FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
The ClearSounds CLA7 Neckloop
1. What is a neckloop?
A neckloop is a personal listening accessory worn around the neck and connected to a sound source.
The neckloop converts the input sound signal to electromagnetic waves that radiate from the wire loop
placed around the individual’s neck. These waves are detected and converted into sound signals by an
induction coil (termed the "telephone coil” more commonly called the “t-coil") in the hearing aids. The
electromagnetic waves are then reconverted back into sound by the hearing aid and delivered through
the hearing aid circuitry to the audio speaker in the hearing aid. The person using a neckloop hears the
sound directly through their hearing aid(s) or their cochlear implant.
2. Is there more than one type of neckloop?
Yes, there are two basic types of neckloops; an audio neckloop and a hands free neckloop like the CLA7.
Audio neckloops are for listening only. The CLA7 hands free neckloop is designed for two way
conversations, both listening and speaking. The CLA7 has a built in microphone for outgoing
conversation and is designed for use with cellular phones, cordless phones and the Clearsounds CSC50
corded phone. In addition, with the 3.5mm adapter included with the CLA7, it can also be used as a high
performance audio neckloop.
3. How do I tell the difference between the two?
Audio only neckloops have 3.5mm jack and are passive which means they are not powered by batteries
and, they do not have microphones. They take power from the sound source with which they are used
such as a SoundWizard or Pocketalker personal listening system or a FM Receiver or certain telephones
with 3.5mm headset jacks. Audio only headsets cannot be used with cellular phones or cordless phones.
Most audio only neckloops use 3.5mm monaural connectors since neckloops cannot separate sounds
between left and right.
The ClearSounds CLA7 Hands Free neckloop has a smaller 2.5mm jack, a battery power source, and a
microphone for outgoing speech. The 2.5mm jack is a de facto standard that most often identifies that
the device has hands free capabilities (two-way conversations). The battery power source is important
because cell phones and cordless phones do not provide enough power at their 2.5mm connectors to
enable use of a neckloop. The CLA7 uses two easy to install AAA batteries. Battery powered neckloops
conserve the battery power of the cordless or the cell phone for conversational use.
4. All cell phone 2.5mm jacks are NOT the Same!
Cell phones have either a 2.5mm jack that is used for hands free communication or they have an optional
adapter available that provides a 2.5mm connector jack. Not all 2.5mm jacks operate the same. A
standard hands-free headset or hands-free neckloop uses a two band connector (two black bands on the
connector shaft). These are mono jacks and the black bands separate the connection points for ground,
microphone and loop/speaker. All neckloops are monaural devices (mono)
Nokia phones use a three band proprietary connector that only works with Nokia accessories. The CLA7
can be used with Nokia phones but you will need to get an adapter that provides a standard 2.5mm jack.
Adapters are available from Nokia and many cellular accessory suppliers.
Some of the newer cell phones are now providing music players and use three band connectors that
provide stereo listening. Some of these connectors will properly connect with both mono and stereo jacks
but not all of them will. You will need to confirm with the cell phone manufacturer or your carrier that the
phone will work with a standard hands-free mono two band connector.
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