 What are Assistive Listening
Devices?
Like a hearing aid, an assistive
listening device make 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 the background noises.
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Are
assistive listening devices only for people with hearing aids?
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.
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What kinds of
assistive listening devices are available?
There are many assistive listening
devices available today, from sophisticated systems used in theaters 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: 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: 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
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 or without hearing loss. Auditorium Type Assistive Listening
Systems: Many major auditoriums and theaters, churches, synagogues, and other public
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. Contact us for
more information.
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Where can I
find an assistive listening device?
If you are considering assistive
listening devices for personal use, such as personal FM systems and personal amplifiers,
you should seek the help of an audiologist who has expertise in working with assistive
listening devices to determine which device is best for you. An audiologist is a
professional specially trained to identify and help people with hearing problems. The
audiologist you select should be licensed by the state of NJ and hold a Certificate of
Clinical Competence (CCC) in Audiology from the American Speech-Language- Hearing
Association (ASHA). In many states a license is also required. For further information
about assistive devices, including lists of certified audiologists in your area, Call
NJSHA at (908) 359-5308. For lists of assistive listening device "showrooms" in
the United States, information about TTYs, Telecaption Decoders, and signaling/alerting
devices and other information about assistive listening devices, contact ASHA and ask for
the ALD packet (single copy free). Contact us for
more information.
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