Assistive Listening Devices
Hearing loss varies from person to person, especially when age is part of the equation. Assistive listening systems and devices were built with the idea of minimizing the amount of places where hearing loss is a factor. At home or away, patients should feel confident about the capabilities of their hearing devices.
About Loop Systems
Today’s digital hearing aids effectively enhance hearing in conversational settings, but when auditorium or TV speakers are at a distance, when the background is noisy, or when room acoustics reverberated, sound can be unclear. Loops get rid of background noise so that the hearing aid user can separate speech properly. It’s a simple, inexpensive technology that turns hearing aids with telecoils into wireless receivers – customized lour speakers for the user’s ears.
Assistive Listening Devices
Personal Amplifier Hearing Aid
Personal Amplifiers These small boxes cut out most background noise and are fantastic as one on one listening tools. Personal amplifiers also include a mic input for better listening options.
FM Hearing Aid Systems
FM Systems FM systems are mobile personal amplifiers that use radio broadcast technology. Working from several feet away, the system uses wireless speakers. Depending on the brand, 150+ feet of distance is entirely realistic.
Infrared Hearing Aid Systems
Infrared Systems When privacy is a concern, infrared systems are an ideal choice. Instead of radio waves, it transmits sound using light waves. This is also the most expensive assisted listening setup. Infrared systems are mostly found in professional settings where privacy is needed.
Bluetooth Hearings Aids
Bluetooth Hearings aids with built-in Bluetooth technology are both secure and easy to set up. Several modern devices use Bluetooth to connect to smartphones, tablets, and tv. They are designed to pair within seconds of being turned on.
Hearing Loop Systems
Induction Loop or Hearing Loop Systems Hearing aids with built-in telecoils have access to an induction loop system. This is the easiest of the devices to set up, and also the most inexpensive. The loop connects to a compatible amplifier and microphone of the user’s choosing.
Hearing Loop
An induction loop system transmits magnetic energy to telecoil equipped hearing aids through a wire that surrounds an audience.
Not all hearing aids support telecoil features, so it is best to check with your Livingston Hearing Healthcare Professional about supported brands. If the telecoil is already installed in your hearing aid it requires only the push of a button for clear sound delivered directly to the hearing aids.
Helpful Links
http://www.hearingloss.org/programs-events/get-hearing-loop/
Stay up-to-date with HLAA News.
For a more detailed review of hearing loops, please refer to the Hearing Loop website.
To learn more about how people with hearing loss benefit from hearing loops, check out this beautifully written article, “A Hearing Aid That Cuts Out All That Clatter.”
If you would like a consultation to find out whether your hearing aids work with induction loop systems, or to try out a pair that does in a hearing aid test drive.
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Frequently asked questions
Who can benefit from using ALDs?
ALDs can benefit individuals with various degrees of hearing loss, including those with mild to profound impairment, as well as people with auditory processing disorders or difficulties hearing in specific environments like classrooms, theaters, or meetings.
Can ALDs connect to smartphones or other devices?
Yes, many modern ALDs feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to pair with smartphones, tablets, or other compatible devices. This enables users to stream audio directly to their ALDs for improved clarity and convenience.
Are ALDs only for individuals with hearing aids or cochlear implants?
While many ALDs are compatible with hearing aids or cochlear implants, there are also standalone devices available for individuals without hearing aids. Personal amplifiers, for example, can be used by anyone experiencing difficulty hearing in certain situations.
Can ALDs be used in noisy environments?
Yes, many ALDs are designed to help individuals hear more clearly in noisy environments by reducing background noise or focusing on specific sounds or voices.
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