Contacta Announces Portable Loop System

Editor: Induction Loops are common throughout Europe and their popularity is growing in the US. Here's a new company entering the market with a portable loop system called the "MY-T". Additional information is available on their website: http://www.contactainc.com/

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January 2009

Contacta, Inc. with North American operations based in Holland, Michigan announced this week that it would begin distribution of a breakthrough home-based portable Loop audio system in January.

The listening system, dubbed the "MY-T," provides clear, concise sound from one's television or other home audio systems, and is designed for hearing-impaired individuals wearing hearing aids fitted with a telecoil (T-coil).

The MY-T(tm) Listening System's great benefit is that it virtually eliminates muffled or distorted sound that hearing-impaired individuals experience while watching TV or listening to music-and does so wirelessly. By giving the T-coil hearing aid wearer the opportunity to control his or her individual listening volume, the MY-T (tm) Listening System eases the conflict with those who find the louder volumes often disturbing to their own listening experience.

The system includes two main components. The MY-T(tm) transmitter connects to the television or audio system and talks to a receiver placed within three feet of the hearing aid wearer. The MY-T(tm) wireless Listening System does not require the often-complex installation involved with running wires and leads around the room. Quite simply, the transmitter (connected to the TV or audio source via the output jacks or the sound device's internal microphone) picks up the sound then sends it to the My-T (tm) receiver using infrared technology. The receiver (placed on a nearby table) then transmits the signal to the T-coil in the hearing aid. The result? Clear, crisp sound. The listener is now able to adjust the volume level in the hearing device without having to increase the sound level from the TV or the audio system, resulting in a comfortable sound level for everyone in the room.

According to Richard McKinley, Managing Director of Contacta, Inc., "The beauty of this device is that it is not only wireless and less cumbersome than other home audio enhancement devices currently on the market, but that it is also portable, allowing the hearing aid dependent individual the opportunity to visit friends, relatives, or stay in a hotel and enjoy the use of Television without disturbing others who may not need or appreciate the volume boost." McKinley anticipates that the System will begin shipping in January and be available through audiologists throughout the US.

McKinley adds that "There is a great opportunity in this country for people with hearing loss to have a better hearing experience in the home and other private settings - while enjoying the company of friends, loved ones, and neighbors - with the MY-T(tm) Listening System."

Hearing loops have been marketed in this country for over 10 years and have already improved the quality of life for thousands of hearing-impaired individuals revolutionizing the hearing experience in public venues like theatres, auditoriums, museums and churches.

Contacta and its UK partners have been providing sound/communications solutions for customer-focused service providers since 1970, developing induction loop, speech transfer and a host of customer interface systems that improve the way service providers interact with the public.

Contacta, Inc., formed earlier this year, is a partnership between Richard McKinley and Contacta, Ltd. Mr. McKinley brings his extensive background in the design and installation of hundreds of induction loop and communication systems throughout the US to the Contacta team. This US based operation has its manufacturing, assembly and distribution based in Holland, Michigan and plans to roll out a number of new hearing interface products in '09 and '10 for use in public as well as private settings. These systems will be available through Audiologists and selected distributors.

Contacta, Inc. also manufactures a full line of hearing loop equipment for application in customer service settings like sales and ticket counters, banks, auditoriums and worship centers; virtually any location where hearing-aid wearers have a difficult time communicating. McKinley asserts that the company's mission is to "Help businesses and organizations better deliver their goods and services to the millions of hearing-aid wearers throughout North America."

To find the nearest distributor or for more information, contact the home office.

Contacta, Inc.
332 East Lakewood Blvd.
Holland, Michigan 49424
Phone - (616) 392-3400
Fax - (616) 392-3502