If you have a hearing impairment, you’ve probably tried every product on the market to help you with your condition. But you might not have heard of Pocket Talkers.
Known as a great alternative to hearing aids, a Pocket Talker can be put in your pocket or attached to your belt. Instead, you’ll be using headphones or earphones for hearing. These are recommended for people who don’t live in particularly noisy areas and need to hear what people say to them, television shows, and other relatively quiet noises.
Our Pocketalker review will discuss all you need to know about this product to help you decide whether it’s worth trying.
In This Article:
- What is a Pocket Talker?
- What Makes a Pocket Hearing Aid a Good Option?
- Pocket Talker Reviews
- Pocket Talker Pros and Cons
- How to Use The Pocket Talker for Hearing Impaired
- What Batteries Does the Pocket Talker Use?
- Will it help Watching TV?
- Does Pocket Talker Block Out Background Noise?
- Pocket Talker vs Hearing Aids
- How Does the Tone Control Work?
- Do Pocket Talkers Come With a Warranty?
- Does Pocket Talker Work With My Smartphone?
- Conclusion
What is a Pocket Talker?
While many brands on the market manufacture personal amplifiers, the one specifically known for creating Pocket Talkers is called Williams Sound, it isn’t the most popular brand. Still, if you want to get the best Pocket Talker, this is where you need to go.
It’s an American brand that has been working on several forms of communication systems for decades. As a result, Williams Sound Pocket Talkers are some of the best-rated personal amplification devices on the market.
What Makes a Pocket Hearing Aid a Good Option?
As discussed in the next section, only one brand offers Pockettalkers, Williams Sound. However, the Pocket Talker hearing device falls under the general category of personal amplifiers.
These are budget-friendly alternatives to hearing aids (or you may use them in conjunction). This excellent product works great for hearing the conversation better in small groups, watching TV, and much more. It’s a good hearing aid for senior citizens at events and crowded areas.
The main purpose of sound amplifiers is for you to hear speech more clearly, whether in a classroom, in personal conversations, on television, or in any other similar situation. Sound amplifiers tend to get rid of background noise. The more they can eliminate background noise, the better you will hear.
What matters the most is the quality of the microphone and the earphones. If the brand is highly reputable, its microphone and earphones will be great too. Better quality means that you will be able to hear sound a lot clearer.
Some people don’t like that personal amplifiers are pretty noticeable, so if this is the case for you, there are other market options.
Pocket Talker Reviews
Williams Sound produces three Pocket Talkers: the regular Pocket Talker, Pocketalker Ultra, and the Pro. If you look at the selections on their website, however, you will notice that they can decide what kinds of headphones you want. So naturally, this will determine the price of the product. Now, our helpful review will explain these different models in more detail.
This version of the Williams Sound Pocketalker Ultra is 2.0, and it retails for $229 on their official website. The Pocketalker Ultra 2.0 is a new and revamped model of the Pocketalker Ultra and claims to have a better range of sound and sound quality than the brand’s other models.
Another nice thing about this product is that it comes with various accessories. For one, it comes with headphones and earphones, so you can determine which one you prefer more. The microphone also doesn’t come with a cord- a lanyard, batteries, and mounting clips. This product has a nice and thin design, too, so it will be easy for you to keep in your pocket when out and about.
The Williams Sound Pocketalker Ultra 2.0 is perfect for an elderly friend in a nursing home or anyone with hearing loss. They can focus the mic on the conversation when you talk with them and adjust the volume to each ear piece.
Another great advantage to the Pocketalker Ultra 2.0 is that you can switch the AAA batteries for rechargeable ones. You can use any adapter from cell phones to charge via the USB plug.
Here is a YouTube video that shows a doctor giving his personal review of Pocketalker 2.0.
This model retails for between $169 and $214, depending on which one you choose to get. If you want the Pocket Talker on its own, it will cost $169.50. And if you want to have a neck loop, then it will cost $214. The rest are $184; you can choose between headphones you wear behind your head, mini earphones, and a model with both earphones and headphones.
The Ultra is best if you plan on having personal conversations or are in a situation where you need to hear what someone is saying. You can adjust the volume as you wish. This one also comes with various accessories, including a microphone, lanyard, batteries, and an extension cord.
