Assistive Listening Devices
At Chippendale Audiology, we want you to get the most from your hearing technology. In addition to hearing aids, we offer a variety of accessories and assistive listening devices designed to make everyday communication easier.
Even with well-fitted hearing aids, certain listening environments can present challenges. Background noise at a restaurant, conversations in a large group, watching television from across the room, or hearing clearly during a presentation may require additional support.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are designed to complement your hearing aids and provide extra support in specific situations. Options may include technology for television, phone conversations, meetings, places of worship, and other everyday activities.
Our team can help you explore available options and find technology that fits your hearing needs, lifestyle, and the situations where you want a little extra listening support.
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.
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The Future of Assistive Listening
Auracast technology is helping expand what assistive listening can do. Instead of requiring a traditional hearing loop or other dedicated system, Auracast technology allows compatible audio sources to broadcast sound wirelessly to compatible hearing aids and other listening devices.
As Auracast becomes available in more public spaces, it may make it easier to hear announcements, presentations, entertainment, and other important audio directly through your hearing devices.
ALDs can help reduce listening effort and make communication easier at home, at work, and in public spaces. Our team can help you explore which assistive listening solution may be right for your hearing needs and lifestyle.
Types of Assistive Listening Devices
The right assistive listening device for you will depend on your hearing loss (if there is any) and where you need help with communication.
A newer wireless technology that allows compatible devices, including some hearing aids, to receive shared audio broadcasts. Auracast can be used in public spaces such as theaters, airports, museums, churches, and other venues to provide more direct access to announcements, entertainment, and other audio.
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 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 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 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.
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.
FAQs About Assistive Listening Devices
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 Cape Coral, FL
If certain listening situations are still challenging, Chippendale Audiology can help you find additional support. Our audiology team will explain the assistive listening options available, demonstrate how they work, and help you choose solutions that fit naturally into your everyday routine.
From conversations at home to phone calls, television, and larger group settings, the right assistive technology can make it easier to hear and stay connected.
Contact us today to learn more about assistive listening devices in Cape Coral, FL!