Hi Miriam,
No doubt that there is a real issue here for any NLS patrons who are hard of
hearing. No doubt that there is far less quality control with the commercial
audio books. I like the idea of an extra control on the player, but, having
worked with elders new to blindness I can see whuy they might not want to
add another control to the player.
If I had read this message 15 years ago I would have laughed at the idea
that one more control might make the player too complex for some, but after
working with the elderly, I do see their point.
Here's an idea that might work though it is too bad this wasn't implemented
when they began manufacturing the digital players. AS it is now, there are
two models of the player, the basic and the advanced. The advanced has
additional controls for changing from level 1 to level 2, 3 or 4 just like
you see on the Stream. IT also has the previous and next buttons and an
information button. They could have added the control you want to this
player. That way, if a patron had trouble hearing the books with the basic
player, the advanced player could solve the problem.
AS it is now, the problem would have to be solved by means of an exernal
amplified speaker or headphones.
By the way, have you tried using a headset or earplubs, and did that make
the books easier to hear?
Bob Hachey
