900 MHz

Although not specifically designed for people with hearing loss, some consumer transmitters/receivers, which use 900 MHz, for "remote listening" can be used as ALDs.

You can find such simple systems at places like Best Buy, Circuit City, and similar consumer electronics shops, where they typically sell for less than $100 ... sometimes even put on sale for as little as $20.

Radio Shack and others also sell little FM transmitters for about $20 which can transmit to a standard FM radio.

Such systems may be suitable for remote listening to a TV or stereo, but the trick is finding a good way to get the signal into your hearing aid. See neckloop, silhouette, dai. If your aids don't have telecoils, and if you can't get them added (they won't fit in those tiny canal aids), then your only choice for a "user interface" is headphones.

All things considered, if you have a DAI, that's probably the best alternate input compared to your hearing aid's microphone. If you have a telecoil, then either a neckloop or silhouettes is a good choice. But, otherwise, you'll have to go with headphones.

When choosing an ALD, especially a 900 MHz system, be sure to buy one that offers a way to plug in your chosen interface ... many of these systems are "headphone-only" and don't have a place to plug your favorite interface. So, unless your only option is a headphone, keep shopping ... some do have little receivers that will accept any chosen interface. Still it's best to make sure you try it out and have a return policy if it doesn't work for you.

900 MHz systems offer a low cost way to get into FM, but there are limitations so if you can afford a more substantial system, see: 72-76 MHz and 216-217 MHz systems.

Check Out Our Sponsors
Banner ad to indicate