Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive Listening Devices
Even the best hearing aids sometimes need extra help. Busy restaurants, large group events, or even watching TV across the room can still be tough. That’s where assistive listening devices (ALDs) make a difference.
ALDs give your hearing an extra boost in certain situations. Whether you’re watching your favorite show, talking on the phone, or attending a church service, these devices make sounds clearer so you don’t miss the moments that matter most.
At Raleigh Hearing and Tinnitus Center, we see to it that you get the most out of your hearing aids. We offer hearing aid accessories and assistive listening devices in Raleigh, NC
Hearing Aids vs. Assistive Listening Devices
Hearing aids are designed to help with many daily listening needs. But in noisy or crowded places (like classrooms, theaters, or meetings), you may still struggle to hear clearly.
Assistive listening devices focus on specific situations. They can be used on their own for people with mild hearing loss or together with hearing aids for even better results. Many are affordable, easy to use, and don’t require a hearing test.
Types of Assistive Listening Devices
Generally, there are five types of assistive listening devices – audio induction, infrared system, FM system, personal amplified system, and Bluetooth systems. The right assistive listening device for you will depend on your hearing loss (if there is any) and where you need help with communication.
Audio Induction or Hearing Loop
Hearing loops or audio induction loops are a special type of sound system for people with hearing aids. Hearing loops provide magnetic, wireless signals that are picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to “T- Coil” setting.
Hearing loops help hearing aid wearers hear sounds more clearly by cutting or reducing the background noise. For example, when one is at home, a hearing aid wearer could fit and use a loop system to hear sounds directly from the television.
Infrared System
Infrared listening systems use light waves to send sounds across the room. Infrared systems work by changing the sounds into light and sending them to a receiver. The receiver then turns the light waves back into sound. An infrared receiver can be used with a hearing aid or worn alone.
FM System
FM stands for frequency modulation and uses radio waves to transmit sound signals to the listener. FM systems are special wireless devices that help people hear better in noisy listening environments. This type of ALD is usually used in conjunction with hearing aids but can also be used as a standalone device for people with normal hearing.
Personal Amplified System
Personal amplification devices or personal amplification systems offer many similar benefits to hearing aids at a fraction of the cost. As the name implies, personal amplification devices may amplify sounds but cannot adequately address other components of hearing loss such as distortion, feedback, or occlusion.
Bluetooth Listening Devices
Just as today’s numerous gadgets are equipped with Bluetooth technology, so are many modern assistive listening devices. Bluetooth listening devices receive and amplify audio from tablets, smartphones, and any other Bluetooth-enabled device so that users can hear more conveniently and efficiently.
Assistive Listening Devices - FAQs
What is the most commonly used assistive listening device?
Hearing loops are the most commonly used assistive listening device and the most user-friendly as well. They are the crowd favorite because they can be used by simply switching the devices to the telecoil program and the user will automatically receive sound directly to their ears.
Why are assistive listening devices necessary?
Assistive listening devices can help supplement hearing aids by providing clearer communication in some environments. ALDs can also help people with greater degrees of hearing loss by alerting them to sounds and situations that may not be picked up under adverse conditions or when the hearing aids are not in use.
Can assistive listening devices take the place of hearing aids?
Assistive listening devices can be used with or without hearing aids. However, ALDs cannot be used to replace hearing aids, especially if the hearing loss is at moderate to severe levels.
Assistive Listening Devices in Raleigh, NC
Continuous innovations in technology have paved the way for various hearing solutions, including assistive listening devices. ALDs are helpful on their own, but they can also enhance the benefits of hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Aside from offering a wide selection of hearing aids in Raleigh, NC, Raleigh Hearing and Tinnitus Center also offers a wide range of assistive listening devices that can be paired not only with hearing aids and cochlear implants but with smart devices as well.
Aside from hearing aid fittings, our audiologists are also trained to perform hearing tests and ear wax removal in Raleigh, NC
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!