of sound is best when using the scart lead or audio leads. The sound quality was excellent. But bear in mind the slight drawback of there being no microphone on the receiver (mentioned later).
Used in the car – Using the lapel microphone with the transmitter the sound quality received was very good. Having the microphone close to the speaker means the engine noise is not so intrusive. By clipping the microphone close to the radio speaker on can enjoy radio programmes and at the same time cut down on the engine’s background noise.
Used for a walk – The sound quality was again very good. One is able to keep in touch with the person with whom one is walking even when they are at some distance. The batteries had good reserves of energy and can be used for a prolonged time even when showing some battery depletion.
Used in a conference – The conference microphone was placed on the table in the middle. Hearing was good. My impression was that it was probably better than other listeners in a similar situation.

Assessment
Sound quality was very good in all situations. Transmitting distance was also good. In general the Genie is very good in situations when one is communicating with one single person. The lapel microphone is small and easily worn and is more convenient than some of the transmitters which can be difficult to attach to clothing. The transmitter and receiver are both small enough to fit in the pocket easily but there are accessories like pouches, shoulder straps and belts for convenience. Both the transmitter and receiver were slightly bigger than some of the other listeners but I formed the impression that the Genie was a robust and highly reliable listener with very good battery reserves and well worth the slight additional bulk.

In this respect the Genie is designed for communicating with one single person – on a guided tour of a public building – in a lecture in a hall or theatre with the lecturer or guide wearing the transmitter. It is also invaluable when walking or dining with a single companion who would of course wear the transmitter.
It is also very good in for a group meeting like a coffee morning or a conference with up to 8 to 10 people in a single room – provided of course there is a convenient table on which to put the conference microphone.
The battery capacity of the Genie was remarkable. Connevans boast that it can be regularly topped up and does not have the drawback of capacity loss if topped frequently. Even when the battery signal was getting low I used the Genie on a 3 hour walk and there appeared to be still plenty of power left when I got back.

There is no directional microphone on the transmitter and this is a slight drawback in certain situations when one is in company with two or three people or even at a meeting when there are speakers in different parts of the room. Nor is there an internal microphone on the receiver. This means that one listens to one source at all times. To hear someone sitting close to the person with the receiver the switch on the hearing aid would need changing from T to normal hearing.

The Genie was simple to use and would therefore be suitable for elderly users who need a simple instrument which is reliable in use. I had one instance of failure of communication between the transmitter and the receiver. I was flummoxed at the time. I tried to resolve it with the manual but failed and I resorted to a phone call to Connevans who dealt with it easily.

Summary
I thoroughly recommend the Genie as a highly reliable and life enhancing instrument for listening particularly in those circumstances I have described. It is very adaptable to different listening scenes, from watching the television, hearing while driving the car, attending coffee mornings, attending guided tours or lectures.
The Genie is more expensive than some other devices. Only go ahead if you feel there is the need. Milder hearing loss may not justify the expenditure although Connevans are a very good firm and provide a reliable and good product in the FM Genie.

Thoughts about listening to the television

Thoughts about listening to the television

The welcome-to-the-website posting is dated 12 April 2010. If you are new perhaps go there first and then explore other areas (including this if it interests you) later. This posting brings some thoughts about listening to the television. This is argueably one of the most contentious topics for those who are deaf (and for those who are not deaf!). The too loud/not loud enough battle can enrage and divide households. It would be inappropriate for me to list all the various mehods for improving the ability to hear the television. There are many. My advice is to go to the latest Action on Hearing Loss Solutions Catalogue. On page 54 the field is displayed.
In the June/July edition of the RNID magazine - now called Action on Hearing Loss has an article called 'Better Sounding TV'. In this article the various methods for improved hearing of the TV are described and discussed and this includes some user feedback. This is useful but I note that the Panasonic headphones which are recommended are now 'discontinued'. The other comment I have at present is a word of caution in that Chris Bowden says that headphones are unsuitable for those who like or have to wear hearing aids. I am in that position and have been using headphones for some time without problems. Its a personal view but I much prefer to use headphones rather than a stethoset.

