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Top Ten ALD Picks

Products
Large-Area ALS
Personal Products
Artone Bluetooth
Beetle H2ST BT
CLA7BT Bluetooth
CLA7v2 Neck Loop
Clipboard
Contego FM System
COMTEK AT-216 FM
Hearing Loop Kits
iLOOP Neck Loop
MaxIT Bluetooth
Music Link
NoiZfree Products
Noizfree-Mobile
Noizfree-Music
Noizfree neckLOOP
Noizfree-PC
Pocketalker Ultra
Sennheiser TV FM
Soundshuttle
T-Link Headset
tLOOP Neck Loop
XTRA stereo

TecEar's Top Ten ALD Picks     [print version pdf]

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

T-Link - Cordless Phone and Cell Phone HeadsetWhat 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.

[more information]

CLA7BT – Bluetooth Cell Phone Amplified Neck Loop

CLA7BT - Bluetooth Cell Phone Amplified Neck LoopWhat 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.

[more information]

CLA7v2 – Powered Neck Loop for Cell Phone and Audio

CLA7v2- Powered Neck Loop for Cell Phone and AudioWhat 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.

[more information]

Music Link – Stereo Ear Hooks for Audio Listening

Music Link - Stereo Ear Hooks for Audio ListeningWhat 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.

[more information]

iLOOP – Powered Neck Loop for Audio Listening

iLOOP - Powered Neck Loop for Audio ListeningWhat 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.

[more information]

Sennheiser SET 840S – Wireless, Radio Frequency Stereo TV System

Sennheiser SET 840S - Wireless, Radio Frequency Stereo TV SystemWhat 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.

[more information]

UniVox DLS-50 – TV and Small-Area Hearing Loop

UniVox DLS-50 - TV and Small-Area Hearing LoopWhat 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.

[more information]

Pocketalker Ultra – Personal Amplifier

Pocketalker Ultra - Personal AmplifierWhat 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.

[more information]

Comfort Contego – FM Wireless Transmitter and Receiver

Comfort Contego - FM Wireless Transmitter and ReceiverWhat 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.

[more information]

Comtek AT-216 – Personal FM Wireless System

Comtek AT-216 - Personal FM Wireless SystemWhat 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.

[more information]

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Last modified: 01/27/10