Overview – Pocketalker 2.0 personal amplifier

The Pocketalker 2.0 personal amplifier is a small, easy-to-use assistive listening device designed to make everyday communication clearer. It amplifies the sounds and voices you want to hear while helping to reduce distracting background noise. As a result, conversations and TV listening become less tiring and more enjoyable.

This model, also known as PKT E1, combines the Pocketalker 2.0 unit with a plug-in microphone, folding headphone, in-ear earphone, extension cable, lanyard and batteries. The complete kit gives you several ways to listen in one-to-one discussions, small groups or when watching television.

Simple everyday use

Using the Pocketalker 2.0 personal amplifier is straightforward. First, you plug in the included earphone or folding headphone. Then you point the internal microphone, or the plug-in microphone, toward the person or sound source you want to hear. Finally, you adjust the volume and tone until the sound feels comfortable and clear.

Because the controls are large and clearly marked, many users can operate the Pocketalker without needing to look closely at the device. This makes it a practical option for older adults and for people with limited dexterity or vision.

Comfortable listening with tone and balance control

The Pocketalker 2.0 personal amplifier offers more than just volume. It also includes a tone control that lets you adjust the balance between low and high frequencies. Turning the tone control toward “more treble” can make consonants sharper and speech easier to understand. Turning it toward “more bass” can make sound feel fuller and less sharp.

In addition, a left/right balance control helps you match the level between both ears. This is useful if one ear is stronger than the other. With balance, tone and volume available on the front of the device, you can fine-tune the sound to your own preferences in just a few seconds.

Internal microphone, external mic and T-coil

By default, the Pocketalker 2.0 uses its internal omnidirectional MEMS microphone to pick up nearby speech. For more targeted listening, you can connect the included plug-in electret microphone. You can clip this small microphone closer to the person speaking or place it nearer to the TV or sound source. This flexibility helps improve clarity in more demanding environments.

The device also has a built-in telecoil (T-coil) with an on/off switch and indicator light. In looped environments, such as some churches, theatres or meeting rooms, you can use the T-coil to receive the loop signal directly. This gives you another way to hear clearly without moving closer to the speaker.

Long battery life and portable design

One key advantage of the Pocketalker 2.0 personal amplifier is its long battery life. It runs on two AAA batteries, either alkaline or NiMH rechargeable. With alkaline batteries, you can get up to approximately 105 hours of typical use. A low-battery indicator light on the front panel flashes when the batteries need replacing.

The unit itself is slim and lightweight, measuring about 4.9 x 2.0 x 1.0 inches and weighing around 3.1 ounces with batteries. A belt clip and lanyard make it easy to carry during daily activities at home, in clinics or in senior living communities.

If you choose NiMH rechargeable batteries, the Pocketalker 2.0 is rechargeable-ready when used with an optional charging kit. This can be helpful in settings where the device is used frequently, such as care homes or hospitals.

Typical users and use cases

The Pocketalker 2.0 personal amplifier is intended for people who need extra help hearing in specific situations. It is often used by older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, by patients in healthcare settings and by residents in assisted living. It can also support family communication when someone struggles to hear soft voices.

Typical listening situations include:

• one-to-one conversations at home, in clinics or in care homes;

• small-group discussions or family gatherings;

• listening to TV or radio without turning the volume up for everyone;

• conversations in the car or in other noisy places.

It is important to note that the Pocketalker is an assistive listening device, not a hearing aid. It is not sold or advertised as a substitute for medical hearing care. Anyone noticing hearing loss should consult a physician or audiologist before relying solely on amplification.

Key technical highlights

• Pocketalker 2.0 personal amplifier (model PKT E1)

• Compact, ergonomic and lightweight housing

• Designed to amplify specific sounds and voices while reducing background noise

• Internal omnidirectional MEMS microphone plus plug-in electret microphone

• Built-in telecoil (T-coil) with on/off switch and indicator LED

• External tone control to adjust high/low frequencies

• Left/right balance control to match level between ears

• Large rotary volume control with integrated power on/off switch

• Headphone and microphone jacks with standard 3.5 mm connectors

• Powered by two AAA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries

• Up to about 105 hours of use with alkaline batteries

• Low-battery indicator on the front panel

• Suitable for one-to-one conversations, small groups, TV listening and in-car use

See other assistive living devices on our website here.