Devices that go beyond hearing aids can provide the help we hard of hearing folks need to remain in the hearing mainstream; especially socially and in work situations. They do this by bringing the sound we want to hear directly to our hearing aids, thus bypassing the background noise that interferes with our ability to understand speech. Phonak, like other hearing aid brands can connect with these accessories via BlueTooth and/or by Telecoil induction technology.
BT and T-Coil are different technologies. It pays to have both of the in your hearing instruments because they connect in different ways. BT, which adds considerable cost to a hearing instrument will connect you wirelessly to your cell phone and TV. T-Coil which costs about $15 to include in a hearing aid can also connect you wirelessly to your personal devices, but can also connect you to a sound system in a venue that has a hearing loop installation, FM or Infrared (IR) capability. While the loop is simply a matter of turning on the T-coil i the hearing aid, to connect via FM or IR will require a neckoop that plugs into the FM or IR receiver provided by the venue.
You should insist on both technologies if you want to hear well in venues such as worship centers, performing arts centers, meeting rooms, etc. A looped room can accommodate as many users who can sit in the looped area. BT requires a paired microphone from each user. If there were 20 BT users at a meeting, the presenter would need to wear 20 paired 'mikes'. Either technology would bring sound directly to your hearing aids with no background noise.
It pays to learn what is available and what it takes to connect to it. Good, also to know, that public venues are expected to provide 'communication access' via the American's with Disabilities Act. However, they get by without providing it because we who need it don't ask for it. We must self advocate. If they don't know what we are talking about, we must educate. First we have to learn ourselves.
How many hard of hearing folks out there are willing to learn, educate and advocate?
I use the compilot and love it. Not only the remote controls but paired with my tvlink for listening to the tv via Bluetooth without bothering others, linking between my phone and car phone also.
@darlenedallas I do not have a Phonak hearing aid but I have tried the original Roger pen with my Resound hearing aids. For those that do not have Phonak aids, I had to use a Roger accessory to get the sound to my aids. In my case, since I have telecoils, I was able to use the Roger accessory without using headphones. I was impressed with the Roger pen. The clarity was phenomenal. It did a very good job in a noisy restaurant. I haven't tried any of the newer Roger products though. I'd love to get my hands on their newer products for review.
Tony in Michigan
I have the old Roger mic which I connect to my computer and listen to the audio through the neck loop to my hearing aids. It works well and I have the option to walk away from the computer (out to Bluetooth range) and still hear the audio.
I also use my Oticon Connect Clip for the same purpose. I think the Roger sound quality is a little better.
I have the old Roger mic which I connect to my computer and listen to the audio through the neck loop to my hearing aids. It works well and I have the option to walk away from the computer (out to Bluetooth range) and still hear the audio.
I also use my Oticon Connect Clip for the same purpose. I think the Roger sound quality is a little better.
@darlenedallas I do not have a Phonak hearing aid but I have tried the original Roger pen with my Resound hearing aids. For those that do not have Phonak aids, I had to use a Roger accessory to get the sound to my aids. In my case, since I have telecoils, I was able to use the Roger accessory without using headphones. I was impressed with the Roger pen. The clarity was phenomenal. It did a very good job in a noisy restaurant. I haven't tried any of the newer Roger products though. I'd love to get my hands on their newer products for review.
Tony in Michigan
I use the compilot and love it. Not only the remote controls but paired with my tvlink for listening to the tv via Bluetooth without bothering others, linking between my phone and car phone also.
Devices that go beyond hearing aids can provide the help we hard of hearing folks need to remain in the hearing mainstream; especially socially and in work situations. They do this by bringing the sound we want to hear directly to our hearing aids, thus bypassing the background noise that interferes with our ability to understand speech. Phonak, like other hearing aid brands can connect with these accessories via BlueTooth and/or by Telecoil induction technology.
BT and T-Coil are different technologies. It pays to have both of the in your hearing instruments because they connect in different ways. BT, which adds considerable cost to a hearing instrument will connect you wirelessly to your cell phone and TV. T-Coil which costs about $15 to include in a hearing aid can also connect you wirelessly to your personal devices, but can also connect you to a sound system in a venue that has a hearing loop installation, FM or Infrared (IR) capability. While the loop is simply a matter of turning on the T-coil i the hearing aid, to connect via FM or IR will require a neckoop that plugs into the FM or IR receiver provided by the venue.
You should insist on both technologies if you want to hear well in venues such as worship centers, performing arts centers, meeting rooms, etc. A looped room can accommodate as many users who can sit in the looped area. BT requires a paired microphone from each user. If there were 20 BT users at a meeting, the presenter would need to wear 20 paired 'mikes'. Either technology would bring sound directly to your hearing aids with no background noise.
It pays to learn what is available and what it takes to connect to it. Good, also to know, that public venues are expected to provide 'communication access' via the American's with Disabilities Act. However, they get by without providing it because we who need it don't ask for it. We must self advocate. If they don't know what we are talking about, we must educate. First we have to learn ourselves.
How many hard of hearing folks out there are willing to learn, educate and advocate?
You are welcome. There are a variety of assistive devices available. Some are expensive, others not. One that has not been mentioned in the Pocket Talker by Williams Sound. That one has been around for a long time, but has been upgraded several times. The newest model has a built in telecoil that can be used by people who don't have telecoils access in their hearing aids, and/or those who don't use hearing aids. It can be used with earphones/headsets.
