Products:
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs):
Just
as there are products designed to help left-handed people get by in a
right-handed world, there are myriad devices and special products available
to people with hearing loss trying to function normally in a hearing world.
Our sense of hearing is "on" 24 hours a day, but our hearing
aids are not. What if the smoke alarm goes off while you’re sleeping?
The baby wakes up and starts crying while you’re in the shower? The
doorbell or the phone rings while you’re drying your hair? Or you
don’t wake up to your clock’s alarm? These are just a few possible
concerns. Additionally, some types of listening we encounter may not be
improved with a hearing aid alone—theatre, telephone conversation,
television viewing, large group meetings, church or other large-area settings.
An ALD usually falls into one of the following categories:
- Personal amplifier (either hardwired or wireless)
- Large-area system (such as church, theatre or classroom)
- Amplified Telephone or telephone accessory
- Alerting/Signaling device
Personal Amplifier – Sound is sent from
a transmitter to a receiver worn by the listener. Some models are used
for interpersonal communication while others are a method of listening
to TV, VCR, computer, CD players, radio, in conferences or in public facilities
(where compatible). These devices deliver clear sound directly to the
listener’s ear.
Large-area System– Sound is delivered from a transmitter to
multiple receivers. The type of receiver may range from strategically-placed
loudspeakers in the listening area to a room fitted with an induction
loop to ear-level receivers worn by multiple individuals.
Amplified Telephone – To improve hearing through a telephone
there are portable attachments for volume control, in-line amplifiers
for non-amplified modular corded phones, induction amplifiers for hearing
aid compatible corded and cellular phones, and amplifying telephones (many
with frequency adjustments). Additionally, there are telecommunication
devices (TTYs, telecaption decoders, etc.) for those individuals who cannot
use voice telephones.
Alerting/Signaling Device – These products use loud sound, flashing
lights, strobe lights, vibration or a combination of signals to notify
persons with hearing loss of environmental sounds that are important for
them to hear. These sounds include, but are not limited to:
- Alarm clock
- Smoke detector
- Doorbell/door knock
- Baby crying
- Telephone ring
An audiologist at Audioscope would be happy to assist
you in selecting a device with features to suit your needs or to order
a product for you. We maintain an up-to-date collection of product catalogs
and brochures of assistive devices, but we will also help you locate a
product or supplier for that one-of-a-kind item you may have in mind.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for informational use only
and is not intended to be used as a substitute for evaluation, consultation
or diagnosis by a licensed physician or licensed audiologist. Further,
it is not intended to be all-inclusive. Always consult with your audiologist
and primary care physician regarding matters related to hearing.
