HLAA Convention Exhibits - Part 1

By Cheryl Heppner

Featured: Phonak, Williams Sound, Federal Communications Commission

Home From Orlando Galaxy and I are back in beautiful green Fairfax. Our return trip took longer than expected because of thunderstorms on both sides that delayed our takeoff and arrival. It's good to be back in the office, sharing information and hearing stories from Debbie Jones, who was at the regional conference for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

I've sorted through all my information from my visits with the exhibitors at the Hearing Loss Association of America convention and today's report will be the first of many about what I learned. They are in no particular order, it's luck of the draw based on which company's product literature is closest to the top of the pile.

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Phonak

I talked with Jay Sheehan, Phonak's FM Specialist. Listening systems are indispensable in situations that are challenging for hearing aids alone. New for Phonak is MyLink, part of a wireless FM system that is compatible with all hearing instruments that have T-coils (telecoils), including custom products. It can also be used with all Phonak FM transmitters: EasyLink, SmartLink SX, TelCom, and Campus SX. Individuals with two T-coil equipped hearing aids can use one MyLink for both hearing aids.

MyLink is a neckloop attached to a small, thin silver receiver. The receiver transmits the FM signal to the T-coils in a hearing instrument. The receiver's LED displays at the top show operating status. The side has a volume control, which can't be accidentally activated, and an on/off switch. To save energy, MyLink goes into sleep mode when there is no active FM transmitter present.

If the MyLink is used with Phonak's SmartLink transmitter, it can receive a command that starts it scanning for different FM transmitters in use. The rear of the receiver has a quick guide that explains the green and orange LED signals in case you forget what they mean. The bottom of the receiver has sockets for headphones for use by people with normal hearing using headphones with a 2.5 mm stereo jack. The bottom also has a socket to connect to a power supply that will charge the Li-ion battery. It takes two hours to fully recharge the battery, and a full charge gets more than 12 hours of operating time.

Jay tells me that the cost of the MyLink varies from approximately $1,000 to $1,200 depending on where you live.

Almost every behind the ear hearing aid can now use Phonak's universal multi-frequency FM receiver through a direct audio output jack at the bottom of the hearing aid. Cochlear implants from all three manufacturers and bone anchored hearing aids can also use Phonak FM systems.

Also new is the iLink, which incorporates an FM receiver in the hearing aid.

For more information: www.phonak.com

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Williams Sound

Mike Hartmann of Williams Sound will be introducing its infrared system for TV viewing in August, and I saw the prototype of a cordless amplified phone the company plans to roll out next year. The phone can amplify to about 36 dB. The base unit incorporates an answering machine and an amplified ringer. The phone can also vibrate to alert you to a call.

The Williams Sound Pocketalker, a personal amplifier, has been very popular through the years. Last year, the company introduced a new Ultra model with a newer, more modern design. This compact unit amplifies sounds closest to the listener and while it helps to reduce background noise. It's intended for situations like one on one conversations, small group listening, television listening, and listening in a car. The Pocketalker has adjustable tone and volume control. Batteries last for about 100 hours and it comes with a 5-year warranty. A neckloop can be plugged in the top and used with a T-coil equipped hearing aid.

Another popular Williams Sound product is the Ringmax, which can make your phone ring very loudly. Along with increasing the volume, you can also choose one of four tones that is easiest for you to hear. The RingMax can amplify up to 98dB, can be eaily mounted on a wall, and includes a flashing ring indicator. It comes with a one-year warranty.

Among other products are the SoundPlus TV infrared listening system, the Teletalker amplified telephone, and the Hearing Helper transmitter/receiver personal FM system intended for use in classrooms and at job trainings.

For more information: www.williamssound.com

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Federal Communications Commission

Pam Williams and Bill Cline represented the FCC at a display of numerous fact sheets. All of these fact sheets are also available online.

The newest one is the one-page Tips on Filing Closed Captioning Complaints, which you can find at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/tips_on_filing_cc_complaint.html

This fact sheet tells you where to send your written complaint, how to find the address, and information you should include in the complaint. It tells you what to do if you are not satisfied with the response to your complaint, or if you get no response in about 45 days.

Other fact sheets on IP Relay Service, Video Relay Services, Accessibility of Digital Wireless Phones to Individuals with Hearing Disabilities, Accessibility of Emergency Video Programming to Persons with Hearing and Visual Disabilities -- and more -- can be found at the FCC's Disability Rights Office website. Choose a topic from the "DRO Index" at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/links.html

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