The great thing about the adjustable volume on this Pocketalker Ultra sound amplifier is if there is only hearing loss in one ear, each side can be controlled independently. This makes it a great product for those with hearing loss in one ear only.
And finally, the brand also offers the Pocketalker Pro. The cost of this model will also depend on which package you’ll choose for earphones and headphones. On its own, the Pro will cost $173, and the packages will cost $189. You can either choose to have one earbud or regular headphones.
Once again, this model is best if you want to listen to sounds close to you. It also helps to get rid of background noise. The Pocketalker Pro’s accessories include an extension cord, batteries, a belt clip, a microphone, and a case to carry your product around.
The original Williams Sound Pocketalker is good quality and works fine to adjust the hearing volume. This version is slightly bulkier than the other Pocketalker Ultra models but comes equipped with telecoil functionality.
Pocketalker Pro vs Ultra
There are a few key differences between the Pockettalker Pro vs Ultra:
More durable square case with the Pro.
Pro is to be used with neckloops and telecoil-equipped hearing aids.
The Pro has an LED screen.
Both models feature an omnidirectional microphone.
Because of its features, the Pro has a slightly higher price tag.
Finally, a YouTube video shows the three models available and how people use them.
Pocket Talker Pros and Cons
Pros
It can be transported easily
If you’re on the go a lot, this can be an important feature regarding whether or not you want to purchase something. Pocketalkers can be taken with you wherever you go, and they’re unlikely to get lost thanks to the added convenience of the belt clip.
It comes with headphones or Ear Bud Option
When you purchase a Pocket Talker, you will also get a pair of headphones and ear bud set. If you prefer headphones over earbuds or choose for the situation. However, should anything happen to those headphones, you’ll most likely be able to use a pair that you already have.
It comes with a microphone
User reviews have noted for anyone you’re talking to can speak directly into the microphone so you can hear what they are saying. It especially works great because people say it eliminates all the background sounds.
The volume will adjust according to other sounds around you
This is important because you might be in a situation with loud noises. If you’re using earphones, this could hurt your ears badly, even causing damage. Luckily, the Pocket Talker technology is designed to ensure that the volume will adjust according to these sounds so they won’t be as loud for you.
Great for Elderly Loved Ones
One review from a person buying this as a gift for their mother in a nursing home has stated it has made such an improvement for both of them. Without the Pocketalker Ultra, the daughter would have to repeat herself regularly, and her mother was getting frustrated because she could not understand the conversation. This review alone speaks volumes for the Williams Sound Pocketalker product line.
The mother was also able to better communicate with the staff at the nursing home; everyone wins with the better sound quality!
Cons
It’s not exactly small
If you’re someone who has used hearing aids before, you know that they can be invisible. But this is something that people will see. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, of course, but some people prefer to have hearing devices that are not noticeable. That won’t be the case if you choose to get a pocket talker.
The earphones don’t have the best quality
Some people who purchased this product said that the earphones this product is available with aren’t of the best quality. This might have an effect on how well you will be able to hear sounds.
It Doesn’t Come With Wireless headphones
The Williams Sound Pocketalker Ultra and Pro need a wired cable to work. You can buy adapters for wireless headphones, such as this mini Bluetooth Receiver. You can also try the best soundbar for hearing impaired.
How to Use The Pocket Talker for Hearing Impaired
It’s straightforward to use the Pocket Talker, and you won’t have to spend hours and hours trying to figure it out, even if you don’t understand technology too much. You will hear all the sounds amplified through your earphones. Regarding how the sound gets to your earphones, the pocket talker comes with a microphone that catches important sounds and removes unnecessary background noises.
You can adjust the microphone placement as necessary to hear sounds more clearly. For example, if you’re conversing with someone, you can give them the microphone to speak into. Or, if you’re watching a video, you can put the microphone closer to the speakers for it to pick up the sound. That’s all that there is to it.
What Batteries Does the Pocket Talker Use?
The Pocketalker Ultra uses two AAA batteries to power the device. The Pro version uses two AA batteries. There are batteries included with your purchase.
