Whether you’ve just started using hearing aids or have been wearing hearing devices for a long time, you know that they can make all the difference when it comes to following conversations, enjoying music, or staying safe at home and in your community. But you can always use a bit more help, and there are some cool assistive listening devices that can make your listening experience even better.
Assistive Listening Devices
For the nearly 40 million Americans with hearing loss, hearing aids are absolutely essential. But for the times that you need an extra boost, or when your hearing aids don’t quite cut it, assistive listening devices (ALDs) can help you hear a little bit better. From hearing clearly in restaurants, to honing in on the sounds you want to hear in auditoriums, and enjoying music fully, assistive technology can help you where your hearing aids might not be quite enough. Most ALDs can increase sound between 15 to 25 decibels, enough that you’ll be able to hear more clearly, and easily follow conversations without missing out on important sounds.
Most ALDs are amplifiers that let you hear better by separating background noise from the sounds you want to hear, helping you hear things that are farther away, and overcoming distracting noises such as an echo or reverberation. If you only need a bit of amplification, ALDs can work on their own, but they also work great in conjunction with hearing aids, helping your devices amplify important sounds a little bit more. You can use ALDs at home, at work, or at school, as well as in large venues. Picking the right ALD for your unique listening challenges will help make your hearing aids even more effective.
Personal Amplifiers
The most common assistive listening devices are personal amplifiers, which are very small and portable. This small device has a microphone and a small cord attached to a receiver and is useful during one-on-one conversations. The person speaking with you can attach the microphone to their clothing, and it will amplify their voice, cutting through background noise for a clear listening experience and easy communication. These are great when you’re sitting still or only speaking to one person, but aren’t helpful when you’re in a group setting, or are moving around a lot.
FM Systems
Another ALD that will give you a bit more freedom to move around is an FM system. This ALD uses FM radio waves to help you hear more clearly. Unlike personal amplifiers that have a cord which requires you to be very close to the person speaking, the FM system broadcasts sounds wirelessly. While you hold the receiver, the mic can be attached to the speaker and still amplify sounds from up to 150 feet away. This is a great ALD for classrooms, walking tours, outdoor activities, or any situation where you need to hear clearly from a distance.
Induction Loop Systems
If you have a hearing aid with a t-coil, you can use the induction loop system to hear clearly. This ALD utilizes wires built into the structures of many auditoriums, lecture halls and concert halls, and is able to transmit sound signals right to the t-coil, or copper wire in your hearing aid, using the electromagnetic field. If your hearing aid doesn’t have a t-coil, you can request a small receiver from the venue, and hear clearly using headphones or earbuds.
Bluetooth Technology
While Bluetooth technology has many uses, it’s incredibly useful as assistive listening technology. Many of today’s hearing aids are Bluetooth enabled, and this allows you to connect to your computer, smartphone, iPod, TV, or any other Bluetooth device and effortlessly stream audio, phone calls, email reminders, alarms, or even driving directions right to your ears. You’ll experience clear hearing with no interference at all.
My Hearing Centers
If you want to learn more about assistive listening technology, or are looking for a new hearing device, visit us at My Hearing Centers to explore all your options. We have a wide range of hearing aids, as well as assistive technology, that are designed to help you hear clearly. We’ll help you find the right device for you, whether you need amplification at home, at work, on the golf course, or out and about around town.