How Assistive Listening Devices Help With Hearing Loss

Those who have hearing loss will likely hear of many assistive listening devices or ALDs. These devices help those with hearing loss to better process the sounds around them. There are many types of assistive listening devices that those with hearing loss can use.

Types of Assisted Listening Devices

There are many different types of ALDs out there to assist those with hearing loss. Some types help improve sound transmission in large environments. These environments include theaters, churches, airports, and classrooms. Other devices are best used in one-on-one conversations.

A popular ALD is a hearing or induction loop system. This uses electromagnetic energy to help send sound to your existing hearing aids. A thin loop of wire is often installed to encircle a room. After, a microphone or other public address system emits a sound. Then, it reaches the loop, and the amplifier inside your hearing aids better picks up what is being said. This helps the wearer to hear the person speaking over the background noise.

FM systems are another popular assistive listening device. These are best for amplifying sounds in a quieter environment. Unlike a loop system, the speaker will wear a transmitter that has a small microphone attached to it. You’ll wear the receiver on a specific frequency so that the telecoil inside of your hearing aid can pick it up.

Altering ALDs

A specialized category of assistive listening devices is the alerting devices. These use a combination of vibrations, lights, and sounds to alert those with hearing loss of an event. These are best used for wake-up alarms, doorbells, telephones, and emergency alert systems.

How Assistive Listening Devices Can Help

Assistive listening devices are ideal for those who have hearing loss. ALDs can let those hear better in environments that can make hearing more difficult. For example, the induction loop is perfect for hearing in noisy environments. FM systems are best for quieter environments where you’re only focusing on one person.

Altering ALDs can help you to better know when things are happening around your home. This can even include when someone rings your doorbell. It’s best to use a combination of these assistive listening devices. Together, they can be beneficial for those with hearing loss to better hear sounds. Our hearing care team can help you decide which ALDs are best for your situation.

Call Us Today

If you have hearing loss and want to learn more about assisted listening devices, then it’s time to give us a call. Let our helpful hearing care professionals assist you with all your hearing-related needs.