CHIP - Communicaid for Hearing Impaired Persons

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ABC's to Better Hearing

One of the most common Assistive Listening Device (ALD) is an infrared (IR) system to watch TV. It consists of a small emitter/transmitter, a receiver, and a small microphone the size of a 25 cents coin. The user wears the lightweight receiver around the neck or with a stethoscope type. The volume is user controlled regardless of the volume from the TV. Thus, the TV can be set at normal volume while the IR receiver can be adjusted to suit the user. The sound is restricted to the room where the TV is situated.

There is another type that uses RF (radio frequencies) to transmit the signal. There are no restrictions with this type. You can enjoy your favourite music while working outside in the garden or having a BBQ.

There are amplified telephones especially designed for the hard of hearing. Depending on the model, incoming volume can be increased up to 30, 40, and 50dB over the standard level without distortion. The ringer can be adjusted to a very loud level. One manufacturer has incorporated a small detachable cup on the headset to eliminate feedback (whistling) for people who wear an ITE hearing aid (In The Ear). This particular model has output connections for a headset or hands free receiver/microphone similar to those used with cellular phones.

An inexpensive device called an Inline Amplifier may be connected to any telephone with a modular connector (except cordless). This device allows the user to increase the incoming volume in addition to the regular standard volume on the phone. Some models allow further increase by depressing a button and when released returns to the preset level. It is portable and runs on a 9V battery.

Can’t hear the doorbell? How about a wireless door bell system. The buzzer or button is installed outside and the small receiver can be carried anywhere in the house within a range of approximately 50 feet. It can even be carried in the back yard when working in the garden. It is ideal for single dwelling homes or a duplex. It is not practical for condos or apartments where a central system is installed.

For people with difficulty hearing the alarm clock, there are special portable alarm clocks that not only buzz but wake you with a gentle vibration if placed under the pillow. It is ideal for people who travel.

Other inexpensive devices are small timers and/or stopwatches that vibrate when the set time expires. These are handy for parking meters, exercising, cooking, or boiling a kettle of water.

Some of these assistive devices are paid by the Quebec Government through RAMQ (Medicare). Your hearing loss must be at a certain level; in the better ear. To find out if you qualify, see a certified audiologist who will administer a hearing test to determine the hearing loss. Most hospitals have an Audiology Department where this test can be performed.

The Government also pays, if you qualify, for an entry level digital hearing aid every 7 years, and any required repairs during that time. Certain exceptions are made for full time students and children.

Infrared Systems

The most common use of the Infrared (IR) System is for watching TV. Sound is transmitted over infrared light waves or invisible light. It consists of two parts: a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is usually placed on top of the TV or close to it. There are facilities to connect the transmitter directly to the TV. However, with some older TVs, the sound will be cut off. Therefore, the system comes with a small button microphone that can be placed in front of the speaker with Velcro.

There are two types of receivers: stethoscope or pendant. The stetho type is for users who do not wear a hearing aid or their hearing aid is not equipped with a telephone coil.

With hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil, the pendant type can be used with a neck loop, headset, or silhouette. When using a silhouette or neck loop, the user merely switches the hearing aid to the “T” position and plugs the other end into the receiver. The sound from the TV bypasses the air space and come directly into the ears.

IR is a wireless system that works on invisible light and allows the user to move freely within the confines of the room. However, since light cannot penetrate solid objects, there will be no audio from the TV once you leave the room.

Bright sunlight may interfere with IR Systems that operate at the lower frequency range, creating a buzz or hum in the receiver. Some other lighting such as fluorescent lights with electronic ballast or mercury vapour light may also cause some interference.

Neck Loop

A neck loop is a piece of insulated soft wire shaped in the form of a closed loop and worn like a necklace. The other end is plugged into an audio receiver such as an infrared receiver, Walkman, personal amplifier, or any other audio source.

The user merely switches the hearing aid to the “T” position to activate the telephone coil. The sound, instead of being sent to the headset goes to the neck loop and transferred to the hearing aid through the principle of magnetic induction. Thus, the sound goes directly into the ear bypassing the air space and reducing or eliminating unwanted background noise. Neck loops are not recommended for people with pacemakers.

Silhouette

	A silhouette works on the same principle as the neck loop – by magnetic induction. It is a wire encapsulated in hard plastic shaped in the form of a thin hook. It is placed behind the ear between the head and a BTE hearing aid equipped with a telephone coil. The other end is plugged into an audio receiver with a thin cable.
The volume is much louder than a neck loop since the silhouette is placed right next to the hearing aid in the “T” position. Silhouettes may be safe for pacemaker wearers as the magnetic field is further away. However, it is strongly advised to obtain a medical opinion before use.