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Assistive Listening Device (ALD)


cedric

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Hi,

 

I'm new on the forum. I was activated one year ago.

I have both Opus 2 and Rondo processors but I generaly use the Rondo as I like it better.

 

I'm looking for an ALD that can be used wirelessly.

As the Rondo doesn't have a native DAI I must use the integrated T-coil by using of a neckloop solution.

 

The ALD should enable me to:

- use cell phone through Bluetooth (listen & speak)

- listen to music through Bluetooth

- listen to TV (generaly with the help of an additional accessory)

- (optionaly) use a remote microphone

 

I found these two devices:

- ClearSounds Quattro 4.0 neckloop

- Phonak Roger Pen + MyLink

 

Technicaly speaking, I would prefer the Quattro 4.0 as it is an all-in-one device.

The Phonak solution forces me to wear two necklaces which is not user friendly.

 

Did one of you already use or try these devices ?

I would be very happy to hear your opinion on these devices.

 

Cédric

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Cédric,

 

I have been using the Quattro 4.0 for well over a year, and used its predecessor, the Quattro for several years.  The 4.0 was issued to me as part of my patient kit and I use it constantly.  It is paired with my iPhone, and landline phone. The detachable microphone does come in handy and the improved version of it comes with both a lanyard with a docking station for the charger as well as a magnet so you can clip the microphone to a piece of clothing.  Much easier to use.

 

I find that the 4.0 has some great features such as remembering multiple devices and the ability to recharge while in use.  Voice calling, etc. are also included. The wall charger works equally well from 100-240 volts, and either 50 or 60 Hz.  All you would need to do is to find the correct adapter plug for the wall socket.The power cord itself terminates in a USB plug so if your car phone charger has an extra slot you can drive, listen to your phone and charge at the same time.

 

I have no experience with the Phonak Roger, sorry.  Please let me know how else I may be of service.

 

Ayez un bon weekend! A bientôt

 

 

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Cedric,

With ALDs a key fact is the number of signal conversions your given choice requires. Consider a straight wired hook up to your phone:

 

Phone audio-> DAI by cable to CI processor.  Direct output from phone is direct input into CI.

 

The Quattro is a more complex sytem:

 

Phone audio->phone Bluetooth->Bluetooth transmission to Quattro-> Quattro neckloop output->Telecoil pickup by CI processor.

 

Another more complex example, Phonak Roger and My-link:

 

Phone audio->phone Bluetooth->Bluetooth transmission to Roger Pen->Roger Pen FM-> FM transmission to Mylink->Mylink neckloop output->Telecoil pickup by CI processor.

 

I use the forerunner of the Roger x, which is smartlink+, with a FM receiver plugged into my Opus2, so the conversions become:

 

Phone audio->phone Bluetooth->Bluetooth transmission to Smartlink->Smartlink FM-> FM transmission to MLxi receiver->DAI to CI processor.

 

But as with all things in life... it isn't that simple. FM has more range than Bluetooth, there is the consideration of how many actual parts are required, and the compatability with other hearing devices - most are telcoil enabled.

You need to evaluate how you are going to use the ALD. There is also the cost vs benefit to consider.

 

Mike.

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John & Michael, thank you for your feedbacks.

First, I want to correct one thing from my initial post: the Roger Pen is not able to stream music wirelessly from a Bluetooth device (tablet, smartphone, laptop , ...) because it does not have the AD2P profile.
With the Roger Pen, the Bluetooth feature (only working with phone calls) is more a bonus that a main feature.

John,

Could you talk about these points about the Quattro 4.0 ?
- battery life
- sound quality
- ease of use

Where is located exactly the screen ? Does the screen displays reversely when weared ?
Is it easy to operate the screen for adjusting volume during a call ?

Does the remote microphone work well ? Do you use it regulary ?

Do you use the QLink accessory for the TV ?

Have a good week !

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Cedric,

 

battery life is quite good. the device can be charging while in use! a female voice will tell you, "battery low" so if in the car, for example, and your cell phone charger has an extra USB plug, you can plug the cord into it.

 

the same voice tells you device connected, device two connected, call terminated, etc.

 

it has the correct protocol to be listening to music, pause the music when a call is received and then pick up the song or TV when the call is completed.

 

it has call waiting, caller ID, the ability to talk to Siri, iPhone, or other smart phone assistant, call rejection, etc.

 

the remote microphone also works well but i don't use it very often as I am self-employed and don't have a lot of meetings.

 

when you wear the device, the screen read out is oriented so you can read it

 

volume adjustment is easy and you get beeps which increase or decrease when adjusting.  you can also mute the microphone during a call

 

I don't use the Q Link, instead I use a Sony Bluetooth transmitter/receiver http://store.sony.com/2-way-bluetooth-adaptor-zid27-HWSBTA2W/cat-27-catid-All-TV-AV-Cables  you should be able to find that or its equivalent locally.

