Thursday, 8 November 2012
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.
Monday, 25 June 2012
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.
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.
Friday, 9 March 2012
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:
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:
Sunday, 22 May 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
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 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.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
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 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.
Monday, 13 September 2010
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.
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.
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