Obviously, earphones or headsets don't bring in the clarity of sound that a well fit hearing aid does, but it can make a big difference regardless. The Pocket Talker can be used in unique settings, such as in a hospital for a person who needs hearing help. The PT receiver can also accommodate a neckloop that connects to hearing aids with telecoils.
This is a hardwired device that requires an attached microphone be used by the speaker or in the area of the desired sound. The mic has an optional cord that can stretch across a room to a TV, or be used in a vehicle by attaching it to someone's lapel.
This is not wireless, but it works in many situations. The last price quote I saw for this product was in the $150 range. Wireless devices cost a great deal more.
The Phonak Roger device is wireless, so no cord is required. However, it initially sold for over $1000. I have seen it advertised online for $550, but that price does not include the connecting device required by people who have hearing aids other than the Phonak brand.
Regardless, these accessories do bring the desired sound directly to the ear, or to hearing aids equipped with the component needed to pick up that sound.
Lots of information out there, but much of it requires experimentation. Few providers offer that opportunity with return options. Do you know if your state office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or other agencies in your location have an assistive device demonstration/loan center?
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Anyone using any Roger wireless accessories? Experience? Feedback? Thank you.
Devices that go beyond hearing aids can provide the help we hard of hearing folks need to remain in the hearing mainstream; especially socially and in work situations. They do this by bringing the sound we want to hear directly to our hearing aids, thus bypassing the background noise that interferes with our ability to understand speech. Phonak, like other hearing aid brands can connect with these accessories via BlueTooth and/or by Telecoil induction technology.
BT and T-Coil are different technologies. It pays to have both of the in your hearing instruments because they connect in different ways. BT, which adds considerable cost to a hearing instrument will connect you wirelessly to your cell phone and TV. T-Coil which costs about $15 to include in a hearing aid can also connect you wirelessly to your personal devices, but can also connect you to a sound system in a venue that has a hearing loop installation, FM or Infrared (IR) capability. While the loop is simply a matter of turning on the T-coil i the hearing aid, to connect via FM or IR will require a neckoop that plugs into the FM or IR receiver provided by the venue.
You should insist on both technologies if you want to hear well in venues such as worship centers, performing arts centers, meeting rooms, etc. A looped room can accommodate as many users who can sit in the looped area. BT requires a paired microphone from each user. If there were 20 BT users at a meeting, the presenter would need to wear 20 paired 'mikes'. Either technology would bring sound directly to your hearing aids with no background noise.
It pays to learn what is available and what it takes to connect to it. Good, also to know, that public venues are expected to provide 'communication access' via the American's with Disabilities Act. However, they get by without providing it because we who need it don't ask for it. We must self advocate. If they don't know what we are talking about, we must educate. First we have to learn ourselves.
How many hard of hearing folks out there are willing to learn, educate and advocate?
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7 ReactionsI use the compilot and love it. Not only the remote controls but paired with my tvlink for listening to the tv via Bluetooth without bothering others, linking between my phone and car phone also.
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1 Reaction@darlenedallas I do not have a Phonak hearing aid but I have tried the original Roger pen with my Resound hearing aids. For those that do not have Phonak aids, I had to use a Roger accessory to get the sound to my aids. In my case, since I have telecoils, I was able to use the Roger accessory without using headphones. I was impressed with the Roger pen. The clarity was phenomenal. It did a very good job in a noisy restaurant. I haven't tried any of the newer Roger products though. I'd love to get my hands on their newer products for review.
Tony in Michigan
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1 ReactionI have the old Roger mic which I connect to my computer and listen to the audio through the neck loop to my hearing aids. It works well and I have the option to walk away from the computer (out to Bluetooth range) and still hear the audio.
I also use my Oticon Connect Clip for the same purpose. I think the Roger sound quality is a little better.
Thanks, arrowshooter. -Darlene
Thanks, Tony. -Darlene
Thanks, sbaldwinsd. -Darlee
Thanks, Julie. -Darlene
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1 ReactionYou are welcome. There are a variety of assistive devices available. Some are expensive, others not. One that has not been mentioned in the Pocket Talker by Williams Sound. That one has been around for a long time, but has been upgraded several times. The newest model has a built in telecoil that can be used by people who don't have telecoils access in their hearing aids, and/or those who don't use hearing aids. It can be used with earphones/headsets.
Obviously, earphones or headsets don't bring in the clarity of sound that a well fit hearing aid does, but it can make a big difference regardless. The Pocket Talker can be used in unique settings, such as in a hospital for a person who needs hearing help. The PT receiver can also accommodate a neckloop that connects to hearing aids with telecoils.
This is a hardwired device that requires an attached microphone be used by the speaker or in the area of the desired sound. The mic has an optional cord that can stretch across a room to a TV, or be used in a vehicle by attaching it to someone's lapel.
This is not wireless, but it works in many situations. The last price quote I saw for this product was in the $150 range. Wireless devices cost a great deal more.
The Phonak Roger device is wireless, so no cord is required. However, it initially sold for over $1000. I have seen it advertised online for $550, but that price does not include the connecting device required by people who have hearing aids other than the Phonak brand.
Regardless, these accessories do bring the desired sound directly to the ear, or to hearing aids equipped with the component needed to pick up that sound.
Lots of information out there, but much of it requires experimentation. Few providers offer that opportunity with return options. Do you know if your state office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or other agencies in your location have an assistive device demonstration/loan center?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions