Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
By Ruskin, Alan; Hearing Products Report,Publication Date: January 2009
Article describes an assistive listening device (ALD) featuring technology that eliminates distortion and prevents electronic eavesdropping. Designed for use in courtrooms and other institutional settings where ALDs are mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Comfort Contego HD Courtroom Listening System delivers high sound quality via a digital audio streaming system which technologically is somewhat similar to Bluetooth but has no delay when transmitting, enabling people who rely on lip reading to hear the signal in synchronicity with a speaker’s lips moving. Another feature of the Comfort Contego is signal encryption, a technology which prevents electronic eavesdropping. The system comes with 3 receivers and a transmitter, 3 headphones, 3 neckloops, one sound kit/audio cable, 2 charge units, and an operation manual, all housed in a lockable aluminum carrying case. The transmitter has a range of 75 feet, and receivers have built-in directional/omnidirectional zoom microphones and volume controls that can be adjusted remotely from each receiver. Since there are no wires or any other installation needed, the Contego is completely portable. The system can be utilized with hearing aids that use a headset or are T-coil equipped. The article includes an interview with the CEO of Comfort Audio, who describes the design and development of the Contego.
Published by: Ascend Media LLC (Website:http://www.ascendmedia.com)
Link to text: http://www.hearingreview.com/issues/articles/HPR_2009-01_05.asp
