A blog post about a neckloop may seem pedestrian, dull, boring, tiresome, and (oh, did I mention?) unremarkable. After all, a neckloop is simply a thick “necklace” worn by a hearing instrument or cochlear implant wearer that connects to an external sound source (cell phone, home phone, iPod). All neckloops provide the ability to hear a sound source directly through the user’s hearing aids or cochlear implant, resulting not only in improved sound quality (no or minimal background noise), but the ability to hear information binaurally which significantly increases speech understanding in most individuals with hearing loss. So, what’s so remarkable about the Quattro 4.0?
Just like the original Quattro, the Quattro 4.0 (Item# CS-QT4) is a Bluetooth amplified neckloop that can be paired to a variety of Bluetooth devices such as cell phones, some landline telephones, TV, and audio devices (i.e. iPod, MP3). So, what makes the Quattro 4.0 so “royal”? In my mind, three unique features of this particular product make it the King of neckloops. First, if the Bluetooth Mobile Smart Phone includes a voice control feature (such as Siri or S-voice), the voice control may be activated from the Quattro 4.0 for hands-free dialing. Very cool. Second, the intercom feature allows a Quattro 4.0 user to talk to another Quattro 4.0 user within 30 feet of each other which comes in handy in noisy situations. Sweet. Third, the Quattro 4.0 is equipped with a removable Bluetooth 
microphone; when placed close to the person(s) speaking, it will pick up the conversation and wirelessly transmit sound to the Quattro 4.0 base worn around the user’s neck. From there, the Quattro 4.0 sends the sound directly to the user’s hearing aids or cochlear implant. Brilliant. For more information on the Quattro 4.0, contact customer service at Oaktree Products toll-free at 800.347.1960 and let them know you want to become a new member of Bluetooth Royalty!
AU – So, to reiterate to be sure I understand, a non hearing aid user can use this device with TV by placing the transmitter mic near the TV speaker and wearing the bluetooth neckloop with earbuds or headset and thus hear the TV directly? Is there some type of VC on either unit? What is the cost of the unit? How is it powered? Thanking you in advance for your help!
The answer is yes, they could. If the only thing your patient wants/needs is a means to hear the tv better, there are other options to consider. Nevertheless, the CS-QT4 had a 3.5 mm jack that allows user to plug in a pair of earbuds (included) or standard stereo headphones. There is a VC on the side. It comes with a rechargeable battery and charger. For pricing contact Oaktree Products at otp@oaktreeproducts.com, or log in to website to see your pricing, or call customer service at 800.347.1960
Adding: the same is not true with properly installed room loops in public venues, where the installers have sussed out the electrical problems and hum is – or should be – minimized.
The basic assumption of this device is that “noisy situations” will have good electrical wiring. Unless the wiring is properly set up, tcoils will pick up a considerable amount of very loud hum. Here in NYC, almost every environment does not have good wiring and I have found tcoils very unreliable. There is hardly anywhere in the 5 boroughs of Manhattan where I could use this device, except in a few rooms in my apartment. (In my experience, there is no hum problem with the near field induction tech of the streamers I’ve used. They are more expensive, but more reliable.)
Richard:
Are your comments directed toward rooms that are looped or are you talking about personal neckloops in general?
Hi,
I was just wondering if you could tell me what are the advantages/disadvantages of something like the Quattro 4 vs. what a patient can get from their hearing aid manufacturer like the Streamer from Oticon?
Thanks!
Debbie
Deborah Blaylock, Au.D. Clinical Audiologist Thunderbird Internal Medicine 5620 W Thunderbird Rd, Ste F1 Glendale, AZ 85306 602-564-6204 dblaylock@thunderbirdim.com
“The problem with communication is the illusion that it has occurred” – George Bernard Shaw
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Hi Debbie:
GREAT question. Here is the general, quick response. Not every hearing instrument wearer will invest in a hearing instrument that has a streamer. In those situations where you have a hearing instrument wearer with t-coils who is having trouble conversing over the cell phone, needs an improved S/N ratio in noisy situations, investing in the CS-QT4 will offer these benefits and advantages. For someone who already owns a streamer, they probably will not have a need for an accessory such as a Bluetooth neckloop. Does that answer your question?
one more quick thing Debbie since you asked what a patient could perhaps get that a streamer does not offer….the CS-QT4 has intercom capability whereby two independent wearers of the CS-QT4 (i.e. husband and wife, friend and other friend, etc), when standing within 30 feet of one another, can talk into their CS-QT4, directing their voice to the other CS-QT4 worn by the other person, providing the ability for two individuals to hear each other voices directly through their hearing aids in really noisy situations. To my knowledge (and please correct me if I am wrong), streamers do not have intercom/walkie-talkie capabilities. Hope this helps. au