Assistive Listening Devices
What are Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
Assistive Listening Devices or ALDs are devices that support better hearing both for those who currently use hearing aids and for those whose hearing just needs a little help at times.
ALDs are electronic devices that can assist those with all levels of hearing loss better communicate and interact with family and other people around them including:
- One to one conversation
- Group conversations
- Speech and audio (music/video) over distance
ALDs can also help people get more enjoyment from other situations like:
- Watching television
- Listening to the radio or HiFi
- Theatre shows
- Concerts
- Classrooms and lecture theatres
- Public venues
- And more.
Importantly there’s a whole category of ALD products dedicated to safety and security such as:
- Doorbells
- Smoke alarms
- Amplified phones
- Vibrating alarms
- Flashing alerts
- And more
These types of devices can be particularly useful for people who already use hearing aids but don’t wear them all the time or when sleeping.
LoopMe can provide advice on and supply a range of Assistive Listening Devices.
Who should use Assistive Listening Devices?
Anyone with even a mild hearing loss can benefit from the use of some types of ALDs. ALDs can provide better hearing in a variety of situations ranging from personal conversations to live shows and events.
There are two main reasons people should consider ALDs:
- The ability to hear better in a range of situations and therefore being able to participate more and get more enjoyment from day-to-day interactions. This may be with family or friends or in professional or medical settings.
- Where you need to be able to know if the doorbell or telephone is being rung, the baby is crying, or just know if an alert or alarm is activated.
Even people who have been fitted with hearing aids may have unique needs or situations where ALDs can provide benefit.
Some people with hearing loss may also find ALDs easier to manage than hearing aids due to their larger size and usually bigger controls.
While ALDs shouldn’t replace hearing aids where these are clinically required, they can complement the tools available to the user and provide a better listening environment overall.
Assistive Listening Devices like a TV headset can help improve the enjoyment of daily activities for many people with hearing loss.
Types of Assistive Listening Devices
There are five main types of Assistive Listening Devices:
- Amplified phones: These are landline phones with stronger speakers that amplify conversations for the user. We also now include smartphones that have this ability.
- Notification systems: These are systems attached to phones and doorbells that will notify the person that the phone or doorbell is ringing. These notification systems can be connected to flashing or vibrating receivers throughout the home. This category also includes alarm systems that will notify users of fire or smoke or even a baby crying.
- Personal amplifiers: These devices are standalone devices that usually include a microphone and a set of headphones. The device picks up the sound or conversation and then amplifies it through the headphones. Many smartphones now have this ability as well.
- TV streamers: These devices connect to your TV or stereo and output the sound signal to a dedicated set of headphones, Bluetooth headphones or even the user’s own hearing aids.
- Loop or FM systems: These systems usually connect to an in-house sound source and transmit the sound to a dedicated personal amplifying device or to the user’s own hearing aids. LoopMe specialise in the supply and installation of temporary and permanent loop systems.
Feel free to contact LoopMe by Better Hearing Australia to discuss your Assistive Listening Device needs. Call (07) 3844 5065 or use the form below.