From a personal point of view I watch TV and listen with subtitles and with listeners. The one I favour most is Sennheiser headphones. They are very easy to use and the quality of sound is very good indeed. All the listeners described in this blog can be used for TV. I find the contego (with loop) excellent and the smart phonak (with my link loop) is also very good. It is hard to choose between them for listening to the TV. The best advice I can give is to try them out for several weeks before deciding. One other piece of advice is to regularly drain the battery of charge rather than keeping it constantly charged. They last a lot longer that way.
Another thought which I confess I have not yet tried is to use blue tooth. There is an article about it in the August/September issue of Action on Hearing Loss magazine.




I have been able to borrow a Conversor TV Pro from the makers with a view to writing a report about it. This is appended below. In recent weeks I have also been borrowing a Conversor Pro by kind permission of the makers. I thank them for the opportunity to report on this quality 'elite' listener. My report appears after the report on the Conversor TV Pro.

Conversor TV Pro Tested in Jan 2011 1) Instructions for use. They are very good, concise and helpful. 2) Transmitter. This plugs into the mains and into the TV by an audio lead, receiver (rechargeable battery) with neck loop, case. 3) Battery recharge time 2.5 hours, transmitting time 8 hours. Low battery warning. Charge complete indicator. In practice I found the fully charged battery did not last a full 8 hours, but recharging was simple. 4) Quality of sound signal – T switch is needed on hearing aid. Signal is good, volume is independently controllable by a switch on the receiver. The signal was reliable for listening to the television. There is a microphone of the receiver so that you can hear your neighbour talking. This very useful though the microphone is permanently switched on. This means that if there is some local background noise one cannot eliminate it. Some TVs (especially older units) cut sound from the speakers when the audio lead is used. This might need checking. Loop systems sometimes result in interference if other electrical equipment is close by (strip lighting, computers, other radio equipment etc). 5) Length of warranty – 2 years 6) In comparison with other products does it offer good value for money? The TV Pro is small, convenient and simple to use. It was good to have the transmitter permanently available and not needing a battery. The hearing range was good. It is a good method for someone who is hard of hearing or mild to moderately hearing loss for hearing the TV without having the volume on the set increased to the discomfort of others. At £199 (ex VAT) It offers good value. However if you don’t like neck loops or do not have a T setting on your hearing aid you might think about the Sennheiser headphones as an alternative. They are wireless, rechargeable and slightly cheaper at £145. They could be perhaps better for those who have more serious hearing loss. In my experience the sound quality with the Sennheiser headphones was also slightly better. There is the disadvantage that the headphones are a bit cumbersome and therefore not very good for ladies hairstyles. They also exclude sound other than from the TV so that one has to take the headphones off to hear a neighbour who is talking. On the other hand the Conversor TV Pro has a microphone on the receiver which allows nearby conversation to be heard – though as I said earlier if there is much background noise in the room in which you are sitting this can intrude on the ability to hear the TV clearly.

Report on the Conversor Pro I borrowed a Conversor Pro from the manufacturers in March 2011. This is my report. 1) The instructions for use were good and clear. 2) Equipment - Wireless microphone transmitter – the microphone has a zoom and omni directional switch. It also has a ‘boost’ setting for quiet situations –this is complementary to the volume control on the receiver. There is also an on/off switch. When the transmitter is switched off the microphone on the receiver is automatically activated. Otherwise the receiver microphone remains inactive. Neck loop receiver (T setting is needed on the hearing aid) – There is an on/off switch and volume controls. There are lights on the transmitter and receiver which indicate the battery state and indicate satisfactory pairing of the radio signal by showing green on both units. Power supply unit for recharging batteries – both can be recharged at the same time. Neck cord for the transmitter – so that it may be hung around the neck of the speaker. Connecting leads for audio and scart connection. Case (with zip). 3) Length of warranty 2 years

