Wayne.Roorda@f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org (Wayne Roorda) (10/18/90)
Index Number: 11174
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
Hi Jack,
JO> The real tragedy is the dispensers' resistance to
JO> true digital signal processing aids. The one attempt
JO> at this (Nicolet's Phoenix) appears to be defunct.
JO> All because dealers would need to make a modest
JO> investment in new fitting equipment. This after
JO> the findings that digital signal processing can enhance
JO> the clarity of the speech signal and discrimination in
JO> many difficult situations.
From what I've heard the "modest investment" isn't exactly that
modest. I'm not sure how much $$ would be required but I've heard
figures of $20,000+. But I think the biggest drawback was that
the manufacturers couldn't agree on any standard(s) and that each
one would have their own form of fitting equipment. Therefore an
investment would have to be made for each manufacturer.
JO> The manufacturers marketing efforts are targeted
JO> solely at the dealers, not the end users of their
JO> products.
But that is changing, I think because of the input the manufacturers
are receiving from SHHH members.
JO> The hearing aid industry is the last surviving
JO> enclave of obsolete analog audio technology,
JO> in a universe that has long since recognized the
JO> advantages digital signal processing.
True enough, but I wonder if they could filter out the EM noise
from these CRT's while one is trying to use the T-coil on the
telephone? And also the radar noise I pick up from the sites
that have replaced the old SAGE equipment, not to mention the
shrill noise I pick up in the entrances of some banks.
Wayne
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Internet: Wayne.Roorda@f14.n385.z1.fidonet.orgJack.O'keeffe@f26.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Jack O'keeffe) (10/18/90)
Index Number: 11177
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
WR> From what I've heard the "modest investment" isn't exactly that
WR> modest. I'm not sure how much $$ would be required but I've
WR> heard figures of $20,000+.
The price I heard was $27K for the Nicolet Aurora to fit the Phoenix.
But there is really no reason why a digital aid could not be fitted
(programmed) using a PC. I think part of the problem was that
Nicolet was coming from the diagnostic equipment direction and
had not previously been directly in the hearing aid business.
WR> Therefore an investment would have to be made for
WR> each manufacturer.
If they would make one programmable with a PC, that obstacle would
evaporate. (and I could program my own <grin>).
WR> JO> The manufacturers marketing efforts are targeted
WR> JO> solely at the dealers, not the end users of their
WR> JO> products.
WR> But that is changing, I think because of the input the
WR> manufacturers are receiving from SHHH members.
Wayne, only 2 hearing aid manufacturers (Oticon and Telex) had
display booths at Little Rock, and Telex didn't care enough to
send anyone to man their booth. I counted 84 companies claiming
to make hearing aids in the US last year. Where were they?
I'll bet they were all at the NHAS (dealers) convention.
WR> JO> The hearing aid industry is the last surviving
WR> JO> enclave of obsolete analog audio technology,
WR> JO> in a universe that has long since recognized the
WR> JO> advantages digital signal processing.
WR> True enough, but I wonder if they could filter out the EM noise
WR> from these CRT's while one is trying to use the T-coil on the
WR> telephone?
I spoke with Telex engineering about a 60hz notch filter in line
with the T-coil. They seemed interested, but no committment.
A digital filter can be made to attenuate specific noise at
least an order of magnitude more effectively than analog.
WR> And also the radar noise I pick up from the sites
WR> that have replaced the old SAGE equipment, not to mention the
WR> shrill noise I pick up in the entrances of some banks.
Have you ever had to pull your aids out to get thru the security
checkpoint at an airport. Mine will trigger the magnetometer, but
others do not. I always thought it might be the wireless BiCros
I wear. The aid in the dead ear is actually a radio transmitter.
... Jack.
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