by Neil Bauman, Ph.D.
A man explained:
On one of the C.I. [cochlear implant] discussion boards, we’ve been having a discussion that I’m certain you can help with. We are discussing how to get a stereo signal (say out of an iPod) split into a right and a left channel for bilateral C.I. recipients. The female plug from the iPod is 1/8″. Each C.I. processor has a DAI [direct audio input] cord with a 1/8″ male plug. Do you know of a splitter/Y-adapter that can be plugged into the iPod and then have each DAI from each C.I. plug into it such that there is a receptacle (female plug) for the right channel and the left channel? Please let me know if you know of any such device.
The gizmo you want is Radio Shack’s Y adapter Model #274-375. Cost is only $4.99. You plug the Y adapter into the iPod and plug the two mono patch cords into each side of the Y and from there, one to each of the CIs. This should work slick. (Note: If your CI patch cords have stereo plugs on them, then this solution won’t work.)
He continues:
I’m going to post your information to the list and reference your excellent website discussion of Music Links and their stereo capabilities. I remember from reading your website that what we are trying to accomplish can be done via t-coils and using the Music Links.
That is true. The Music-Links would plug into the iPod and if your CI and/or hearing aids have t-coils, you’d hear in stereo. In fact, you could do this with one hearing aid and one cochlear implant if both have t-coils.