Use of the Conversor Pro 1) Listening to the television. I used the audio lead connection. TV sound quality was improved by use of the Conversor. I personally found the sound relatively quiet, but this was no doubt an indication of the severity of my hearing loss. I used the high volume settings. The quality of sound was a little better when used with the audio lead rather than simply using the microphone of the transmitter. Sometimes the signal was intermittent. There did not appear to be any reason for this and with a little patience the sound returned. On one occasion it might have been related to a low battery (despite the low battery warning not showing) 2) In the car. Two cars tested. There was a slight T setting electronic hum in one car. This is related to the T – coil use and is present with all T coil devices. It did not interfere with satisfactory reception of sound. The Conversor worked well in the car. Sometimes the signal was intermittent. Again the volume was quiet (despite the activating the boost control). 3) At a lecture in a hall. This was a typical village hall with no microphone available. About 50 people were present. The lecturer wore the transmitter hanging it around her neck using the neck strap. I sat well back and could hear well. It is useful in this setting. The neck strap was relatively long and allowed the transmitter to move about as she spoke. When she bent forward it tended to bang against the table. It might have be better had she been able to clip it to clothing. Any movement of the microphone against clothing causes interference. 4) In a pub and restaurant. I went for a drink with a friend and he wore the Conversor around his neck. There was an improvement in the ability to hear though this was limited and subject to the amount of background noise. I found the Conversor helpful, but too much background noise can drown the benefit. 5) At a committee meeting. About 12 people gathered around a table in a large unfurnished room. Useful assistance in hearing with the transmitter placed on the committee table. Should there be a need to hear someone speaking near one would need to switch out of telecoil (on the hearing aid) to hear them. This is not quite as convenient as other listeners in which the receiver microphone can be used for this purpose. (The Conversor receiver microphone can only be switched on by switching off the transmitter) 6) Transmitting range This depends on the obstructions between transmitter and receiver but at best is about 25 metres. At full range the received sound can be intermittent.
In summary The Conversor is a quality and useful listening instrument. It is adaptable for several settings. It is light and easy to carry around and is simple to operate with few controls. I would recommend it for someone with a mild to moderate hearing loss who wants a simple and neat instrument without complicated controls. Within its price range it is good value for money.

The RNID Solutions Catalogue Issue 17 in October 2010 introduced the Comfort Audio Listener. This uses the DigiSystem. It is expensive but might be worth looking at if you need it - especially in conferences or meetings when more than one microphone is required. Cash might be available through Access to Work funding. I reviewed the system in July 2009.
I found there was a drawback in that it was not possble to control the DM10 microphone from the receiver. When listening to the main microphone (DC20) unwanted sound from the DC10 was a nuisance and vice versa. It would have been very useful to be able to switch between the microphones from the receiver. The Contego allows one to control the transmitting microphone sound volume so that when listening to the microphone on the receiver unwanted sound from the other microphone is avoided. It was a pity(I thought) that Comfort Audio (who also make the DigiSystem) did not arrange to have this on their, otherwise highly sophisticated, listener.

I was loaned the Bellman Domino Classic recently and am therefore posting the following information about it. This listener is similar to the Bellman Domino Pro, but does not have some advanced settings of the latter and does not possess a directional microphone in the transmitter. It is less expensive than the Domino Pro.

My report about it is appended below.

Bellman Domino Classic 10th September 2010

I have a moderately severe (bilateral) hearing loss of the usual high frequency type and used the BC in association with the neck loop supplied. I did not use the headset.

It is well presented, well packaged and looks to be a most useful instrument. The instructions were clear and complete.


Use for watching television
1) I found there was marked interference when the transmitter is placed near the TV set. Both sound and vision were affected. Occasionally this interference was delayed for a few minutes before onset. The interference was present both when listening using the transmitter mic and when using the audio lead. The advantage of the audio lead is that the transmitter can then be removed over 6 feet away from the set and the interference then ceased. When listening with the transmitter mic over 6 feet away obviously the sound reception was not so good.
2) The volume of sound coming via the telecoil setting was not loud enough for me. I had to use virtually full volume to get a satisfactory sound signal. I tried this with different hearing aids (a private aid by Phonak and my normal NHS Siemans aid) and there was no improvement.

Use in the car I tried the BC in 4 different cars
1) As soon as the engine is switched on there was a high pitched (Telecoil position) hum. This is generated in the hearing aid when on the Telecoil setting. It was not related to the listener. It was present with different makes of hearing aid. It was present with other listeners (Contego, Phonak) in the same car. The hum is a nuisance. It is a steady relatively high pitched noise and gets on your nerves. The voice signal is quite good despite the hum but I tended to turn the BC off except on the occasions I wanted to hear my companion’s conversation.
2) The above observations were noted on two relatively modern cars (5 and 7 years old). In an older car (Rover 8 years old) there was no hum but a crackle was present which was related to the engine. This was sufficiently bad to make the use of the BC unsatisfactory in this car. I also found the volume of sound not quite loud enough – especially with the crackle interference. The crackle increased with increased sound volume gain.
3) I then tried the BC in a slightly older car (Suzuki - 10 years old) without the electronic gadgetry of more modern cars. In this older vehicle I found no interference and (with the sound control near max) could hear well.

