Review submitted by R. Shogren
Author’s Rating:
This product is great while it works. The problem is that it did not work very long for me – less than 5 months. The little red LED’s now fail to illuminate with the transmitter plugged in. Then, when I read the fine print, it says: 90-Day Warranty. I can’t recall ever seeing any other consumer electronics product with less than a 1-year warranty. I then find that a local (hearing aid) dealer handles them. But, he says they don’t handle the 2.3 Mhz version because there have been lots of problems with them. The 95 Mhz unit is problem free – and it carries a 1-Year warranty.

Review submitted by Jonathan Appleseed
Author’s Rating:
I’m hearing impaired, and very often television shows (especially older ones) don’t have closed captioning. This is also maddeningly true with some of the newer movies, even from big studios. There’s a law regarding closed captioning, but sometimes producers simply don’t follow it. It’s frustrating.

I have tried several headsets over the years with varying degrees of success. Bringing the sound directly to your ear vastly improves your ability to understand what is being said (it actually helps to use a headset instead of a hearing aid when trying to improve comprehension – I don’t understand the physiology of it, but it works). What’s unfortunate is that most headsets aren’t designed for the hearing impaired. They’re designed for people who want to listen to music as they roam around the house. This means that the headsets aren’t optimized for voice enhancement, and instead deliver quite a bit of bass. Bass tones don’t improve comprehension, they lessen it.

That’s where TV Ears comes in. Yes, the name is a bit silly, but these things really do work. The first time I used them I had the silliest smile on my face, because for the very first time I was understanding what was being said *perfectly*. The sound quality was magnificent, and the voice enhancement that the product brags about is spot-on.

There’s an added bonus.

TV Ears says that most theaters use the same technology that they do. I wasn’t sure I believed that, so continued to use the (most often) old and sometimes dysfunctional headsets that theaters provide. Fed up with watching theater employees throw headsets into bins, and at least a 50/50 shot that when the movie started I was going to have to go back and exchange the headset, I tried the TV Ears. They worked. Instead of simply “booming” the sound, it was just like at home. They enhanced what was being said. I go to movies all the time, so now I “never leave home without” them. They’re better than American Express.

Review submitted by Stephen E. Phelps Jr.
Author’s Rating:
Being an insomniac of some skill and standing, I bought this so that I can watch T.V. in bed while the bride, She Who Must Be Obeyed, sleeps. Works as well as any infrared system to transmit T.V. sound in line of sight, though the odd under-the-chin configuration means that the signal is easily blocked by the bedclothes. The unit is most uncomfortable and the earpieces come off and are easily lost. Discomfort arises from two factors: [1] the headset is inflexible and much too narrow for my head (look at the picture — are YOUR ears that close together?), with the result that there is constant firm pressure on my ears that becomes painful after a short period of use; [2] the newer, “noise reducing” earpieces are small and offer no cushion to ameliorate the pressure of the headset. The unit came with the older white plastic earpieces; one soon fell off and was not to be found. I sent for the new earpiece style (they were not cheap) and they arrived without the pointy little adapters needed to attach them (the web site makes no mention of these adapters; first I knew I needed them was when I tried to attach the new earpieces). The company sent the adapters when I called them, but one of them cracked when I attached it, and so does not securely hold the earpiece, which falls off nightly. The other adapter, the one that did not crack, held its earpiece for a few weeks, but now they’ve started to fall off that one, too. These little foam earpieces are so small that the other day I was on the train heading for work before I realized that I had one lodged in my ear. Two nights ago I dozed off with the headset on and must have rolled over heavily onto my side, because my left ear is bruised from the hard plastic headset and the pointy little adapter. All in all, for me, definitely not worth the premium price that they charge for this unit.

Review submitted by Lloyd SoCal
Author’s Rating:
TV Ears, 2.3 MHz, #10341

Poor Product + High Price + Costly Upkeep = Bad Deal

An Audiologist recommended this product to me saying she had “heard no complaints on them”. She can’t say that any more. This product has not lived up to its “billing” on any particular for me, and judging from some of the other reviews it is certainly not a blockbuster hit for everyone.

I have a hearing “problem” (loss but not Deaf), and have had an expensive Hearing Aid that does not solve my TV/Audio listening problem. Portable Earphones have helped immensely in the past, and this product looked very promising. The documentation is clear and easy to understand.

