Pocketalker 2.0

My mother can no longer benefits from hearing aids. This product works fantastic and easy for a visually impaired person.

I bought this for my husband, who is hard of hearing. He uses it to watch television so the volume does not need to be so high. It worked very well. The only issue was when he bumped it or moved it, there was a lot of static that came through, so it is better if you are able to set it down where it will not be disturbed while in use. We would also not recommend using it in an environment where there is a lot of background noise, because it picks up everything.The sound quality is very good. We are looking forward to trying it out in the near future when we go to a few Broadway shows and a play in NYC. We have not used it long enough to know how long the 2 AAA batteries last before needing to be replaced. However, we have rechargeable batteries that we can also use in it, so that is not an issue.The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the static that is heard when it is moved, and we thought it was a little pricey. Otherwise, it is a very good product.

This pocket talker is an upgrade from the pocket talker ultra because it has stereo headphones instead of mono. I got it to replace the pocket ultra so we can purchase our own stereo headphones with more durable cords. The headphones that the pocket talker comes with have a very weak or fragile cord connection at the ear pads and the plug and the wires get exposed. Williams AV, the maker, is aware of this, according to one of their reps. The pocket talker is very useful for those hard of hearing and don't have a hearing aid. My mom has mild hearing difficulties and only needs the volume up to level 1.5. the extension cord for the microphone is long enough to reach the TV. The tone dial allows you to adjust so they can hear more treble or bass for clarity. I do recommend this pocket talker!

I can only imagine the benefit those of you with mild to moderate hearing loss may receive from this device. The Pocket Talker is not designed for those of us with severe or profound hearing impairment, my status. More about me at the bottom, but I want to make a couple recommendations to those of you considering Pocket Talker. Spend a few minutes educating yourself about the Pocket Talker, what it can and cannot do for you, your hearing issues. Be sure to understand ‘background noise’. An informed decision will better serve you and minimize or prevent misunderstandings after the purchase. In simple terms, the Pocket Talker provides the ability to amply sound, and to make some tone adjustments. In event first-use does not meet your expectations, be patient, it most likely will take a little time for you to acclimate.Now about my hearing; I am profoundly hearing impaired, ‘legally deaf’ by definition. Hearing aids do not help me, cochlear implant is my only option, but I am at risk of the surgery due to other medical issues. Currently nothing out there will remedy my impairment. I purchased a Pocket Talker in hopes I could gain even a minuscule improvement in a specific situation, and I did. Once a week, I attend a group meeting environment where twelve people in one room are speaking individually, this is my weekly bible study. Reading lips along with the ability of naturally hearing (unassisted) a very low volume helps me understand some of what is being said. What I naturally hear is similar to distant conversation, not discernable. By having the ability to raise the level of sound ever so slightly is a bit of improvement. The Pocket Talker Ultra 2 does not restore my hearing to an understandable level, but it helps a bit in this setting, and I am most thankful to have it.

Good quality

This is definitely the best pocket talker model! Sadly, the mic extension does not work - the mic itself does not fit into it. (therefore, 4 stars) That's frustrating, not sure how to return one item from an otherwise wonderful device. arrived on time. only time will tell re durability.UPDATE TO PREVIOUS REVIEW: this is a fantastic device when it works. my husband is 77 yrs and in hospital. the sound quality started 'crackling/buzzing' after less than 3 weeks. none of the attachments work, external mic buzzes and doesn't fit on the extension which i was counting on for tv hearing. nonetheless, conversations became possible until the buzzing started. It's a very expensive device to stop functioning properly after less than 3 weeks of use. with my husband in hospital, i've lost track of where the extra attachments are. is it possible to simply return the amplifier for a new one in the hope that this is a unique failing device?

I purchased the rechargeable unit, assuming it would include cable to be able to recharge!! Of course it did not, which makes zero sense to me. When you pay over 250.00 for a rechargeable item, common sense says include cable necessary!! Now I have to purchase one since all my devices/cables are incompatible!!