Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are designed to help you understand speech more clearly and engage fully with your surroundings.
Whether you are in a classroom, a theater, or a place of worship, or even if you’re simply enjoying a conversation at home, ALDs can make a difference in your daily life.
What Are Assistive Listening Devices?
Assistive listening devices are any tools that help you overcome challenges caused by hearing loss. These devices work to amplify sound, reduce background noise, or convert audio signals into clearer sound tailored to your hearing abilities.
With the ongoing advancements in digital and wireless technology, you can now access an ever-growing range of solutions that make participating in conversations and public events easier and more comfortable.
Types of Assistive Listening Devices
There is a device suited for every situation, no matter where you need a boost for your hearing health.
Large-Facility Systems
Hearing Loop Systems: Designed for theatrical settings, lecture halls, and airports, these systems transmit electromagnetic signals directly to your telecoil-equipped device. Click Here for Information About Hearing Loops.
Frequency-Modulated (FM) Systems: Ideal for classrooms or one-on-one conversations, FM systems use radio signals to deliver a speaker’s voice clearly to you. They can cover large spaces (up to 300 feet) making them useful in various public environments.
Infrared Systems: Using infrared light to transmit sound, these systems offer a private communication solution in settings such as courtrooms or movie theaters. Because the infrared signal cannot pass through walls, your listening experience remains personalized and free from interference.
Personal Use Devices
Personal Amplifiers: Compact and portable, these devices increase sound levels and reduce background noise whether you’re watching TV, traveling, or engaging in a one-on-one conversation. With directional microphones that can be aimed at the speaker, you receive enhanced sound clarity.
Telephone Communication Devices: Technologies formerly known as TTY or TDD machines have evolved. Today, you can rely on text telephones, captioned telephones, or telecommunications relay services to communicate by phone with improved clarity.
Alerting Devices: Whether for a doorbell, telephone, alarm clock, or baby monitor, alerting devices use sound, light, or vibrations to ensure you do not miss important notifications. You can have visual alert signalers or portable pagers that keep you informed and safe.
Understanding Telecoils
A telecoil is a small coil of wire installed inside many hearing aids and cochlear implants. It functions as a miniature wireless receiver that transforms electromagnetic signals into sound right in your device.
This process reduces distracting background noise and delivers sound that is customized for your specific hearing needs. Even if your device does not have a built-in telecoil, loop receivers with headsets offer a similar benefit.
With many cochlear implants featuring telecoil technology either built in or available as an accessory, you can switch to this mode with a simple adjustment.