General listening situations – committee meetings, group conversations.
The BC might be used when attempting to pick up conversation in groups, but the lack of a directional microphone means that it is not quite a good in this situation as the Bellman Domino and the other listeners which have the directional facility.

Guided tours, lectures etc
When used with a neck loop it can be used in guided tours and lectures etc. The volume might be better if turned up.

General points
1) It is a nuisance that the wire connecting the receiver to the neck loop is so long (1 m) and that one cannot suspend the receiver from the neck loop. The long wire tends to get in the way and easily can tangle.
2) It is also a nuisance that the audio lead is also so long (5 m)
3) The clip by which the receiver is clipped to clothing is quite difficult to use especially when attaching to softer fabrics (woollens etc).
4) The sound volume is very quiet when used on the telecoil
5) The green (on/off) button is quite hard to see in strong light.
6) There is little warning that the battery is about to fail. The low battery warning should kick in earlier. It let me down when I was trying to use it for a lecture lasting one hour.
7) The neck loop attachment can easily separate without one realizing.


In summary
1) The quieter sound volume means that the BC is likely to be of more use for those who have a milder hearing impediment. At times use may then be made of the long lead of the receiver microphone. However its use in that way means it is not offering more than the Sonido which is a much cheaper instrument. For my own use this long lead was nothing but a nuisance. The very long lead for use with the transmitter was also a nuisance. Maybe the manufacturer will ‘correct’ this in later editions.
2) The clothing attachment clips are not very easy to use.
3) Interference with the TV may occur. This may be avoided by keeping the transmitter well away from the set and connecting to the TV by means of the supplied long audio lead.
4) When used with the neck loop, there may be, on occasions, some interference in cars.
5) I would recommend its use for milder hearing loss perhaps especially for those who do not wear a hearing aid who would appreciate the frequency control. In its present form I would not recommend it for those who have a more severe hearing impediment.

Thoughts about listening devices updated

This post has been updated on 12th April 2010

Welcome to everyone who is visiting this blog for the first time. I have been considering listening devices which are complementary to the hearing aid. They are worn along with the hearing aid. The comments and views which I report are entirely my own. I receive no payment and this blog is not sponsored in any way. I am quite severely deaf (see my profile) and therefore you might have to interpret my remarks with that in mind.
I feel very strongly that those of us who are deaf should maintain communication with those around us. If this means spending on a listener or a device of some sort one should do that. On no account should we allow our lives to shut down. We should benefit from the modern technology now available.
I dislike wires and have therefore only looked at the hearing devices that connect wirelessly. It is the less expensive devices that have to be connected to the listener by a wire but would be well worth thinking about rather than spending more on a device which may be ‘over the top’ for individual needs.
As I have just said listening devices are complementary to the hearing aid. They can be extremely helpful for those of us who find that we have difficulty hearing in some situations. They are expensive (about £500) but can make an enormous difference to one's life and allow one to join in situations in which otherwise one would be excluded. That having been said however, they do not restore 'normal' hearing and one needs some time to get used to using them and in order to get the best results some adjustments to the controls may be needed. Again one must understand that there are situations in which the surrounding noise is so loud that even with the help of the listener one cannot hear. I am thinking of a noisy pub, party, restaurant etc. These are situations when even those with good hearing would be struggling.

Between the various devices the choice is difficult and needs much thought. Consider first
1) What are the situations for which help is needed. In thinking about this consider the potential of listeners in different scenes. Watching the television, in the car, for group gatherings especially in a large room, guided tours, hearing in restaurants, listening to lectures, attending committee meetings, and in other situations like hearing in church services where hearing loops are not always working or may not exist.
If help is only needed occasionally then it is appropriate to look for alternatives to the listeners. For instance there are devices specifically to help hearing the television. It is pointless to pay for an expensive gadget when there is a clear simple alternative.
2) How much you are prepared to spend.
3) Most important of all if you order any listener by post make sure it works for you in the use intended. If it does not then send it back for a full refund. When ordering by post it is wise to keep the original packaging so that sending it back is easy. One suggestion is to try first of all, a less expensive device and if it does not come up to expectations then try a more expensive version.

