I bought a media streamer, called a ROKU, that I connected to our TV in the family room. Media streamers connect directly to your TV and to your high-speed Internet service via your home network. There are hundreds of free channels, subscriptions services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and convenient ways to rent or buy a favorite film or show with M-GO, Amazon Instant Video, VUDU or Redbox.

But this is is not why I am writing.

The ROKU 3 comes with a remote control and a set of earbuds that connects to the remote via its headphone port. Once you connect the earbuds, the sound is disabled on the speakers and the viewer can enjoy television without disturbing others.

The beauty of this feature is that a CI or HA user can use a telecoil device (like a neckloop) or an audio cable — instead of the supplied earbuds. Just plug the telecoil or audio cable into the headphone port of the remote. The ROKU remote becomes an “assistive listening device” that brings the audio directly into a user’s hearing instrument – and no other equipment is necessary!

As of this blog, this is the first television remote control I have seen which has its own headphone port. I expect that this will become a trend in future product development for entertainment devices.

When you are looking at televisions or media streamers, be sure to inquire about remote controls with headphone jacks. You will get a extra bang for your buck if you own a neckloop or an audio cable!