However, TV Ears Sound Quality is mediocre to poor 90% of the time, and the tone adjustment does not correct that. If you are out of sight of the Transmitter the “Noise Reduction” you get is nothing but loud static, and low level static if you pause the Sound Source when you are “in range”. I remove them to deal with this.

The TV Ears Headset itself is uncomfortable mainly due to the Ear Tips that fit into your Ears, and the weight of the Battery dangling below your Chin. They have never been comfortable for me in the 75+ days I’ve had these things. Several reviewers mention this discomfort but added [it was OK] “.. after I got used to them”. Some of these got their TV Ears as Gifts.

Also, these little Ear Tip Devils are high cost (at least to me) & they recommend replacing them every 30 to 60 days. An Optimist (60 days) would pay $19.95 plus S&H for 5 Pair which works out to about $5.00 + every 2 months (or twice that if you’re not so optimistic — or don’t wash your Ears often enough I suppose). Note, they do give you a coupon for $5 off on your first Order. Snap Tip Adapters (that the Tips fit over) are $ 8.00 for one pair + S&H with an unknown life-expectancy.

The Battery has a life-expectancy of 1-2 years (depending on what literature you are reading). Replacements are also $19.95 plus S&H.

If you need a hearing assist, you really need it, but TV Ears has not worked for me. I wish I’d had a chance at a “Try before you Buy” program.

I’m going back to my Jensen JW120 (900 MHz) Headphone Set that has a range of 150 feet in any direction with no static, period and Big Time superior sound. And, it uses my choice of very comfortable, light weight, and cheap Radio Shack Earphones. Some times “newer Technology” is not such a good idea. At least for me.

Review submitted by B. A. Ferrari
Author’s Rating:
My elderly mother kept turing the volume up on her TV, it was a major distraction in our home. She initially resisted our “gift” of TV Ears, but now that she has gotten used to them she seems pleased with the ease of use and the sound quality.

Review submitted by Iron Man
Author’s Rating:
I bought my SENNHEISER RS 110 from Bestbuy for $79.99. It was all worth it for the price. This headphone is simply amazing! I tried both Sony and RCA models before settling for a SENNHEISER and both Sony and RCA doesnt even come close to the performance of the RS 110. The sound reproduction is very distinct, no “very highs” or “very lows” on the frequency range. Just right. The range is just about right for the indicated 300 feet. It is light enough to be worn for extended periods of time and the fit is very comfortable. You dont feel that “tightness” even after wearing it for several hours. In my point of view, the sound reproduction even comes close to the BOSE noise cancelling headphones except that the SENNHEISER doesnt cancel the noise. An upgraded model, the RS 120, can be recharged by placing the headset on the transmitter–this (the recharging feature) however is the only difference. Performance is solid both ways. After making extensive evaluation on my RS 110, the only feature I could think they can add to this model is a light indicator on the main headphone unit to “visually” see if it is turned on without actually looking at the power switch. Overall, the headphone is an excellent buy compared to other models in the same price range. I highly recommend this entry level wireless headphone from SENNHEISER if you’re in the market looking for one.

Review submitted by Erin
Author’s Rating:
First, a note on buying these remanufactured (I’m not taking off a star since this is lumped with the NEW RS-110 reviews):

They say here ‘remanufactured to like-new condition’–a bit of an overstatement…I can see noticable scratches on the phones and a fairly small chip of plastic is missing from the corner of the transmitter (but I’m pretty fussy and notice that stuff).

Still, condition is good and earpads look new (thank goodness). Comes with all accessories and panasonic AAA’s. Still, for the savings (1/2 price) I can deal with some surface marks. I’m satisfied with my choice to buy remanufactured, but next time I might opt to buy new. If scratches will bother you, buy new.

Now about the phones:

Reviews that say they are plug and listen are true. I first had to find the battery compartment (well disguised behind one of the earpads)…just turn the pads sideways (eitherside) to reveal what’s behind them.

The reception is good, note I’m using these in a residential neighborhood….when I get back to college I’ll update. I walked outside and to opposite sides of my house and to the basement…still soundin’ good. Once in a while I do get some static, but (for me) it isn’t constant or common enough to make this an annoyance….living in a city area or apt might cause more interference (more wireless phones etc).

The sound: Nice base, not too heavy, just right. The sound is really crisp and clear. I use these to listen to my music (CDs and LPs) and DVD’s wirelessly. They seem pretty comfortable despite size, the padding on the top and the earpads is very soft. They do look hilarious on me (according to my sister I look like I should be DJing). As with most wireless phones these are big cans, but they aren’t ugly…just BIG. And since I’m wearing them mostly indoors, I’m not worried about the size.