The quality listeners I have been trying out work with the use of a transmitter which contains a built-in microphone. This is placed as close as possible to the sound source which may be as far as 50 ft away from where you are sitting. The transmitter sends the sound signal by radio waves to a receiver which one wears. This is usually in the form of a receiver attached to a neck loop which transmits the signal to the hearing aid which has to be set to the T position. Not all hearing aids have this (T coil) setting and if one is not sure about this it is advisable to enquire of the audiologist.
There is one further alternative for the reception of the sound from the transmitter. This is the use of a small shoe attached to the hearing aid. This obviates the need of a neck loop and so has some advantages. There are however other considerations and this is explained in the review of the Phonak Smart Link and the Phonak Zoom link.
There are different versions (ear buds or headphones) for the reception of the signal from the transmitter which do not need the T setting. As I have a T setting on my hearing aid I have not tried either ear buds or headphones.

Blog posting On 14th July 2009 contains a review of the following listeners.
CM1,
Conversor,
Contego,
Phonak Zoom Link
Comfort Audio listener.
At the end of the July ‘09 posting is a summary of my advice at that time.
Since July ‘09 there have been additions to the range of listeners in the form of Bellman Domino and Phonak Smart Link Plus.
I reported on the Bellman Domino on 17th November '09.

Phonak Smart Link Plus

This high quality listening device has the capability of the Contego and the Bellman Domino but with additional features.
1) It can be used, like the other listeners with a neck loop (T setting needed on the hearing aid) or alternatively with an FM hearing aid shoe. The small shoe fits permanently onto the hearing aid. The shoe is sometimes called an ‘ear level receiver’. It receives the radio signal from the transmitter and transmits it directly to the hearing aid in the ear and without the need of a separate receiver. The system has the advantage that a neck loop is therefore not needed. Neck loops are a bit of a nuisance – they get in the way – are unsightly etc. So this is a big advantage though there are two drawbacks. Firstly they are expensive and have to be fitted by the audiologist and secondly the gobble up batteries very much faster (Zoom plus devoured my batteries every 4-5 days).
2) It can be connected to the Bluetooth system. This allows phone connection for those who need/want to be always available.I have been using a Smart Link Plus for about 10 weeks and can confirm that it is a high quality instrument. Given the above advantages, it obviously must be a serious consideration provided of course that there is the need.
1) Instructions for use. The instructions which were in a small booklet were complete and clear.
2) Component parts Neck loop with receiver – for neck loop models only (battery operated), transmitter (battery operated), adapter for use with audio jack, lavalier cord acting as an antenna, soft case, charging unit.
3) Power supply – battery is rechargeable.
a) Batteries have a low power warning.
b) Recharge time is 2 hours
c) Transmitting/receiving time on a single charge is 10-12 hours
4) Quality of sound signal This was very good
a) The sound signal was constant and reliable. The transmitting distance was very good especially when the lavalier cord is used attached to the transmitter.
b) Over what distance can the signal be received – 15 metres within a building and 40-50 metres outside.
5) Length of warranty – the length was not stated on the device supplied to me. This would need checking prior to purchase.
6) How does it perform in the situations for which it is recommended?
a) TV – very good clear sound – My experience indicated the sound was best when the TV is connected by means of the audio linkage. This gave really good quality sound – better than all other listeners I tested when connected using the audio linkage. Listening with the audio lead was much better than simply using the transmitter microphone.
b) Tested in a large room committee meeting. The transmitter can be placed on the committee table. Or alternatively it can be held in the hand and, using the directional facility, pointed towards the speakers wherever they are sitting.
c) Group gatherings. The transmitter is positioned in the middle of the group. Without background noise and with only one person talking hearing is much improved. Around a dinner table the same applies though there is often the distracting clatter of cutlery and dishes. In a restaurant try to find one with good furnishings and a low ceiling. Find a table near the periphery of the room. With just 2 people the partner wears the transmitter hung around the neck. If dining with a group a good tip is to place the transmitter pointed towards the wall but as far away from it as possible and switch the microphone direction away from any distracting extraneous sound source. This focuses the microphone on the group around the table.
d) Car. One passenger wears the transmitter. Very good quality sound. With other passengers speaking mike needs to be passed to them. When listening to the radio in the car the Phonak Smart Link is valuable. The transmitter is placed as close to the radio speaker as possible. The relative volume of the radio against the engine noise is improved and one can hear better than other people who are in the car at the same time.
e) Conducted tour of a museum. The tour guide wears the transmitter. One is then able to hear the speaker and walk around freely looking at exhibits whilst, at the same time, keeping in touch with the guide.
f) Some people just do not speak very clearly. I am thinking of both adults and children. It is not simply the volume of their voice but the lack of clarity which makes it difficult. When the transmitter is placed near their voice or directed towards them on a table one can often hear very much more clearly.
g) During church services it is most useful as an alternative to listening to a loop system. Sometimes these are not fitted or are not working properly. I should add that it is obviously important to check that one’s T coil setting is not only working but is at the correct volume (audiology advice needed). The transmitter is placed near the front and it picks up sound provided the source is relatively close. I hang the transmitter on the lectern and can then hear really well. The lavalier cord, acting as an aerial, allows one then to sit near the back and hear perfectly well. I would add that if there is a loop system and it does not appear to work then this should be reported.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? The Bluetooth capability renders this instrument superior over others. For those who need to be in constant touch by telephone it is an ideal instrument.

