Philips HearLink at Events, in Synagogue and in Noisy Places

Why events are especially hard

At an event there are lots of sounds at once: music, people talking, dishes, speakers, and sometimes a hall with an echo. Synagogue is different. The person speaking is far away, sometimes without a microphone, the hall is large, and the sound comes from several directions.

In situations like these, even with hearing aids, a little planning ahead makes a big difference.

Where to sit

This is the simplest tip, and sometimes the most important one.

At a wedding or family event:

• Ask in advance for a table away from the speakers and the DJ booth.
• Sit with your back to the wall, not in the middle of the hall.
• Sit facing the people you most want to hear.

In synagogue:

• Sit close to the bimah or the cantor, somewhere you can see the person speaking.
• Avoid seats near a door, an air conditioner or a fan.
• Ask the gabbai whether there is a spot where you can hear better.

At a lecture or conference: sit in the front rows, facing the speaker or facing the loudspeaker.

Induction loops and telecoils

Some halls and synagogues have an induction loop installed: a system that sends the sound from the microphone straight to hearing aids that have a telecoil. According to Philips, the HearLink 50 miniRITE and HearLink 50 miniBTE R have a telecoil.

What to do in practice:

1. Ask the gabbai or the hall manager whether there is an induction loop.
2. At the fitting appointment, ask how to switch to loop mode on your model, and ask them to show you.
3. At the venue itself, switch to that mode, and check that the speaker's voice sounds clearer.

If there is no loop, the telecoil will not help, and then the seating tips matter even more. More on this topic: Induction loops in synagogues and halls and Hearing aids with a telecoil.

A program for noise

Philips HearLink has technology for processing sound in noisy environments. It has its own page: SoundMap 3. At the fitting appointment you can ask for a separate program for events. What can be set up on your model is checked there.

Tell us in advance:

• How many times a month you go to events.
• Whether you pray regularly in synagogue.
• What bothers you most: the music, the echo, or conversation at the table.

The music is too loud

Music at weddings is loud. If it is uncomfortable:

• According to an expert hearing aid technician, you can turn the volume down in the app. See the HearLink 2 app.
• Step outside the hall for a short break.
• Move away from the speakers.

Hugs, whistling and a crowded table

At events people hug, lean in close to your ear to talk, and sometimes rest a hand on your shoulder near your head. When something covers the microphone, you may hear a short whistle. According to an expert hearing aid technician, this is normal. If the whistling continues even when nothing is near your ear, tell us at your visit.

AudioClip: when you want to hear one person

AudioClip is a Philips accessory that works as a remote microphone. You clip it to the clothing of the person speaking, and their voice goes straight to your hearing aids. See Philips HearLink AudioClip.

When it helps:

• During a speech by a family member at an event.
• At a class or lecture, if the speaker is willing to wear it.
• In a conversation with your partner at a noisy table.

Before you head out to an event

• Charge your hearing aids, or check that you have fresh batteries in your bag.
• Make sure your phone is connected to your hearing aids, if you change the volume in the app.
• If you have an AudioClip, take it, and think in advance about who you will ask to wear it.
• Check the dome and the filter. According to an expert hearing aid technician, a filter that has turned yellow or dark, or volume that has dropped, is a sign it is time to replace the filter.

What to ask at the fitting appointment

• How do I switch to loop mode on my model, and how do I switch back?
• Can I have a separate program for events or for synagogue?
• How do I turn the volume down in the app in the middle of an event, without hunting through menus?
• When will AudioClip help me, and when will it not?

About Shabbat and holidays

This page does not address halachic questions. For questions about using hearing aids and accessories on Shabbat and holidays, please consult your community rabbi.

A long event: charging or batteries

An evening event can go on until late. If your hearing aids are rechargeable, make sure they are charged before you leave. Charger Plus is a portable Philips charger, and according to Philips it holds enough power for three full charges of two hearing aids. See Charger Plus. If your hearing aids run on batteries, take a pair of fresh batteries in your bag.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my synagogue has an induction loop?

Ask the gabbai or the person who manages the venue.

Does every Philips HearLink have a telecoil?

According to Philips, the HearLink 50 miniRITE and miniBTE R do. For any other model, we check at the appointment.

The music at the wedding is too loud for me. What should I do?

Turn it down in the app, move away from the speakers, and at your next visit ask to look at a program for events.

I hear whistling when someone hugs me. Is it a fault?

According to an expert hearing aid technician, whistling when the microphone is covered is normal.

Want to get ready for your next event?

Tell us where you usually go, and we will fine-tune together. A hearing test and demonstration, with no obligation. Service is by appointment, depending on your area and the type of request.

Phone: 055-3333338 · WhatsApp

G-Sound is an authorized marketer of Philips hearing aids.