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What are your favorite apps for hearing loss or tools you use?
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Mar 21, 2021 | Replies (153)Comment receiving replies
Hi Julie, Many thanks for your reply to my questions and concerns. I really like my audiologist but it seems as though such a huge practice could be a bit more helpful in providing actual resources and training for assistive devices.Thank goodness for forums like this where we can help each other. My hearing aids do have active telecoils but I have never really experienced that in public. I also have not tried the assistive devices for text/captions in theaters yet. That is on my list. Right not the remote mic is number one. I just learned how expensive the two Phonak remote mic products are. There is also a TV connector that can stream BlueTooth directly to my aids, but the audiologist says there are much less expensive versions out there that require a few more steps to pair. I am wondering if the remote mic could serve both the TV , as Ken suggests, and social situations. I so appreciate recommendations by others who are struggling with these issues...especially brand name recommendations and other workaround tips. I love the creativity and the generous spirit here!
Replies to "Hi Julie, Many thanks for your reply to my questions and concerns. I really like my..."
Hi Sunnyone .... I ordered a remote for my Oticon hearing aids a will pick it up next week. Very excited to try it out in conversation with others, also hoping like you that it will help in other ways like placing it by the computer or TV... we'll see.
My audi never mentioned the remote to me.... Found out about it through this group and asked her. It's like we have to know everything first then ask. Not all audiologists are like this but enough seem to be that it is a problem as a few on this site have mentioned. So we are lucky to have this group.... so helpful and supportive. Good luck to you. Judy
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HI again! If you want to use those telecoils, I suggest you buy a Williams Sound Pocket Talker with a Neckloop. Much less expensive than the Phonak or other hearing aid brand microphone devices. A neckloop can be plugged into your computer or any other audio device with a standard input jack. It's great for listening to audio events on the computer. YouTube, Zoom presentations, etc. Plug in and turn on your telecoils and you should hear very clearly. That neckloop also plugs into the Pocket Talker, which acts like an hand held microphone. A neckloop works like the set of headsets that you probably used once upon a time with other audio devices like a Walkman radio. I still use my old Walkman radio with a neckloop when I want to listen to radio broadcasts, etc. I hope it lasts as long as I do!
It's a shame that audiologists don't explain and demonstrate this add on technology, so their 'customers' know what is available and how it works. They are so busy promoting BlueTooth that they forget the standard tech that has worked so well for so long. There is no doubt that BT is wonderful, mostly because it is wireless. But it adds well over $1000 to a hearing aid. A telecoil adds less than $10. The equipment mentioned above will cost around $200. You may be able to find it online. I bought a Brand Name neckloop on ebay for $25. The one I bought from my audiologist cost $65. I'm comfortable buying online because I know, from experience, what I'm buying and how it works. The basic Pocket Talker is made by Williams Sound Corp., and is a good device. Your audiologist should be able to order this for you and show you how it works....unless you have to show him/her how it works. (just kidding....they should certainly know.) I did see it on Amazon. See photo.