My Link (neck loop) receiver

In order to economise the Smart Link is used with a neck loop. The T- setting is needed on the hearing aid.

The My Link receiver is a very small, neat and light in weight – hardly more than 2.5 inches long, 1 inch wide and half an inch thick. It is connected to a very plain and simple neck loop wire. One end of the wire may be pulled out of the receiver and this allows it to be very easily placed around the neck. There is a simple on/off switch, along with a volume control. There are the only these two controls on it. There is a low battery warning and battery life is excellent.

Comparison of the Phonak Smart Link with the FM receiver as against when used with the My Link neck loop

There is no doubt that the use of the Smart Link with the FM receiver is more convenient than with the neck loop. Yes, it costs more and this must remain a factor in making the decision but on the other hand the hearing aid battery life is very much reduced by the FM receiver (4 to 5 days only). The neck loop receiver itself has a battery however but the battery life is excellent.

Neck loops are a bit unsightly. Having said that - I found the Smart Link works very well with the neck loop and from a hearing point of view there is little to choose.

I think marginally, I personally would prefer the Smark Link with the FM receiver from the sound quality. One has to carry hearing aid batteries around to be available at any time and the short life means they often fail just at a bad time. But that’s life isn’t it?

Comparison of the Phonak Smart Link with neck loop and the Contego

Without going into prices which can vary it is useful to compare the Smart Link (My Link neck loop version) with the Contego. They are, in many respects, comparable.

The neck loop receiver of the Phonak is much smarter and more convenient. The Contego neck loop is more unsightly. The Contego receiver, on the other hand, has the advantage of a microphone for which the volume is adjustable and is independent from the transmitter. There is no microphone on the Phonak receiver.

In some circumstances having a microphone on the receiver is very useful. One is able to shut down unwanted noise from the receiver microphone and listen only through the transmitter. And vice versa. Most usually I find one tends to leave both mikes switched on otherwise one seems to have to fiddle with the controls in trying to optimise the hearing opportunity.

With my own personal use I find that the Contego is excellent when sitting round a committee in that one can hear one’s next door neighbour using the receiver microphone.
And again when attending a guided tour or listening to a lecture. These are both further examples of the benefit of having an active microphone on the neck loop receiver.

One might say it’s a question of horses for courses. If one is willing to operate the necessary switching to obtain the best possible use of the Contego then that is the better instrument. If, on the other hand, one does not want to have to bother with fiddling with switches then the Phonak is the sleeker and neater of the two.

From a purely functional point of view the battery life, ease of charging, reliability etc. there is little to choose.

In conclusion I would simply say that these listening devices have been, at least for me, life enhancing, in that one is then able to communicate in circumstances in which otherwise one is excluded. They are not particularly discrete. Use of them advertises that one has a hearing problem. Personally this does not worry me and it should be of concern to nobody. After all when one is unable to read small print it is not shameful to wear glasses. Deafness is a common disability and it should not be allowed to shut down one’s life.

The RNID is selling a highly sophisticated and expensive product by post. They are doing this without a sales team to demonstrate the product directly to the client.
Before making the purchase one should talk to the sales team directly in order to answer any lingering questions one might have.

