[mythtv-users] Hearing Aids and TV Listening Systems

[Chuck Peters]

My father recently got a hearing aid.  It's a newer model Oticon Epoq
[1] and works with bluetooth devices using the Oticon Streamer [2].
For the TV they suggest using the RF device Sennheiser 820s [3,4] TV
Listening System and that costs $300. A similar IR device is also
available, but IR wouldn't be practical for listening to the TV in the
kitchen.  Using this Streamer he can easily plug into a computer audio
port or the TV audio, but for the sake of the rest of the family's
hearing we need a wireless solution for dad.

The local place where dad got his hearing aid let him test drive the
system but he has decided not to purchase the Sennheiser 820s at this
time mostly because of its cost. Given how much the hearing aid costs,
not spending the $300 doesn't make a lot of sense...  This is a
problem for other family members due to how loud dad typically turns
up the TV, even with the hearing aid.  Some time ago I bought him a
MP3 player with FM and a little battery operated FM transmitter, but
he never really used it in part because it needs batteries after a
couple days, or less if it is left on.  Since he just returned
the Sennheiser 820s he is trying the battery operated FM transmitter
again and thinking about some 3 volt jerry rig to power it.

Does anyone have any suggestions for other practical wireless TV
Listening Systems?


Thanks,
Chuck

1. http://oticonusa.com/Oticon/Consumers/Products/Epoq.html
2. http://www.oticonusa.com/Oticon/Consumers/Products/Epoq/Streamer.html
3. http://www.oticonusa.com/eprise/main/SiteGen/Oticon/Content/Consumers/Products/Epoq/Streamer/sennheiser.html
4. http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/productdetail.asp?transid=009373