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Although we could wish for a knock-out “one-product-does-it-all” solution,
job specific assistive listening devices still offer the greatest benefit and
assistance for improved speech comprehension. These “best-of-breed” products get
our recommendation based on personal testing and customer feedback.
T-Link – Cordless Phone and Cell Phone Headset
 What we like:
T-Link
gets two-thumbs-up for excellent volume and quality construction: wires that
don’t harden with use and a low-profile, welded, right-angle plug that reduces
strain to the cell phone’s socket.
The wish to avoid wires and adapters (for compatibility with
some manufacturers’ headset jacks) is motivating consumers to consider Bluetooth
headsets. However, T-Link remains one of our favorite, time-tested products that
doesn’t require batteries or recharging – a great option as a primary or backup
headset solution.
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CLA7BT – Bluetooth Cell Phone
Amplified Neck Loop
 What we like:
CLA7BT
is the most reliable and easiest to use Bluetooth neck loop that we’ve tried. Touch
the multifunction button once; say a voice tag, and you’re making hands-free
calls without touching your phone.
CLA7BT has an easy to use rotary volume control. Adjusting volume is immediate,
without any audio interruption. This is because CLA7BT's sound amplification is
independent of the cell phone.
In contrast, other Bluetooth headsets must first interrupt audio transmission,
to communicate with the cell phone, and make volume level changes
one-step-at-a-time. We suggest setting cell phone volume
first (max. for many of us) and then fine tuning, via the rotary dial, as required.
Reception, sound quality and volume are also impressive.
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CLA7v2 – Powered Neck Loop for Cell Phone and Audio
 What we like:
CLA7v2
offers dual functionality as both a phone headset, with microphone, and a
powered audio neck loop. Its five interchangeable adapter cables
provide compatibility with a range of cell phones (Apple iPhone, Blackberry), cordless phones, personal
amplifiers, computer soundcards and other products that accommodate a neck loop.
CLA7v2's optional CS-M22C adapter cable provides connectivity with Plantronics'
M12 and M22 Vista series desk-phone amplifiers - great for office and call
center use.
CLA7v2’s rotary volume control is easy to use and delivers
greater amplification than traditional non-powered neck loops – an excellent
alternative to T-Link ear hooks for those who prefer a neck loop.
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Music Link –
Stereo Ear Hooks for Audio Listening
 What we like:
There
are precious few options for binaural hearing aid users to enjoy true left and
right channel, stereo audio separation. Music Link dual is an exception, delivering
separate stereo channels: one to each ear hook. And, for those with monaural
hearing, Music Link single merges left and right stereo channels so you don’t
miss a thing.
Think of Music Link as a T-coil inductive substitute for normal ear buds that plug into
any stereo audio device; iPod, MP3 Player, CD Player, Walkman, computer – you
name it.
Music Link can also be used with Smart/Music cell phones, such as iPhone,
allowing the user to speak into the cell phone's microphone and read from the
screen.
Like T-Link, Music Link uses wires that don’t harden with use and a
low-profile, welded, right-angle plug that reduces strain on the device’s
socket.
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iLOOP – Powered Neck Loop for Audio Listening
 What we like:
iLOOP
is designed specifically for stereo audio listening. It merges both left and
right stereo audio channels together so that you get 100% of the music via one
or both ears. (Similar powered neck loops provide only one of the two stereo
channels – not both.) iLOOP is compatible with any standard 3.5 mm stereo
headphone jack without need for any adapter – a good alternative to Music Link
ear hooks for those who prefer a neck loop.
iLOOP can also be used with Smart/Music cell phones, such as iPhone, allowing
the user to speak into the cell phone's microphone and read from the screen.
iLOOP’s rotary volume control is easy to use and delivers good amplification –
considerably louder than non-powered neck loops.