If you are in doubt, try one but be prepared to send it back or alternatively go for a different device if you are not entirely satisfied

For those who need a listener to continue at work it is worth thinking of Access to Work as a possible source of financial help.

Report on the Bellman Domino John Rickett November 4th 2009


This is a quality listening device which contains Swedish state of the art technology and makes a valuable addition to the field of listening devices for deaf and hard of hearing people. In reading this assessment understand that I am moderately severely deaf (age related type). I have no hearing at all in my left ear so a hearing aid is of no use. My right ear had a moderate hearing loss. I wear a Phonak Salvia Art Hearing aid (BTE type). I rely on the hearing aid at all times. This listener is probably most useful for those who, like myself, are moderately severely deaf. I have great difficulty in hearing when there is background noise and especially in large rooms without furnishings to dampen the sound echo. I also have difficulty hearing those who do not speak clearly.

1) Instructions – they are clear and concise.
2) Equipment – Transmitter, receiver, travel case, manual and pocket reference guide with warranty (2 years), universal charger with adapter plugs, charging cable, external microphone, stereo cable with audio jack, neck straps, in-ear phones (ear bud). Note that a neck loop is available and is supplied as an accessory. It is not otherwise supplied. A scart lead can also be supplied.
3) Ease of use - The equipment is easy to use. The clip on the receiver allows it to be attached to clothing or hung around the neck on a blue neck band. The neck loop has a joining clip which allows it to be placed easily around the neck. On account of the joining clip the receiver cannot be hung around the neck on the neck loop. The weight of the receiver would cause the neck loop to become disconnected. Use must be made of the blue neck strap provided. This does mean a lot of wires dangling around the neck. These can usually be hidden by clothing except perhaps in hot weather. The transmitter also has a blue neck strap on which it hangs. It can also be placed on clothing using the clip.
4) Microphones are present in both the receiver and the transmitter and both have either an omni-directional and a uni-directional ability. It is possible to control both of these from the receiver. They can be switched on together or separately. This is very useful. In addition there is an independent external microphone connected by a wire to the transmitter (but not to the receiver) and this can be clipped to clothing worn by a person sitting nearby. Use of this cuts off the sound from the transmitter’s built-in microphone. Understand that the uni-directional ability is only relative. Sound from that direction is favoured but the sounds all around are also heard.
5) Neck loop This was supplied as an extra. It is a fine coated black wire and has a connecting plugs which make it easier to place around the neck. The wire, being narrow can lie comfortably around the neck. The neck loop wire which attaches to the receiver is very long. This allows the receiver to be hand held and pointed at a direction of one’s choice.
6) Rechargeable batteries – 2.5 hours. Anticipated length of use prior to recharge 8-12 hours. There is a low battery warning. In practice I found that the low battery warning only came on when the battery was about to fail.
7) Uses a) Committee meetings – I attended several meetings and group gatherings. Typical of these was the local church hall for the local Horticultural AGM. This was a largish room, without any soft furnishings and a relatively high ceiling. About 50 people were there. It was obviously a room in which the sound was going to be a problem. There was no amplification, loud speaker or microphone.
I left the transmitter on the committee table and sat fairly near the back. I was able to hear the committee perfectly. If the transmitter is within 2 metres of the speaker I could hear well. Obviously the closer the mike is to the speaker the better. When people spoke from the room I was able to switch to the receiver mike and when hand held using the directional facility heard the speaker pretty well. I had to keep adjusting the volume between the two mikes but I quickly got used to that and was able to also hear the views of those speaking from the floor relatively well.
I attended another committee meeting a few days later with about 60 people present (no sound amplification) and had the same experience. I was able to enjoy good hearing in an otherwise impossible situation.
Even when sound amplification is provided at meetings like this I find that despite there being plenty of sound the clarity is invariably very poor and on these occasions the use of a listener is invaluable.
b) Use in group gatherings. If there are more than 4 in the group and if the room is unfurnished it is likely that the Domino will help. The transmitter can be placed on the table in the middle or it can be hand held and pointed towards the speaker. The focus of the directional capability is no better than with the other listeners. Sound is picked up from all around and only slightly enhanced in the direction to which it is pointed.
c) Use in a restaurant/pub One can either place the receiver on the table around which a small group is sitting or use the transmitter in the same way. The ability to hear is enhanced but if the background noise is considerable the mike is overwhelmed and in this case I found little benefit. If one dines with just one other person one can ask the dining guest to fasten the external mike close to their mouth. Then the ability to hear is greatly improved.
d) Use in the car. There was interference when the Domino was used in 2 cars. I tried at first a Renault and then a Seat. The interference was present when both the car was in motion and when stationary. I had to conclude it was of no value in the car but this might not be a problem with some makes. Advice from Bellman would be useful. The manufacturer was trying to sort this out when I spoke to them in early December. If this is an issue in consideration of purchasing one should enquire.
e) Use for watching the television. I used three methods. 1. When used with the audio lead I found that when the transmitter is placed close to the set there is marked pixellation of the picture. The receiver has to be about 5 ft away in order for this to reduce considerably. However on one occasion pixellation remained a nuisance even at that distance and the Domino had to be switched off. The interference must vary from day to day. At other times I was able to enjoy good quality sound with the audio lead however I had to have the volume setting on maximum. An alternative is to place the neck loop over the ear in touch with the hearing aid. (Though this is not very convenient) If one does this the sound volume is very good. 2. If the transmitter is placed well away and used with the receiver mike (rather than the audio lead) then the pixellation is reduced or may even stop but the sound quality was not so good as the distance from the sound source was so far that this resulted in some loss of clarity. 3) Used with the ear buds the sound was very good. Very loud in fact – it might be too loud for those who are not as deaf as I.
f) Use with a guide going round museums Time did not allow this to be tested, but my impression of the Domino is that this would be a very good use for it.
g) Use in church Our local church has a hearing loop, but sometimes this does not seem to be working. The vicar and those taking part use either radio or fixed mikes. There is plenty of sound but clarity is the problem. I placed the transmitter as close as possible to the front and find I can hear very much better.


