Minelab Detector Options & Accessories for the Hearing Impaired
A hearing impairment alone should not prevent a person from effectively using a metal detector. Furthermore, digging up gold nuggets, or coins, or jewellery, or relics, certainly does not require hearing.
With tactile/vibrational feedback solutions now available, there is a range of options of new Minelab detectors for people with hearing impairment.
Recently released Minelab detectors - with the optional feature of HANDLE VIBRATION - include the X-TERRA PRO ($499), and Equinox 700 ($1,079), and Equinox 900 ($1,549), and MANTICORE ($2,349).
There is also the unique Minelab SDC 2300 ($3,999) – a highly compact, robust, & waterproof detector, featuring extremely fast Pulse-Induction (PI) technology - that is especially suited for sub-gram gold nugget hunting on land and underwater – which features an LED display (above the handle) that provides a visual indication of target size & proximity. This detector has been very popular, particularly in Australia, for many good reasons.
‘LUCKY KNUCKLE’ Speaker/Target LED Light packs
The Target LED Light Pack allows you to change the audio from your detector to a visual indicator. This is ideal for those with hearing issues, or those who prefer quiet detecting. Features include:
• Adjustable between light & sound
• Sound On/Off switch
• Light sunshade & diffuser
The 3 LED Light pack is suitable for the Minelab SDC 2300 and GPZ 7000 detectors.
The 2 LED Light pack is suitable for the Minelab SDC 2300, GPX 4500/5000, and GPZ 7000 detectors.
‘Gold-Tec Australia’ “have developed and designed hearing impairment aid device using the latest Audio/ Haptic Technology to help you with your partial or profound hearing loss.” …..
“The QUAVAR-PI is design for persons with a hearing impairment, who are or desire to be Detectorists. The device offers tactile perception delivered by an haptic transducer to the operator. The detector does not require to be operated without audio. The QUAVAR-PI has the ability to discern between proper and false targets. For beginners this aid will make it easier in reducing false targets and having to do less digging.”
Another option to consider is the use of Bone Conduction Headphones, including an option of wireless connectivity via aptX Low Latency codec. Minelab detectors such as the X-Terra Pro, Equinox range, MANTICORE, and GPX 6000 are compatible with aptX Low Latency / Bluetooth headphones.
Bone conduction headphones use vibrations to transmit sound directly to your inner ear through the bones located in your upper cheek and jaw. Your cochlea, inner ear, does not realise that the sound is coming from the bones rather than the eardrum. Your brain processes the sounds vibrations in the same way as if they came via your ear-drum, meaning you can hear sound clearly.
Pin Pointers
There is also a range of waterproof, hand-held pin-pointers – that feature both vibrational & LED light functions, including:
Minelab PRO-FIND 35
Garrett Pro-Pointer AT
Garrett Pro-Pointer II
Nokta Pointer
Nokta PulseDive Pointer
Nokta PulseDive 2-in-1 Underwater Metal Detector
So please don’t let a hearing issue prevent you, or a family-member, or a friend, from pursuing a passion for metal detecting or prospecting. You may be more than surprised at what you find !