FM Listening Options Overview

If you have a severe hearing loss and wear telecoil-equipped hearing aids, you'll hear better if you wear your hearing aids and use the listening options made specifically for people who use hearing aids. When you connect the FM system to your hearing aids, the FM system isolates the speech sound you want to hear while the hearing aids custom-shape this sound to your specific hearing loss.

FM Listening Options:  With Hearing Aids

• Neckloops
• Silhouettes
• DAI Cords

Neckloops
If you already have telecoil-equipped hearing aids, a neckloop is a great way to get the sound from an FM system to your ears. Plug a neckloop into the FM receiver's audio output jack, and switch your hearing aids to the telecoil position. Now the speech signal you want to hear is carried directly to your hearing aids without amplifying the background noise.

Neckloop advantages:

• Listening options (earbuds or headphones) are not necessary -- just switch on your telecoils!
• A neckloop allows you to keep your hearing aids on.
• A neckloop is comfortable -- just a loop around your neck.A
•  neckloop is inconspicuous -- no wires are dangling from your ears.

Neckloop disadvantages: 

• A neckloop requires much power from your telecoils and FM system to produce a strong signal. If you suspect that your telecoils are weak, ask your audiologist to strengthen them.
• Neckloops and telecoils are susceptible to electromagnetic interference. If you experience static, try using Direct Audio Input.

Silhouettes
If you already have telecoil-equipped Behind-the-Ear hearing aids, the use of silhouettes is also a great way to get the sound from an FM system to your ears. Silhouettes work like a neckloop, but provide a stronger signal with less power because they sit closer to the hearing aid telecoils. If you are not satisfied with the neckloop, try one or two silhouettes.

Silhouettes hook over your ears in between your head and your hearing aids. Plug the other end into the FM receiver, and switch your hearing aids to the telecoil position.

Silhouettes have advantages and disadvantages. They provide a stronger signal than a neckloop and do not require as much power because they lie close to the hearing aid telecoils. On the other hand, they are not as comfortable as a neckloop, plus they are more conspicuous, more expensive and are also susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

Direct Audio Input (DAI)
If other listening options are not effective, and you have Behind-the-Ear hearing aids with DAI capability, try plugging your hearing aid directly into the FM receiver by using a DAI cable. Powerful FM systems like Comtek and Solaris have their own DAI cables which is a definite plus.

DAI provides the cleanest signal to the hearing aid because it's a direct electrical connection. DAI is appropriate in these situations:

• A cleaner sound signal is desired.T
• he telecoils are not strong enough.
• The FM system is not strong enough to power a neckloop.
• There is static on the telecoil setting.

Hearing Aids with DAI Capability
Most Behind-the-Ear hearing aids have DAI capability. Look for these symbols to be certain: 

• A small circle with an arrow through it.
• Three tiny dots that are actually sockets that accept DAI.
• A small plate that pops out and uncovers a connection. (Use your fingernail).

Direct Audio Input Warning
Do not plug the DAI cord directly into a computer, TV or any other audio device directly connected to an AC source because of the possibility of power surges.

Interchanging FM Listening Options
Interchanging manufacturers' listening options such as earbuds, earphones and headphones is usually not a problem. However, if you are interchanging neckloops, silhouettes, and DAI cords, stick to the manufacturers' specific brands. Even though you can insert the plug of these listening options into the 3.5 mm jack, the connection may not be a good one and you will not get quality sound.

FM Listening Options: Without Hearing Aids
People without hearing aids can use the following listening options with an FM system. All of these listening options have unique features that make them more appropriate in some situations than in others. These features are described in detail on the next page.

• Single Mini Earbud (WS-EAR013)
• Dual Mini Earbud (WS-EAR014)
• Stetoclip Headset (PE-AT063)
• Deluxe Rear-Wear Headphone (WS-HED026)
• Deluxe Folding Headphone (WS-HED021)
• Hearing Protector Headset (WS-HED008)
• Wide Range Earphone (WS-EAR008)
• Surround Earphone (WS-EAR022)