neckloops

[JIP]

Hi - I'm in the UK and have two NHS digital hearing aids which are fine for
most situations, but
I still struggle in pubs, and also training courses where we break into
small groups but there is more than one group in the room.

Research has taken me to find radio microphones that feed in to the aids via
a neck loop - what is people's experience of these loops, is there a
difference in quality between manufacturers? I saw a reference in one place
to a user having to dangle the loop over their aids to pick up the signal -
is that typical.

Thanks

[jim]

In the UK Connevans carries a "multi-turn" neckloop with about thirty
turns in it. This is far better (30 db better) than a single turn
neckloop (even if the single-turn loop has a battery powered
amplifier).

All neckloop system are vulnerable to magnetic interference from
computers, flourescent lights etc.. Some areas are just not suitable
for telecoil use.

Before you shell out $800 for a special fm system, see if your
neckloop/telecoil system works ok connected to the earphone jack of a
pocket FM radio for example.

As a preliminary test could also use it in a wired fashion connected to
something like a low cost amplified microphone (i.e. Radio Shack
33-1096, 33-1097 or 63-121).

If level, interference and quality proves not to be an issue you could
then evaluate the need for wireless and go from there.

[Stephen Parfitt]

While being relatively 'low-tech', neckloops and room-loops can get
quite complicated. The problems can be caused by:

* interference from electromagnetic sources (fluorescents, wiring,
appliances, etc)
* orientation of the loop w.r.t the coil in your hearing-aid (i.e. it
works in one plane but doesn't work at all in a plane that's 90 degrees
from that plane)
* the amount of power required to drive the loop without distortion
* inconsistent coverage within the loop ... which shouldn't be a big
problem with a neck loop but you may find dead spots when you tilt your
head or move your shoulders.
* poor bandwidth (O.K. for most voices, not good for music)

DAI or FM is much more consistent. But your aids may not be equipped
for this whereas most aids have a telecoil. I have an old conference
mike made by Phonak ... it's highly directional and plugs in to the DAI
jack in the aid. Perfect for pubs and noisy restaurants. Just have to
be careful not to spill a pint on it!

Steve P.

[JIP]

Thanks for the reply

[JIP]

Thanks for the reply