For Hard of Hearing, Clarity out of the Din
By Eisenberg, Anne; New York Times,Publication Date: May 5, 2012
Article discusses sound amplification solutions that can be used with, or instead of, hearing aids for increased clarity in noisy environments. A hearing aid user interviewed describes his use of supplemental hearing technology in different situations including (1) a directional microphone, Blue Mikey, in combination with his iPhone, an iPhone application called soundAMP R, and the in-ear microphones Etymotic hf5 in lieu of his hearing aid when carrying on conversations with friends in a coffee shop; (2) his hearing aid combined with a companion device worn around the neck that receives audio from the iPhone and transmits it to the hearing aid during phone calls; and (3) for improved sound reception when watching TV, a Contacta hearing loop attached to the TV audio output and run around the edges of the room; the sounds transmitted from the loop are picked up by a telecoil, an internal copper component of the hearing aid. Another device for hearing in ambient noise described is a small mat with a built-in hearing loop manufactured by Emcom Systems. The loop is connected to a microphone that can be placed on counters in pharmacies or medical offices to allow patients standing on the mat to conduct a quiet, clear conversation with staff members.
Assistive Products Discussed: SOUNDAMP R
Published by: New York Times Company (Website:http://www.nytco.com)
Link to text: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/technology/audio-devices-give-new-options-to-those-hard-of-hearing.html
