In today’s world of technological advancements, there are a variety of products that will enhance your listening experience. Many of these assistive devices (ALDs) can be used in conjunction with your hearing aids or cochlear implants while others are used independently. ALDs provide solutions for improved hearing when using the telephone, watching television, or when listening in group settings such as classrooms, movies, or religious services. Speak with your audiologist to learn more about assistive technology options including:
Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity:
Most current hearing aids can receive wireless signals from your cell phone offering a clearer signal when listening to a voice or music. Wireless adaptors are available for television and home telephones for improved hearing and sound quality through your hearing aids. Wireless remote microphones can be worn by a speaker so their voice will be transmitted directly into the hearing aids for effortless listening.
Amplified Telephones:
These products offer a boost in hearing. They increase the volume of incoming sounds and are offered in both corded and cordless models.
Telecoil:
A Telecoil is a small coil that can be installed in a hearing aid or cochlear implant that will pick up magnetic signals that are converted into sound, such as those transmitted by a standard telephone, some cellular phones, a neckloop, or by a room induction loop system.
FM Systems:
Personal frequency modulation systems improve hearing while in the presence of background noise. The speaker, such as the classroom teacher or the presenter in a meeting, wears a transmitter microphone. The listener uses a receiver that is usually attached to or built into the hearing aid that picks up the signal and sends it directly into the hearing instruments.
Alerting Systems:
These products are designed specifically for those with varying degrees of hearing loss. They are notification devices for events taking place within a person’s home. Examples of these types of systems include smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, telephone ring/doorbell indicators, baby alerting systems, alarm clocks, etc.
Caption Telephones:
A caption telephone allows an individual with hearing loss to view a telephone conversation, as well as listen. A person’s words are transcribed on a screen. This is a product that can be used without paying a monthly fee or an installation charge.
Amplified Stethoscope:
This product is designed for those working in the medical field who have difficulty hearing internal body sounds through a traditional stethoscope. They provide an increased intensity of those sounds for an easier and more accurate listening experience. They can be used in conjunction with hearing aids or without.