Recommended for a good priced and good sounding wireless headphone.

Review submitted by MKaiser
Author’s Rating:
These are some pretty decent RF headphones. Very little hiss in the background, great range – the only thing I don’t like is the auto on/off feature. For those who don’t know what this is, the transmitter on the base doesn’t start transmitting unless it “hears” enough sound for it to go. When the sound source is turned off and it doesn’t “hear” anything anymore, it stops transmitting after a few minutes and you hear static in the headphones. It’s basically a good idea, but not practical if/when working with different types of audio sources.

This feature can be difficult if (in my case) you are working with the headphones on a computer, where sounds come and go at different intervals (IM noises, prompts, pausing a DVD, etc.). I also use the headphones with a 15″ television (no cable) that has headphone port for private viewing. While watching the TV with the headphones (the included L/R-1/16 adapter is very nice) the headphone transition cuts out every 5 minutes for a few seconds then starts again. This is probably because of the low audio strength coming from the cable-less TV, but it’s just another reason why there should be a manual ON/OFF TRANSMIT switch on the base unit.

The only other drawback is that, unlike many other headphone types, Sennheiser has chosen to make very flat ear pieces. Most other headphones have the “can” type, which have a thick outer rim, allowing your ears to be closer to their natural position. With these Sennheisers my ears are frequently squished against my head, sometimes for many hours – which anyone will tell you has its own definition of pain. I’ll point out that the pain only happens when I wear glasses and have the headphones on for a long time. If I have contacts in (which is mostly the case) or place the legs of the glasses above my ears, it rarely hurts to have the headphones on for the same time.

All in all, pretty good wireless headphones for consistent audio listeners, and people without glasses.

Review submitted by Jeffrey P. Oblock
Author’s Rating:
The base unit for the wireless headphones will shut off in 3 to 5 minutes, unless the base source volume is turned up so loud, that even with the headphone volume turned down, is near the threshold of pain.

Maybe other units work well, but mine does not work. If you look on their website, this question has been posted (why does my base shut off), and Sennheiser’s answer is the volume is too low; therefore, I can only believe this problem is common.

Mine even shut off, when I can hear music through the headsets across the room. The volume switch on the headset itself needs to be modified to allow for about 10% of the current sound.

Review submitted by B. Svoboda
Author’s Rating:
A sound engineer’s perspective…

Great Sennheiser quality – strikingly similar to some of their wired models (HD202, ect). What I expected. People say don’t even bother with other brands. For the great prices Sennheiser offers, I know I don’t.

Works in a large house or large condo. Static (as with all wireless headphones) occurs under 4 feet. Some people don’t understand that this is natural. I’ve been probably 50′ to 100′ away from the base and have had no dropouts. Static occurs over 20′ but is sparse and only in certain ’spots’ – usally about two square feet. The solution – avoid those ’spots’ or mess with the tuning knob.

PROS:

Fairly flat frequency response – VERY nice mids and highs

Close in quality to many mid-range wired models

Almost flawless reception when in the same room

Comfortable, open-aire design – not too tight, not too loose

CONS:

Big (but so are all wireless phones)

Silver accent color (makes them look even bigger)

No rechargeable batteries

May slip off of smaller heads when bending over (mine is big though)

Lacks a bit of bass because of the open-aire design (makes it perfect for TV but leaves a tad to be desired for music)

IMPORTANT:

Your TV has RCA OUTputs

Your volume has to be UP on the TV a little for these to work – how to circumvent this? Run your cable through a VCR and take the base station out of the RCA outputs of your VCR – now you can mute the TV, but your phones will still work through your VCR volume.

The verdict? Hard to beat for the price. Wireless headphones are not perfect, but these are about as good as you can get. Want rechargeables? Upgrade to the Sennheiser RS-120s – the same electronics, but you pay $30 more for rechargeables. Want a closed-aire design? Upgrade to the RS 140s. Want something that is open-aire and rechargeable but a bit more ’stylish’ – ie. all black and less ‘grandpa grey’ – get the HS 130s.

I understand that the 130s and 140s have ‘automatic’ tuning. I would think however this could be a blessing and also a curse. Also, for those who have hearing loss in one ear – the 140s have adjustable left/right balance.

Old people hate these at first because it’s essentially admitting that they have hearing loss, but give them 2 days and they LOVE them.