FAQs

To activate optical output you may need to go to TVs Audio Settings and activate it. You may also need change audio format from Dolby Digital to PCM or Normal.

Please note that some of the TV brands may mute internal speakers when Optical Output in use. Please seek for advice from your TV retailer which model will not do it.

An induction loop system helps people who use a hearing aid or loop listener hear sounds more clearly because it reduces or cuts out background noise. At home, for example, you could use a loop to hear sound from your television. In your car you can use a loop system to help you hear the stereo or radio. You can also set up a loop with a microphone to help you hear conversations in noisy places. In the theatre, a loop can help you hear the show more clearly.

An induction loop is a cable that goes around the listening area. An electric current is fed to the loop by an amplifier that gets its signal from a connection with a sound source. This can be a sound system or TV set, or a microphone placed in front of the person speaking. The current in the loop produces a magnetic field and you can then pick up this magnetic field if you are sitting within the area of the loop and your hearing aid is set to ‘T’. You can adjust your hearing aid for volume in the usual way.

When two or more loop systems installed close to each other, signal may overspill (up to 4 times the width) and affect their performance. In this case it is recommended to make a proper test before making a installation and consider  to install more complex, advance system as low spill or cancellation loop which should be installed by professionals.

If you have a hearing aid with a ‘T’ setting, simply switch it to ‘T’.
If you do not have a suitable hearing aid you can still use a loop, but you will also need a ‘loop listener’. Some loop listeners are small boxes with headphones – others are worn as an earpiece. More than one person can benefit from a loop installed in a room as long as they each have their hearing aids set to ‘T’ or they are using loop listeners. You are not wired to any other equipment so you are free to move around and listen from anywhere within the loop.

You can install a loop system yourself or ask someone who is good at DIY to do it for you. Installing the loop wire itself is the trickiest part as it is usually placed round the edge of the room at skirting board level. Take care to install the wire securely. You can route it over doors and window frames as this does not affect how well it works. Always follow the instructions.
The loop amplifier is normally placed close to the source of sound and then connected directly to it via Scart/ Audio Out or Optical Digital Socket. If you can’t connect your loop system directly to your TV or other sound source, you can use a microphone to pick up sound from the TV set’s loudspeaker. To operate this, just plug the amplifier into the mains socket, position the microphone and switch on.

Using a loop system with a television or hi-fi means that if you are with a hearing person you can set the volume to a level that is comfortable for them. You can make the sound louder for you by adjusting the volume on your hearing aid or loop listener. You can also adjust the tone on the loop amplifier.

However when loop system or TV listener is connected to the TV through optical or analogue outputs some of the TVs may cut internal speakers or some may need to change audio settings. We recommend to contact TV manufacturer customer service to make sure if your particular model/brand  will  let you use internal speakers and audio outputs simultaneously.

You can use an extra microphone to pick up the sound of your telephone or doorbell ringing or conversation, so you don’t miss these while watching television.
Alternatively, if your hearing aid has a combined ‘MT’ setting, you can use this to hear sound through the microphone and through the loop at the same time.

There are a few different ways in which our products can be connected to a TV:

• Digital Optical Audio Output. Many of the newer TVs no longer have analogue audio output, they have digital optical audio out or coaxial audio out. This socket is found at the back of your TV. Fortunately most of our latest product is compatible with optical output and have this connection as a standard. If your product is not compatible with digital outputs you will need Digital to Analogue Converter.
• Scart Socket. Using the phono-phono leads and the scart plug, connect to the scart socket, usually found on the rear of your television. PLEAST NOTE: It is usually best not to use the scart sockets as this can result in picking up the wrong sound or sound that is out of sync with the picture. In this case please use below methods:
• Audio Output. On the television usual a red and a white socket located on the back of your TV and usually indicated by a circle with an arrow pointing out of it.
• Headphone Socket. This may be on the front or back of your TV.  Connect to this using the phono-phono lead, connect directly to the headphone socket with the 3.5mm jack plug. (In some cases this may cut the TV speakers so other people will not be able to listen to the TV)
• Microphone on Speaker. Using the velcro pad provided please fix the microphone securely to the speaker at the point of sound.

There are many different products to choose from. It is important though to firstly identify what your needs are, for example:

Is it for just watching the TV at home? (If yes, see our Wireless TV Listeners or Loop Systems)

Is it for conversation and communication while out and about? Or in meetings? (If yes, please see our Personal Listeners)

Do you wear a hearing aid? (If you don’t then you need to choose a product with a headset.Personal Listeners or Wireless TV listeners)

Do you need something portable or something more permanent?

