Assistive Listening Devices

Hearing loops are among the most common types of ALDs that people use. This type of sound system is designed to increase accessibility in public spaces like airports, banks, theaters, auditoriums, classrooms etc. Audio from a source (intercom, microphone etc.) emits soundwaves that carry an electromagnetic field. A hearing aid embedded with a small copper coil - referred to as a telecoil or t-coils - is a receiver (or antenna) that is able to tap into the electromagnetic signal. This allows the hearing aid to stream audio directly to the device and adjust the soundwaves in specific ways to meet the wearer's hearing needs. All that is required is pressing or flipping the telecoil (usually labeled T) switch. Hearing loop systems and t-coils increase access to sound in public spaces that are typically harder to hear in. This allows people to navigate those spaces with much greater ease.

You may already be familiar with frequency modulated (FM) systems. If you’ve taken a guided tour in a museum and used headphones connected to a portable box looking device, this is an FM system. This uses micro-radio transmission to maximize and deliver the speaker's voice. A portable microphone (clipped to an article of clothing like a collar) or worn around the head emits sound waves that are sent to a receiver embedded in a hearing aid or other hearing device that a person is wearing (like a neck loop, or ear-level receiver). FM systems block out background noise and reduce the distance between the speaker and person hearing them talk. This system is helpful in a classroom or education setting.

Amplified phones are especially useful for people who regularly have conversations on the phone. They offer several features that are helpful for people with hearing challenges. This includes great volume settings that are easily adjustable, amplified ringers, and transcription services. Amplified phones can transcribe audio to text in real time. This allows people to easily participate in a conversation over the phone.

Engaging in daily activities like watching TV can be difficult with hearing loss. It often contributes to tension with loved ones if you have to argue over volume settings. There are ALDs that are specifically designed to make it easier and to watch shows or movies on your TV. There are a few types of ALDs for TV including the neckloop system. This uses telecoil technology to send from the TV directly to your hearing aids. Another way for your hearing aids to stream audio directly from the TV is to connect via Bluetooth technology. This allows sound to feed into hearing aids directly which can then be adjusted in specific ways according to your hearing aid’s programs and settings.

Bluetooth technology allows devices to connect wirelessly. Hearing aids use this technology to connect to other electronic devices and stream audio directly from these sources. This includes the TV, speaker, or phone which allows people to hear the sound much more comfortably. Connecting to your phone also enables hands-free phone calls.

There are also alerting devices that increase spatial awareness and safety which is especially important in emergency situations. Alerting devices typically rely on amplifying sound to communicate danger - smoke detectors, home security systems, car alarms etc. This can be challenging for people with hearing loss especially because high frequency sounds are usually more difficult to readily process. There are alternatives that can be more useful and effective. This includes alerting devices that make use of flashing lights, vibrations, vibrating pillow inserts and more.