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Q. What is an assistive listening device?
A. Like a hearing aid, an assistive listening device makes
sounds louder. Typically, a hearing aid makes all sounds in the
environment louder. An assistive listening device can increase
the loudness of a desired sound (a radio or television, a public
speaker, an actor or actress, someone talking in a noisy place)
without increasing the loudness of background noises.
Q.
Are assistive listening devices only for people with hearing aids?
A. No. People with all degrees and types of hearing loss
- even people with normal hearing - can benefit from assistive
listening devices. Some assistive listening devices are used with
a hearing aid. Some can be used without a hearing aid.
Q.
What kinds of assistive listening devices are available?
A. There are many assistive listening devices available
today, from sophisticated systems used in theatres and auditoriums
to small personal systems. Various kinds of assistive listening
devices are listed below.
Personal
Listening Systems:
There are several types of personal listening systems available.
All are designed to carry sound from the speaker (or other source)
directly to the listener and to minimize or eliminate environmental
noises. Some of these systems, such as auditory trainers, are
designed for classroom or small group use. Others, such as personal
FM systems and personal amplifiers, are especially helpful for
one-to-one conversations in places such as automobiles, meeting
rooms, and restaurants.
TV
listening systems:
They are designed for listening to TV, radio, or stereo without
interference from surrounding noise or the need to use very high
volume. Models are available for use with or without hearing aids.
Direct
audio input hearing aids:
They are hearing aids with audio input connections which can be
connected to TV, stereo, tape and radio as well as to microphones,
auditory trainers, personal FM systems and other assistive devices.
Telephone
and amplifying devices:
Many, but not all, standard telephone receivers come with an amplifying
coil. This coil is activated when the telephone receiver is picked
up by a person whose hearing aid is in the "T" position.
This position allows the aid to be used at a comfortable volume
without feedback and with minimal background noise. These phones
are called "hearing aid-compatible," and you should
be able to get one from your telephone company. Not all hearing
aids have a "T" switch so make sure that your aid has
one before asking for a hearing aid-compatible phone.
In
addition, there are specially designed telephone receivers which
amplify sound. Or, special amplifying devices can be purchased
that attach to a regular telephone receiver. Most of these devices
have volume control dials. Some are recommended only for use where
all household members have hearing loss. Some return to standard
sound levels automatically and can be used in homes for people
with normal or reduced hearing.
Auditorium
type assistive listening systems:
Many major auditoriums and theatres, churches, synagogues, and
other places are equipped with special sound systems for people
with hearing loss. Essentially, they consist of a transmitting
system which uses one of a variety of methods to send sound signals
to an individual receiver. (Sometimes there is a rental fee for
the receiver.) Some systems must be used with a hearing aid; other
systems can be used with or without a hearing aid.
For
more information, call one of our clinics. To purchase, click
here.
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