Do you require a product that is compatible with your Modern TV connections or Plasma TV?

Look at the product information on each product page and choose the product that would best suit you.

If you can’t decide, contact our sales office, they can help you.

If your TV is a more modern one, then you may find that it only has digital optical audio ouput. If so, you will need a Digital to Analogue Converter, available from us. This will allow any of our TV listening devices to be connected to a digital optical audio output.

Or you can try the new MegaLoop DAC, which is a room loop system with an integrated digital to analogue converter, easy set up to new TV’s with one simple Toslink cable (provided with room loop system).

Yes, any of the below items can be used with a plasma TV:

• Radiolink2.4G
• Megaloop
• MegaloopPro
• Echo2.4G

The only products that cannot be used with a plasma TV are ones that use infra red signals (Echolink & EchoIR), this is because plasma and infra red are not compatible with each other and will result with interference.

This is a type of connection found on modern TVs. It produces a digital signal rather than a analogue signal. Fortunately most of our latest products are compatible with this outputs. If you have older products (analogue) you would require a Digital to Analgoue Converter to connect it to your TV.

Yes, our products use a standard 3.5mm stereo headphone socket, so as long as the headset you want to use has a 3.5mm stereo jack, it will be compatible with our equipment.

Please note that batteries may last shorter if you use different headphones.

Yes, we have two products that can help you with your telephone:

• EchoChime300 Home Alerting System – The Chime300 and Telephone Signaller will alert you to an incoming Telephone call with a sound and flash.
• Echo PhoneFlash™ – This product is used to alert you that your telephone is ringing with a loud sound and bright flash

The loop pad is an alternative to a loop wire, allowing you to use a loop system without the need to loop the whole room, the loop pad can be placed under a chair or behind a cushion where the ”T” coil will pick up the amplified sound.
The loop pad only covers the area directly around the pad, making it ideal for small areas such as:

• Reception desks
• One to one meeting / interview rooms
• Or having two loop systems close to each other (flats or neighbours etc) avoiding overlap or interference

No, the neckloop works in conjunction with the hearing aid being switched onto the “T” position, there is a magnetic field that is created by the neckloop and then the sound is picked up through the “T” coil in the hearing aid.

A neckloop works in the same way as a room loop system only on a much smaller scale. Because it is worn around the neck, the magnetic field created is only small and therefore creates your own personal loop.

Yes, you can use re-chargeable dry-cell / batteries. This is beneficial if the unit is being used throughout the day.

Yes, you will need to purchase a patch lead and audio leads in order to connect directly to your TV or hi-fi. you can do this via:

• Audio out
• Headphone socket

Yes, as long as the amplifier is in a well ventilated area.

When using headphone outputs or optical outputs some of the TV brands may mute internal speakers. If that is the case go to TV audio settings and select Internal Speakers+Optical Out/Headphones simultaneously. Unfortunately not all TV will have this options available. Before purchasing new TV we strongly advise to check that with TV retailer.

No. Unfortunately hearing aids manufacturers are using their own Bluetooth protocols which are not compatible with our products.

• Frequency. Even both devices look very similar they are using different transmission signal. Radiolink2.4G operates on 2.4GHz frequency whereas EcholinkPro (see more Click here) is using InfraRed signal. Because of that you must keep line of sight between EcholinkPro Transmitter and Receiver otherwise signal will be disrupted. If you wish to have total freedom of movement whilst watching TV please purchase Radiolink2.4G. However, if a lot of devices around your home is using 2.4GHz frequency then EcholinkPro may be a better choice as it should not interfere with other 2.4GHz products.
• Rubber surface. Radiolink2.4G receiver is covered with rubber finish whereas EcholinkPro is made from semi-transparent plastic to be able to receive InfraRed signal.
• High contrast Yellow Mic button for visually impaired. Both device can be used as personal listeners and TV listeners.  To switch between TV and Conversation you must press microphone button on the receiver. Echolink Pro mic button is in bright yellow, Radiolink2.4G mic button is black.
• Using with Plasma TVs. EcholinkPro is not suitable for plasma TVs. Please note that most modern TVs are LED TVs (not plasma) and can be used with EcholinPro. However if you have plasma TV we recommend to purchase Echo Radiolink2.4G TV Listener.
• Price. As InfraRed technology is generally cheaper than 2.4GHz buying EcholinkPro may be better option for customers which would like to save some money but still have a high quality product.

Persons with pacemakers or other medical devices should always consult their GP/ physician or cardiologist before using the device. NeckLoops should not be worn by persons with pacemakers or ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillator). Please contact your GP or cardiologist for further information.