 

hope this helps

 

John

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John,

Thank you again for your valuable feedback.

It took me time to realize that the Quattro 4.0's screen is on one side and the remote mic on the other side :)

I've found that the documentation about the remote microphone clip was available here.

Although I think that the Roger Pen will perform better in noisy situations, I will finally choose the Quattro as it is more versatile and user friendly, at least for Rondo's wearers.

Cédric

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I would like to post a clarification that may be usefull to the community and that I was not aware of. The Quattro 4.0 remote microphone is not designed to be worn with the neckloop all the time (the magnet is not a strong one). This connection is intended for charging purposes only. When the Quattro mic is no attached for charging, it should be placed in a velvet pouch to be carried. This is not clearly mentionned on the ClearSounds's web site (this page mention a "removable mic"). So it is a little less an all-in-one device as I was talking about in my first post but it remains my first choice.

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  • 3 months later...

Thank you all for contributing to this forum.   I have been using the Rondo for a little over a year.  I have not been to a movie, used my device with my ipad or used an ALD.   My phone goes right to my device.  I am clearly missing out.  It the Quattro 4.0 helpful in these situations ?

 

Respectfully,

Kristie

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  • 3 months later...
  • HearPeers Heroes

Kristine

I cannot answer your question about the Quattro as I do not have one. I have an fm system from phonak. I don't belie it would do much good with the rondo but should work quite well with the opus 2. I have used it in meetings, social gatherings, talking on the phone, listening to music.......

Good luck in your search.

Adam

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  • 5 months later...

Cedric,

 

battery life is quite good. the device can be charging while in use! a female voice will tell you, "battery low" so if in the car, for example, and your cell phone charger has an extra USB plug, you can plug the cord into it.

 

the same voice tells you device connected, device two connected, call terminated, etc.

 

it has the correct protocol to be listening to music, pause the music when a call is received and then pick up the song or TV when the call is completed.

 

it has call waiting, caller ID, the ability to talk to Siri, iPhone, or other smart phone assistant, call rejection, etc.

 

the remote microphone also works well but i don't use it very often as I am self-employed and don't have a lot of meetings.

 

when you wear the device, the screen read out is oriented so you can read it

 

volume adjustment is easy and you get beeps which increase or decrease when adjusting.  you can also mute the microphone during a call

 

I don't use the Q Link, instead I use a Sony Bluetooth transmitter/receiver http://store.sony.com/2-way-bluetooth-adaptor-zid27-HWSBTA2W/cat-27-catid-All-TV-AV-Cables you should be able to find that or its equivalent locally.

 

hope this helps

 

John

 John, this is an old post so I hope you see it.   Can you change the voice on the Quatro?  I can not understand the voice at all.  There was nothing in the instructions that even said there was a voice.  

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  • HearPeers Heroes

Leah-

In case John doesn't see your question.......I'm not sure how long you've been activated. At first I could not understand the voice at all. However now I can so if it's still early in your CI journey that may improve over time. I do not know of a way to choose a different voice but if you go to the ClearSounds website- you can contact them via email. I have in the past and they responded right away.

Hope this helps,

Mary Beth

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  • HearPeers Heroes

I would contact clear sounds. John has not posted on this forum in a very long time.

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  • 9 months later...
  • HearPeers Heroes

I have used the Quattro4 and its predecessors for many years.

I am a relative newbie to the CI world as I was activated in April of this year. However, I am well versed in this technology and ALD's of various types.

 

I am also a hearing loop installer and advocate. I am a dealer of Contacta, Inc. hearing loop products.

 

I use the Quattro4 (Q4) for mostly cell phone and work desk phone calls.

iPhone - Bluetooth to the Q4

Desk phone - Bluetooth to a Clear Sounds QH2 handset amplifier and lifter. 

with both types of calls I wear the Q4 around my neck and speak into its built-in microphone so all calls are hands free. This allows me to work and take notes while on the phone, or drive with both hands on the wheel. I prefer to inform callers while on the road to allow me to call them back when I am parked!

 

To hear the TV at home I use a hearing loop system and hear directly into my Rondo and my hearing aid just my switching to T mode.

I like this because I can filter out all extraneous noise and the sound is SOOOO much clearer than through the TV speakers.

 

 

To learn more about the Q4 and the QH2, contact Clear Sounds at https://clearsounds.com

To learn more about hearing loops, checkout http://www.hearingloop.org

 

I just ask me!

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  • HearPeers Heroes

I forgot to mention that I am interested to the Roger Pen and wonder if anyone has compared this to the Q4 removable mic?

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  • HearPeers Heroes

The Q4 removable mic has an inferior sound quality compared with FM types of devices like Roger or Dogisystem in my opinion.

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