What are Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)?

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are designed to help you hear better in specific listening situations such as on the telephone or in the movie theater.  There are hundreds of products available for those who want to hear the phone, TV, doorbell, or alarm clock better.  ALDs can be used in conjunction with hearing aids, but can also be used by those who do not yet need or wear hearing aids.  Hearing Evaluation Services offers a wide variety of assistive listening devices.  If you are looking for a solution for a difficult listening situation, one of our audiologists would be happy to sit down with you to help find a device suited to meet your needs.

 

ALD Systems

Amplified telephones

Amplified phones work just like standard telephones with the added ability to increase the volume of the caller’s voice when necessary. These amplified phones are designed specifically for people with hearing loss and therefore the volume can be raised to very high levels if needed. Some amplified phones have not only a very loud ring but also a flashing signal that lights up every time the phone rings. There are a large variety of amplified telephones available, from standard to cordless phones. There are also in-line amplifiers available that can be added to your current corded phone to increase the volume.  Hearing Evaluation Services has a selection of amplified telephones available for demonstration at our Amherst Office.  Please call for an individual demonstration.

 

Cell phone solutions

These products are designed to amplify the caller’s voice through the hearing aid when using a cell phone. A cell phone solution is ideal for people with hearing loss who have trouble hearing on the phone in noisy environments. There are lightweight Bluetooth hands-free systems available for use with Bluetooth cell phones. There are also lightweight ear hooks that can be used to amplify speech in either one or both ears. Neckloops are also available for patients with in-the-ear hearing aids with t-coils.

 

TV listening systems

These devices enable the listener to hear the TV or stereo better without turning the TV volume up. A transmitter is placed on the TV and the sound is sent directly to the listener’s headset. Others in the room can then adjust the volume coming from the TV and listen at whatever volume is comfortable for them. These devices can also be used in movie theaters, churches, and other venues that are equipped with a compatible transmitter. There are television listening systems, including the popular “TV Ears”, available for demonstration at our Amherst office.

 

Alerting systems

These devices include alarm clocks, doorbells, and combination alerting systems. Each device is designed to get your attention through ways other than hearing the signal (such as a flashing light or vibration). There are a variety of alarm clocks available with volume and tone controls and optional shaking bed or pillow vibrators. Portable alarm clocks are also available. There are wireless doorbell signalers with built-in chimes. Some devices can send a signal to a lamp, or multiple lights that will flash when the doorbell rings. Combination alerting systems that signal more than one sound are also available to meet your specific needs. Feel free to contact our office to discuss available systems or devices.

 

Bluetooth Connectivity Options

Bluetooth connectivity is a wireless technology that many hearing aids are compatible with.  Many of the devices we use daily (such as cell phones, television, computers, and personal music players can be synced or “paired” with your hearing aids to make for a more seamless listening experience.  Bluetooth connectivity is the future of hearing aids.  Many hearing aid companies have accessories that enable patients who wear hearing aids to connect with the technology around them.  By bringing sound from the cell phone, television, computer, and personal music players directly into the ear through the hearing aid, the patient can enjoy their world of hearing, in stereo!