Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive Listening Devices also known as ALD's are amplification systems
designed to help people cope better in a variety of difficult listening
situations. Used with or without hearing aids, these devices will enhance
sound in large public facilities, or in small group situations. They will
help improve the use of the telephone, enhance the enjoyment of TV or the
stereo, and improve understanding of conversation. There are several types
of assistive systems:
 | Personal Amplifiers |
| Personal FM Systems |
| Personal PA Systems |
| Large Area FM Systems |
| Infrared Systems |
| Loop Systems |
|
A personal amplifier helps you hear better in difficult listening
situations. Use it anywhere - inside, outside, in a restaurant or in a
small group. It is especially helpful in a car where it is difficult to
face the person who is talking. The telephone is amplified or uses a
keyboard like a computer or typewriter. The Clarity telephone is an
amplified telephone that amplifies the sound as well as being able to change the
tone of the sound somewhat. It has a large easy to see alpha-numeric pad and
a memory for saving emergency numbers.
TTY devices allow
the deaf to communicate with others over local phone wires.
Cell phones with texting have
supplemented and even in some cases replaced the TTY unit. Since
July 1, 2002 all cell phone digital networks are compatible with TTY
units. However, a compatible cell phone is still needed --
See FTC Notice. Many
Cell phones are now compatible with TTY units. For Example.
ATT has a long list of cell phones which can work with TTY units. --
See List.
Telephones which can be
used with hearing aids that have a "T" circuit or may directly used with in-the-canal
hearing aids. Some phones also have volume controls to aid the hearing handicapped.
FM systems are commonly used to broadcast a desired sound to the hearing
impaired. Some Hearing aids have built in circuits to take
advantage of FM systems.
Another method of directly transmitting sound to
the patient is with infrared systems. An example of an infrared device
which can be used for TV or audio listening is the Sennheiser hearing assistance
system
--
See Product.
An inexpensive personnel amplifier is the RadioShack
Amplified Stereo Listener. These units cost between $30 to $40
(price checked - June 2008) not including headphones. The $40 unit
has a three band equalizer. --
See Product.
A complete system which also attaches to the telephone and TV is the
Williams Sound Pocket Talker. The cost (price checked - June 2008 is
$119) --
See Product.
Page Last Updates
06/29/2008
Number of Page Views Since 6/7/2008
Copyright Kevin
T Kavanagh 2008