When the batteries start running low (after about 200 hours), they will display a flashing red light to indicate its time to change the batteries.
Will it help Watching TV?
The Williams Sound Pocketalker Ultra is great hearing devices for watching TV. You can place the microphone close to the TV speaker so it will pick up the sound when you watch TV. Moreover, all models come with a 12′ microphone extension cord, so you don’t have to sit close to the TV.
Users have commented on how helpful the device is for watching TV while others are talking in the same room. You can also try TV Ears Reviews.
Does Pocket Talker Block Out Background Noise?
The Pocket Talker blocks background noise easily with its omnidirectional microphones and intelligent external tone control, so you may want a watch with vibrating alarm if you need to stay notified.
It’s perfect for situations where you must focus on a particular noise, not any noise in the background. It’s practical, so if you’re looking for something that will provide you with practicality more than good looks, the pocket talker is definitely for you.
Almost any review you read will indicate the Pocketalker Ultra is one of the best for blocking out background noises.
Pocket Talker vs Hearing Aids
The Pocket Talker sound amplifier is a great alternative for hearing aids in many situations. This device is good for most people with mild hearing issues or who have trouble focusing on certain types of sound.
The main difference is that hearing aids are meant to be worn all day for those with more severe hearing loss. Another significant factor is the price difference between the Williams Sound device and a regular hearing aid.
If you only have mild hearing loss on one side, hearing aids like ZVOX hearing aids reviews may be too much, and the Pocketalker is perfect.
How Does the Tone Control Work?
The Pocketalker Ultra has external control for tone, whereas the Pro version has internal control. Why does this matter? With the Ultra version, you do not need to open the compartment to access the controls to change the tone. This can be inconvenient in the Pro model.
The tone control uses omnidirectional microphones to pick up sounds, and the digital interface adjusts those tones so you can hear them more clearly without any muffling.
Do Pocket Talkers Come With a Warranty?
All of the models shown above come with a five-year warranty. William’s Sound will replace your Pocketalker within the five-year warranty period if anything malfunctions. Make sure you register your device upon purchase.
Does Pocket Talker Work With My Smartphone?
Pocketalker is a personal sound amplifier designed to help individuals with hearing difficulties by amplifying sounds close to the listener while reducing background noise. However, it is not a Bluetooth device and does not pair with the best smartphone for the hearing impaired like typical wireless earbuds or hearing aids. Instead, it’s intended for direct listening and comes with headphones or earbuds that plug directly into the device. For smartphone use, individuals with hearing impairments might consider specialized hearing aid-compatible (HAC) devices or a telecoil loop with their hearing aids if their smartphone supports it.
Phones for Deaf People
For the deaf and hard of hearing, smartphones have become incredibly accommodating, with various features and technologies to assist in communication:
- Visual and Vibratory Alerts: Smartphones can be set to provide visual alerts for incoming calls or messages, as well as strong vibratory patterns that the user can feel.
- Real-Time Text (RTT) and Text-to-Speech (TTS): These features allow for text-based communication during phone calls, which can be essential for those who cannot rely on audio.
- Video Calling: With the advent of high-quality video calling, individuals can use sign language to communicate over their smartphones.
- Hearing Aid Compatibility: Many modern smartphones are compatible with hearing aids, reducing feedback and improving audio clarity.
- Amplified Volume and Adjustable Frequency: Some phones, like Clarity phones for hearing impaired, offer enhanced volume and frequency settings to cater to specific hearing loss patterns.
- Captioning Services: Certain services provide real-time captioning for phone calls, which can be displayed on the smartphone’s screen.
Manufacturers often have specific models or settings designed with the deaf community in mind, and it’s worth exploring these options to find a phone that provides the necessary support for clear and effective communication.
Conclusion
We hope our Pocketalker review has been helpful. Overall, if you want to provide amplified sound, it is worth checking out the Williams Sound Pockettalker. Pocket talker reviews have shown that this is a great alternative to other hearing devices on the market, so it might be worth trying.
Also Read:
Hearing Assist Hearing Aid Reviews
What is Costco’s Best Hearing Aid?
Sources
William’s Sound Website
Directional. Sound bounces around . Which direction will the aid pick up?