Solutions for deaf and hard of hearing people in the workplace

Transcription

1 13 Equipment at Work Solutions for deaf and hard of hearing people in the workplace At Connevans we have many years of experience providing equipment to support deaf and hard of hearing people at work. The right technology can often literally make the difference between staying in your current job or not. We offer a wide range of equipment that can make a big difference at work, in meetings, presentations and training courses, when making telephone calls and in many other situations. We can also carry out training in the workplace on all of the equipment we provide and are pleased to work closely with employees, employers and disability assessors to help find the most appropriate solution for each individual s needs. Access to Work The Government s Access to Work scheme can provide you and your employer with advice and may pay some or all of the costs of the specialist equipment that you need at work. Access to Work support is provided where someone needs adaptations or support beyond the reasonable adjustments which an employer is legally obliged to provide under the Equality Act. To find out more, speak to the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre or visit Access to Work grants are only available if the employer is based in England, Scotland or Wales. There is a different system in Northern Ireland. Onsite pagers for fire alarms Deaf people can be in danger if they cannot hear the standard fire alarm in offices, factories or schools. Installing an on-site vibrating pager system integrated with the existing fire alarm system provides the ideal solution. It is also possible to use the paging system to alert a person to other important signals, such as a call button or a lunch bell. Mobile phones A mobile phone is an essential tool for many people at work. A Bluetooth neckloop (see p182) or a streaming device (p ) will allow people with hearing aids to make handsfree calls on their mobile or smartphone. Radio aids for meetings, presentations & discussions Radio aids are invaluable for use in meetings, training sessions, and any situation where listening is difficult. Background noise, poor room acoustics, big groups or a large distance between the listener and the person talking are problematical all of which are very common in most workplaces! Radio aids for retail environments Many store counters have induction loops for customers but where the person with hearing loss is working behind the till, we would recommend a more portable solution such as a radio aid. Telephones If you are deaf or hard of hearing, using the office phone can be one of the most difficult and frustrating parts of your job. Fortunately there are several possible solutions. In-line amplifiers are a quick and easy option and hearing aid compatible headsets can work well (although some people find them uncomfortable to wear over their aids). Hands-free telephone calls using a radio aid The very best solution we have found is to listen to the telephone via a radio aid such as the Connevans fmgenie or Phonak Roger Pen/Select. A radio aid provides the best possible sound directly to your hearing aids. This approach is particularly suited to people working in call centres or those who use the phone a lot. 228 Issue 53 Telephone Prices exclude P&P Connevans sales@connevans.com Information Shop online

2 Equipment at Work 13 Establishing the best solution for a person at work Are you looking for a solution to help someone with a hearing difficulty succeed in the workplace? Connevans specialise in equipment for deaf and hard of hearing people. We have many years experience in specifying and supplying equipment for use in educational and work environments. All we will need when you contact us are some straightforward details for example the precise make and model of hearing aid or cochlear implant. If hearing on the phone is a problem we will also need details of the telephone system. Once we have this information we will then work out the best set of equipment for the situation and very quickly send you an itemised and fully priced quotation. Only for some complex situations, we have to advise on an assessment visit which is charged for but can be important to finding the right solution. One customer s problem and how Connevans provided a solution A cochlear implant user contacted us because of problems when their office changed over to a computer based softphone system where telephone calls were made via their laptop using a USB headset. The CI user was unable to use the standard USB headset as it was not loud enough and it was making it difficult for them to do their job. The Connevans solution After discussing the problem with the customer and, in this particular case, an in situ assessment we recommended a Sennheiser USB dongle with a Roger Pen and a Roger X integrated receiver connected to their processor. Don t assume that there is nothing to help ask us first we love solving problems and coming up with equipment solutions that work! The result A very happy employee and an equally happy employer who has been able to retain a member of staff for a relatively low expenditure. There is a great satisfaction in being able to help someone stay in employment but there is also the cost benefit, as the money spent on an equipment solution will typically be far less than finding and re-training a new member of staff. How it worked (the techie explanation) The USB dongle takes the place of the USB headset. The Roger Pen is paired to the USB dongle using Bluetooth it then behaves like a hands-free headset, feeding the incoming voice directly to the Cochlear Implant processor via the Roger X receiver. The Roger Pen is worn by the user and the microphone in the Roger Pen transmits the voice to the person on the incoming call. Calling all Access to Work and Disabled Student Allowance Assessors! Assessors are very often dealing with a diverse range of disabilities and therefore cannot be expected to be experts in every field they are expert in assessing where the user needs assistance from technology. Connevans specialises in equipment for deaf and hard of hearing people and we are very happy to discuss individual needs with assessors so that together we can ensure that the correct equipment is provided. We also run Assessor training and update workshops around the country. Please speak to Richard or John on if you would like to discuss equipment prior to or following an assessment visit or to book a place at a workshop. To request a quotation for equipment, please quotes@connevans.com Onsite User Training All radio aid systems are supplied with full instructions and support cards and are easy to set up and use. Telephone and support is always available free of charge. However, we also offer a bespoke on-site setup and training visit for individual systems where we will tailor the session to the specific needs of the user. Prices start at 480 ( 400 ex VAT), depending on location. Our highly experienced, friendly and approachable trainers spend as long as is required to get the system working in your specific environment and to ensure that you are happy and confident about all the different ways the equipment can work for you. We would strongly recommend this service for those in employment situations where the radio aid needs to interact with existing equipment, for example the office telephone system. Please contact Richard or John in Customer Services to discuss your individual requirements. I just wanted to thank you for your help in setting up my radio aid. I would definitely recommend this service to others. The training was of a very high standard. The trainer fully understood my hearing loss and delivered all information so I could understand easily. I left feeling very elated for the future. Thank you. Harnessing technology to overcome problems with hearing Absolutely brilliant. This equipment and training of the equipment has enhanced my life in the past 3-4 hours alone. Prices exclude P&P Telephone Issue 53 Shop online Information sales@connevans.com Connevans 229

