How to Test Neck Loops Without Hearing Aids

Neck loops are used with personal frequency modulation (FM) systems or personal infrared systems. Both are forms of assistive listening devices (ALD) designed to provide better hearing for hearing-impaired individuals. Personal amplification systems can be used with or without hearing aids. A neck loop allows the user to wear the receiver around his neck. A portable transmitter microphone is clipped onto the person you want to hear or placed by the sound source you want to hear. Through FM or infrared signal the sound is transmitted from the microphone to the receiver. Headphones, connected to the neck loop, allow you to hear the sounds coming into the receiver.

Instructions

• 1

  Get referrals from doctors, friends and local organizations that use personal amplification systems. Many schools use personal FM systems; you may be able to try a device at a school in your area and inquire about their satisfaction with the device.

• 2

  Contact your state's commission for the deaf and hearing-impaired or deaf and hard of hearing. These organizations can recommend assistive listening device retailers and may even provide you with a free device.

• 3

  Visit a local retailer to compare available FM and infrared hearing systems. Some audiologist practices and hearing-aid clinics have assistive listening devices for demonstration purposes; you can test a system with headphones before purchasing.

• 4

  Purchase a neck loop system that includes headphones.

  Ask for a money-back guarantee on the system you purchase or order. If you're not satisfied with the device's performance, make sure you can exchange or return the device.

• 5

  Use your new device often to test its performance. In restaurants, social settings and business meetings, wear your neck loop receiver with headphones and carry your portable microphone. Have people wear the microphone to test how well you can hear them. Place the microphone on a table or desk and see how clearly you can hear conversation.

  Personal FM systems offer varied listening ranges; with some systems you can be 200 feet from the portable microphone and the signal will still be picked up by your neck loop receiver.