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Sennheiser SET 840S
– Wireless, Radio Frequency Stereo TV System
 What we like:
Sennheiser
840S uses a wireless radio frequency to transmit separate stereo channels (or
merged mono if you prefer) up to 100 feet – great if you need to fix a snack or
let the dog out. And, unlike similar infrared systems, there’s no line-of-sight
requirement or concern about signal interference from lighting or obstructions.
The wireless receiver includes a rotary volume control, on/off switch and standard 3.5 mm
stereo headphone jack. This makes 840S a versatile solution for normal hearing
people, using headphones or ear buds, as well as T-coil users with ear hooks or
the included neck loop. The receiver attaches to the neck loop, clips to your belt or fits easily in a pocket.
When not in use, the receiver automatically recharges in the transmitter’s
recharging cradle and there is a second recharging bay for a back-up battery.
840S takes its audio signal from the TV’s “audio-out” red and white RCA
sockets, without interfering with normal speaker volume, so everyone can listen
at their own comfort level.
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UniVox DLS-50 – TV and
Small-Area Hearing Loop
 What we like:
The
greatest feature of any hearing loop (Audio Frequency Induction Loop System) is
ease of use. Provided that the user’s hearing aid or cochlear implant processor
has a built-in telecoil wireless receiver, with a manually selectable T-coil
program, that’s all that is required. There’s no need for any additional
receiver, headgear, wires, batteries – it’s simple, hassle-free and easy to use.
DLS-50 can also be used with an external microphone and includes a microphone
level input control.
Listening options include a room loop (wire installation required) or a chair
loop pad placed under the cushion of your favorite chair – a simple and easy
setup.
DLS-50 takes its audio signal from the TV’s “audio-out” red and white RCA
sockets, without interfering with normal speaker volume, so everyone gets to
enjoy TV and DVD audio at their own comfort level.
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Pocketalker Ultra
– Personal Amplifier
 What we like:
Pocketalker Ultra gets high marks for value and versatility.
This personal amplifier is available with a variety of headgear including
earphones, headphones or neck loop – options for both aided and un-aided users.
Correct microphone type and placement are key factors for improving speech
comprehension. Positioning a microphone close to the speaker reduces the level
of background noise, sound decay and distortion. Pocketalker Ultra's standard
3.5 mm microphone socket makes it easy to adapt for use with lapel, conference
table or directional microphones.
Pocketalker Ultra has easy to use rotary volume and tone controls that help
adjust the sound to your preference.
And, Pocketalker Ultra comes with an impressive manufacturer 5-year parts and
labor warranty.
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Comfort Contego – FM Wireless Transmitter and Receiver
 What we like:
While
high-tech LCD screens and modern design are certainly impressive, Contego’s
greatest distinctive feature is its use of directional microphones. For
situations where there is moderate background noise, directional microphones can
significantly improve speech comprehension. Contego provides not one but two
integrated, directional microphones: one in the transmitter, one in the
receiver. (Other personal amplifiers and FM systems utilize standard
omni-directional microphones which often amplify unwanted background noise.)
This versatile, wireless system may be used for lecture hall presentations,
conference room meetings, TV listening or without the transmitter as a personal
amplifier. The neck loop extension cord allows both the receiver and transmitter
to be positioned on a conference-room or dinner table, close to the speakers,
and aimed at different areas providing two directional boundary type
microphones.
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Comtek AT-216 – Personal FM Wireless System
 What we like:
Comtek
AT-216 offers a high quality wireless audio transmission system – made in the
USA.
The rugged and highly portable carry case provides a compact and self-contained
sound amplification system – a favorite of educational institutions and an
excellent choice for college students attending lectures and meetings where
hearing detailed information is critical.
The AT-216’s lapel style microphone comes with an adapter that converts it to a
boundary type microphone for tabletop use during meetings.
AT-216 also connects to TV or a conference facility’s sound mixing board
allowing full access to audio visual presentations.
This system includes a neck loop and earphone – the bases are covered.
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