There are many devices and special products available to help people with hearing loss to function 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.
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