Issues for Hearing Impaired Travelers
I've been complaining to Tauck for years about the inability to use the VOX devices because of my hearing impairment. I've written to them alter just about every one of our tours and, of course, nothing ever gets done. I know that some people have come up with “work arounds” (e.g., AlanS), but I still struggle.
I’m going to try a pair of hearing aids that implement Bluetooth Classic. This should make the use of the hearing aids about the same as AirPods.
This webpage discusses the issues - https://www.mikeandjudytravel.com/2026-Hearing-Aids.htm
I’ll report after our next trip whether they provided any help.
[My hearing impairment is fairly severe. People with mild or moderate impairment may be able to use the VOX unit okay.]
[I sent a note to Tauck with a link to the webpage. I doubt if they'll do anything but with the imformation on a webpage, at least I won't have to keep writing it over and over.]
Comments
Mike, how annoying for you. Have you asked the guides if you can stand right next to them so you have chance to hear what they are saying without struggling to use the Vox?
For the price they charge for tours, it really is about time they upgraded from Vox. They have been using them since at least started traveling with Tauck over twenty years ago. When we have been on some non Tauck tours we have used much better hearing devises, different types. The most recent ones, you didn’t even have to turn them on or off, they were only active when the guide was speaking. Others have been smaller and lighter to have round your neck or in a shirt pocket. I have a little hearing loss, so I’m not the best to know if they work with hearing aids.
On my recent tour they had the over the entire ear listening devices but also offered earbud type listeners - both still connected to the Vox box, but the earbud was definitely better for me.
The technology exists but Tauck must decide if they want to use it. Remember, Tauck uses/supplies Vox type devices on or during parts of most tours so must have enough units for everyone on all, including staggered or overlapping departures. I can't say for sure but believe Tauck owns or leases units for these tours. Rather than buy all new units they should at least investigate how many specialized units they need to cover those who wear hearing aids. The big issue is that different brands use different Bluetooth codex. My Phonak Sonova AG units work with my Apple devices but not my laptop PC.
Also, I can see why they haven't gone to Wifi-based units- everyone would need a smart phone (some of use do not carry them
) and if you have ever researched these units, you know that some of the master units that must be carried by the TD/local guides are relatively large or the unit must rely on a near-by, free wifi network, that may not be reliable.
I use a work-around. While not ideal it works fine for me. I have a small device (TV Connect) that can be used with a TV or other device like my laptop to broadcast Bluetooth to my hearing aids. I just plug it into my Vox. There are two disadvantages- one is that it not self powered- needs a source of USB power so I also carry a small rechargeable battery bank. The other issue is when the TD/guide goes quiet, like most do when the TD/guide stops talking or turns off the main unit, the Vox qoes quiet and the TV connect, likewise goes into a sleep mode. It automatically reconnects without me having to do anything, once sound is detected, but there can be slight delay so I may miss the first few words of what the TD/guide is saying.
small battery bank - - - Phonak TV Connect ----- Vox
Mike, I have moderate hearing loss, only wear one hearing aid Oticon who has a device that I can pin to the tour guide's lapel, and her/his voice goes right to my hearing aid. Of course, I always have to be careful and retrieve the device.
@gladysorlando984 - I tried that but it picked up too much outside noise. I didn't try it with a tour guide, but did in a restaurant because I have trouble hearing in a restaurant. It just didn't work there. I returned it so I no longer have that device.
[Update: I thought I had returned the Connectclip to my audiologists, but after your comment I went looking and found it. I’m going to try your suggestion next time we go on a tour. Thanks for that “kick”.]
@AlanS - I've read reviews that the Phonak implementation of Bluetooth Classic is not as universal as it should be. Reports are that the Sennheiser implementation is more "universal" and can connect to almost all Bluetooth Classic devices.
One thing I was worried about was the operating time on a charge - since Bluetooth Classic uses more power than Bluetooth LE. The claim for the Sennheiser is that it will operate for 32 hours on a charge. I suppose that the electronics draws less power (smaller geometry) and the battery may be bigger or hold more charge).