Settings menuThis is difficult to access. I had to talk to someone at RNID HQ. He explained ‘the knack’. I then gradually got to understand it. It is not particularly easy to change the settings. Those who are less dexterous than I would find there are considerable problems. With normal use one should not need to use the settings menu.

In comparison with the ContegoThe two devices are trying to solve the same problems in communication.
1) The Domino has very good sound transmission qualities. The control of the mike of the receiver is possible when listening to the transmitter mike. This allows good reception at times especially if there is much background noise at the point where the receiver is located (committee meetings, restaurants etc). This is also possible with the Contego but it is not quite so easy. Both the transmitter and receiver mikes can be switched on at the same time so that one can listen to those sitting near. In this respect it does not differ from the Contego.
2) Both devices are small and easily carried around but the Contego has fewer wires which tend to get in a tangle. The neck loop of the Domino is superior (would be ideal if it were made in one piece). The two listeners are approximately the same size and weight.
3) The Domino has a frequency control. The Contego does not. This is of little concern for me because I use the listeners with my hearing aid in place. The quality of sound I receive is not sufficiently good for me to appreciate the value of frequency control. To those who are not as deaf as I am this control would I presume be a considerable advantage. Those who would use a headphone set or ear buds would benefit from this and equally the lack of frequency control would put the Contego on a disadvantage.
4) Contego is better in a car – the Domino is not recommended for use in a car. This is quite understandable on account of interference. See my earlier remarks.
5) Contego is better for watching television as this does not cause pixellation. With the Domino this can be partly controlled by placing the transmitter at some distance from the set. In practice I found that Sennheiser cordless headphones are better than either the Contego or the Domino for this particular purpose.


SummaryBoth these devices will likely benefit those who are deaf and hard of hearing. It would help especially those who, like myself, are more severely deaf. Money for money I would have the Contego as this is more versatile considering the drawback with the use of the Domino both in the car and with television watching.
It would be advisable to warn those thinking of purchasing the Domino of the following
1) The neck loop is sometimes only supplied as an extra.
2) There is interference when the Domino is used in some cars.
3) Interference to the television picture can be largely controlled by moving the transmitter about 2 metres away from the set. The audio lead should be 2 metres long to make this possible.
4) The system menu is difficult to access and if changes are needed it may even need to be returned to the purchaser for the necessary help (I am thinking of the elderly).
5) The Domino is good for lectures, group gatherings, in church and in tours with a guide.

In conclusion I have to say that I have been in touch with the RNID and the makers of the Domino and they are concerned about the problems with interference. They are trying to overcome the difficulty.

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.