3 13 Equipment at Work Phonak Roger radio aid packages recommended for work for more details, please see Section 1b Which Roger radio aid transmitters is right for me? Roger Select our default recommendation, worn around the neck by a single speaker or used on a table in multibeam (directional) sound pickup mode for small group use. Can also be used via Bluetooth with a mobile phone or a connection pack with an office phone system. Roger Pen cosmetically appealing; worn around the neck, hand-held in directional ( point & shoot ) mode or used omni directional on a table. Also used via Bluetooth with a mobile phone or a connection pack with an office phone system. Roger TableMic II a pair of Roger Table Mic II transmitters is a premium solution for round table discussions, board meetings etc. A Roger Select is fine for small groups but with a larger group a pair or Table Mic II transmitters will work automatically & seamlessly together to give superb quality sound. Roger Pen General Work bundle For general use to aid communication including presentations and mobile phone calls. Includes: Roger Pen transmitter set and two Roger X (type 03) ear level receivers. All you need to add are the appropriate connecting shoes, which are specific to the make and model of hearing aid. 142mm length Roger Select Small Meetings bundle For individual one to one use as well as small group situations, plus mobile phone calls. Includes: Roger Select transmitter set and two Roger X (type 03) ear level receivers. All you need to add are the appropriate connecting shoes, which are specific to the make and model of hearing aid. 3PRQP23S Silver 3PRQP23R Ruby 3PRQP23P Petrol PRQS23C Champagne 3PRQS23G Graphite Grey 3PRQS23W Pearl White mm diam Roger Pen Office & Call centre Handsfree Telephone bundle For use in meetings, presentations and to make wireless, handsfree calls (eg in a call centre). Includes: Roger Pen transmitter set, two Roger X (type 03) ear level receivers and a wireless headset telephone pack. The lightweight headset is worn around the neck the user listens to a call via their Roger system while the headset microphone picks up their voice, leaving the hands free for keyboard entry. The bundle allows you to connect your Roger Pen transmitter to virtually any phone system. All you need to add are the appropriate connecting shoes, which are specific to the make and model of hearing aid. Roger Select Office Telephone bundle For use in small meetings, presentations and to make both mobile and landline phone calls. Includes: Roger Select transmitter set, two Roger X (type 03) ear level receivers and a telephone adaptor. The telephone adaptor can be connected between most modern corded telephone handsets and their base units. When making calls you will pick up the handset to speak as normal and listen through the Roger system. All you need to add are the appropriate connecting shoes, which are specific to the make and model of hearing aid. 142mm length 55mm diam 3PRQP23WS Silver 3PRQP23WR Ruby 3PRQP23WP Petrol PRQS23TS Silver 3PRQS23TR Ruby 3PRQS23TP Petrol Issue 53 Telephone Prices exclude P&P Connevans sales@connevans.com Information Shop online

4 Equipment at Work 13 Roger TableMic II Premium Meetings bundle For meetings around a table. Includes: Roger Table Mic II transmitter set (pair) & remote control and two Roger X (type 03) ear level receivers. All you need to add are the appropriate connecting shoes, which are specific to the make and model of hearing aid. Roger TableMic II Premium Large Meetings bundle For meetings where you have a main speaker and group discussions. Also for mobile phone calls. Includes: Roger Pen transmitter set, Roger Table Mic II transmitter set (pair) & remote control and two Roger X (type 03) ear level receivers. All you need to add are the appropriate connecting shoes, which are specific to the make and model of hearing aid. 142mm length 69 mm square 69 mm square 3PRQTM PRQTM202S Silver 3PRQTM202R Ruby 3PRQTM202P Petrol Roger TableMic II Premium Office & Telephone bundle Top of the Range bundle: for use in meetings where you have a main speaker and group discussions, for mobile phone calls and to make handsfree calls from a landline (eg in a call centre). Includes: Roger Pen transmitter set, Roger Table Mic II transmitter set (pair) & remote control, two Roger X (type 03) ear level receivers and a wireless handsfree telephone pack. The bundle allows you to connect your Roger Pen transmitter to virtually any phone system. The lightweight headset is worn around the neck the user listens to a call via their Roger system while the headset microphone picks up their voice, leaving the hands free for keyboard entry. All you need to add are the appropriate connecting shoes, which are specific to the make and model of hearing aid. 142mm length 3PRQTM203S Silver 3PRQTM203R Ruby 3PRQTM203P Petrol mm square For more details about any of these items, please see Section 1b or visit our website and search for the part number. Popular Add-ons: see page 229 For anyone considering purchasing these packages, we strongly recommend: On-Site User Training Prices exclude P&P Telephone Issue 53 Shop online Information sales@connevans.com Connevans 231

5 13 Equipment at Work fmgenie radio aid packages recommended for work for more details, please see Section 1a Neck loop fmgenie system with conference microphone QFMG4N For someone using a neck loop with their hearing aid on the loop program plus a conference microphone for use in meeting situations. Includes: fmgenie transmitter set with microphone pack, fmgenie receiver set with neckloop, microphone pack, conference microphone pack, wearing options, storage pouch, listening test kit, batteries, charger and instructions. T Additional Transmitter set FMGQ9W To enhance the use of your fmgenie system you can add a second transmitter to utilise the fmgenie receiver dual channel facility. A second fmgenie transmitter for use by a second speaker, or connection to a TV ideal for use in large meetings, or for audio visual presentations. Start with your choice of fmgenie system, then add this pack. Includes: fmgenie transmitter set with microphone pack, radio aid carry pouch, belt pouch, batteries, charger, fmgenie TV scart pack and instructions. QFMG4NW White QFMG4N Graphite QFMG9W White QFMG9 Graphite Call Centre fmgenie system QFMG14 For someone using a neck loop with their hearing aid on the loop program plus a wireless handsfree telephone pack. A complete handsfree telephone solution for hearing aid users who struggle to make and receive calls in noisy call centre and office environments. The package is compatible with virtually all telephone systems, both analogue and digital and is suitable for hearing aid and cochlear implant users. This unique Connevans solution, often provided through the Access to Work Scheme, is widely used across the UK and is frequently cited as the reason why people are able to continue in a role that they otherwise may have found difficult or impossible. Includes: fmgenie transmitter set with microphone pack, fmgenie receiver set with neckloop and microphone pack, wireless headset handsfree telephone pack, wearing options, storage pouch, listening test kit, batteries, charger and instructions. QFMG14W White QFMG14 Graphite T Popular Add-on Accessory packs: see pages Many people who bought this package were also interested in: On-Site User Training fmgpack 9 Conference Microphone For full list of contents for each package and lots of additional information, please visit our website and search for the part number. 232 Issue 53 Telephone Prices exclude P&P Connevans sales@connevans.com Information Shop online

6 Equipment at Work 13 Thinklabs One Digital Amplified Medical Stethoscope The smallest, most powerful stethoscope in the world Fits in the palm of your hand Amplifies over 100x Uses audio earphones or headphones Can be connected into hearing aids Ideal for medical professionals with a hearing loss, the Thinklabs One has a 3.5mm headphone socket and is used with high quality earphones, which gives a louder sound and more comfort than a conventional doctor s stethoscope. Hearing aid users have a choice of connection methods to listen to the One. High quality earphones are good for people with a slight hearing loss (or who are working in a noisy environment such as an ambulance). The One can be used with any high quality headphones or earphones. People with hearing aids for a mild loss will probably find that taking out their hearing aids and using the supplied earphones a good solution. Hearing aid users should have a specific programme created on their aids with strong bass (low frequency) output. They can then use direct input or a streaming interface to listen to the Thinklabs One. Where possible, we do not recommend listening via a neckloop or radio aid due to the potential for loss of low frequency sounds Note of caution for hearing aid users: It is important to remember that although we can provide good methods of connecting the Thinklabs One to hearing aids, the level of success will be greatly affected by how the hearing aids have been programmed and the type of hearing loss. Low frequency sounds, such as bass from heart sounds, can be difficult for hearing aids to reproduce. The One allows you to listen with multiple filter choices. Filters selectively amplify low, medium or high-pitched sounds, to select for low-pitched heart sounds, mid-range murmurs or highpitched lung sounds. You can also set the two you use most often as "favourites" that are super-quick to select, giving you both choice and speed. There are 5 filters to choose from, ranging from very low frequency (low pitched sounds such as S3), to higher frequencies (lung sounds) and a few in between. Note: Plots shown here are representative but not necessarily specifications for filters; changes and improvements may be introduced. Controls and display on the Thinklabs One Filter button Volume LED Display Diaphragm Hz Scale Battery LED 0-10 Scale Volume buttons Thinklabs One Digital Stethoscope Includes: Thinklabs One Stethoscope, Thinklabs Studio Performance In-Ear earphones, Thinklink audio connection system for iphone, ipad, Android, PC/Mac, USB charge lead, World-wide AC charger ( V) with UK plug adaptor, Pocket carrying case. 3CTL1UK Supplied with the Thinklabs One is the Thinklink which provides a connection between the One and your mobile or laptop devices; allowing you to capture, save and send sounds via iphone, ipad, Android devices and Mac/PC. You can record heart or lung sounds and instantly send them around to your colleagues using your computer or smartphone perfect for use for training or to get a second opinion. This makes stethoscope sound sharing as easy as sending an . You can use the One with a smartphone app to record, visualise, teach or share heart, lung or other body sounds. Prices exclude P&P Telephone Issue 53 Shop online Information sales@connevans.com Connevans 233

7 13 Equipment at Work Hearing Aid Compatible Telephone Headsets Telephone headsets are widely used by people who wish to have both hands free for using a computer. The binaural (two ear) versions are also good for people with a slight hearing loss, especially amidst general office noise by the way, the Voyager Focus is especially good in noisy offices. A base station is normally required when used with a physical telephone, and there is a choice of monaural (one sided) or binaural (two sided) headsets people with a slight hearing loss usually find it advantageous to listen with both ears. T hearing aid compatible these enhanced versions have a T loop signal. When planning to use a headset with a hearing aid T facility it is important to check the area where it is to be used for unacceptable background magnetic noise from equipment such as computer monitors, before purchasing. A telephone headset can be used with any home or office phone which has a plug in handset a suitable bottom cable or base station will be required. We also have options available for computer-based softphones. Technical note: for the very best of quality you can use a handsfree telephone kit with a Phonak Roger radio aid or fmgenie please see our Call Centre package on pages or contact Customer Services for more information. Plantronics Vista M22 base station This industry standard base station connects Plantronics headsets with any telephone which has a curly handset cord, making it an easy and universal solution. It allows the user to switch between handset and headset and has a volume control & mute button. If the telephone does not have a headset mode you will need to take 40THVISTA2 the handset off hook during use, please refer to the instructions for your phone system for the available options Requires 2 x AA alkaline batteries supplied. Also supplied with 3m cable. Plantronics SupraPlus enhanced headsets Normally used with a base station, the SupraPlus enhanced headsets are light and comfortable with good sound quality. These enhanced headsets have a good T loop signal for use with hearing aids & excellent sound quality the binaural version is appropriate for those with two hearing aids. Please note that a bottom cable is not supplied with headsets and needs to be ordered separately if a Vista base station is not being used. SupraPlus Enhanced monaural headset HW251H A fully adjustable headband design provides a very stable fit while a soft ear cushion buffers distracting background noise. This is an ideal headset for telephone conversations in open plan environments. 40THSPMH SupraPlus Enhanced binaural headset HW261H The SupraPlus enhanced binaural headset has all the advantages of the monaural but with one big difference it provides sound in both ears! This makes it easier for anyone whose job demands total concentration when making or taking calls, particularly in a noisy environment. 40THSPBH Plantronics Voyager Focus UC wireless Bluetooth headset B825 The Voyager Focus is a wireless binaural Bluetooth headset with active noise cancelling technology to help you filter out background noise and focus on the phone conversation. The headset is hearing aid compatible (on the loop program) and the ear cushions are comfortable enough to wear over hearing aids. This headset uses Bluetooth to connect to your computer or smartphone. It can also be used with a desktop office phone with the addition of a Plantronics MDA220 USB Switch (Pt no. 40THMDA220). There are two versions of the B825 Bluetooth headset: Plantronics B825 (40THB825A) is the UC (Unified Communications) standard version built for UC applications and softphones from Avaya, Cisco, Skype etc. Plantronics B825-M (40THB825B) is certified for Skype for and optimized for Microsoft Lync. Review panel comment: We are impressed with the active noise reduction, which works very well well worth the cost. Bluetooth range: 30m. Weight: 155g. 12 hour battery life 40THB825A Softphone 40THB825B Skype/Microsoft Issue 53 Telephone Prices exclude P&P Connevans sales@connevans.com Information Shop online

8 Equipment at Work 13 Plantronics USB adaptors These bottom cables allow you to use a SupraPlus headset directly with a computer via a USB socket. They are ideal for use with VoIP telephony services, especially programs such as Skype. It provides universal compatibility, allowing the PC speaker to ring for incoming calls and has Plug and Play connectivity. The DA70 is the basic model and the DA80 has more advanced features and built-in volume control buttons. Plantronics DA70 40THSUPUS Plantronics DA80 40THDA In-line telephone handset amplifiers A useful product to substantially boost the listening volume of your existing telephone. Ideal for those who find their office telephone not as loud as it used to be! T-Loud Phone Plus PL51 Headphone socket T-Loud A basic feature model with a reasonable 20dB amplification, with some telephones there can be a slight delay when turning on. The T-Loud works with most but not all handsets as it does not have compatibility setting options. The T-Loud is a basic, low-cost solution. The Phone Plus PL51 has very good volume levels and tone controls. The long physical slider movement for volume and tone makes adjustment easier and the changes appear more gradual. The boost button, which operates whilst it is held down gives a doubling boost. The PL51 has a 3.5mm headphone socket for use with headphones, inductive neck loop or direct input and a choice of 4 compatibility settings for different curly cord handset systems. In the opinion of our evaluation panel, the PL51 is a more advanced option, with the loudest volume boost it would be our recommended choice. These amplifiers are for use with corded phones, both digital and analogue, with detachable handsets. Connection is very easy and the same for both models the in-line amplifier is connected between the curly handset cable and the telephone base unit (via the 4 pin modular RG10 connector). Basically, the curly handset is unplugged from the phone and the in-line amplifier connected instead. The handset cable is then plugged into the in-line amplifier. All the in-line telephone amplifiers have a battery and an automatic turn off when not in use. Please note that if you try to use an in-line telephone amplifier with an already amplified telephone you will probably have problems with feedback and distorted sound from the handset. Handset cord as usual With amplifier fitted Features T-Loud Phone Plus PL51 Max gain 20dB 40dB Max gain without boost 20dB Boost feature no double Tone Control no 4 Headset socket no 4 3.5mm Alternative handset compatibility options 1 4 Batteries required 1 x PP3, supplied 2 x AA, supplied Size 48 x 75 x 34mm 70 x 102 x 35mm Weight (excl. batteries) 55g 75g inc VAT ex VAT inc VAT ex VAT Cost each qty Cost each qty Cost each qty Connevans part no. 40TLOUD 40TPL51 Do you need to listen to your mobile phone for work? We have a range of excellent accessories which will allow you to listen to your mobile phone hands free over Bluetooth. See Section 9, pages for the options or visit our website: and search for bluetooth. Prices exclude P&P Telephone Issue 53 Shop online Information sales@connevans.com Connevans 235