Sound Beyond Limits: Exploring the Possibilities of Assistive Listening Devices

If you experience hearing loss, you know how valuable hearing aids can be in your day-to-day conversations. However, there are certain situations where hearing aids may not provide optimal performance, such as when watching TV or participating in meetings. That's where assistive listening devices (ALDs) come in. They are popular among individuals with hearing impairments who need an additional tool to enhance their hearing in busy or noisy environments, or when the sound source is far away.

Think of ALDs as "binoculars for the ears" that extend the capabilities of hearing aids, making them more effective. They are also useful for people who want to stay aware of their surroundings when not wearing their hearing aids, like waking up to an alarm clock or hearing the doorbell.

Types of Assistive Listening Devices

There are several types of ALDs available, each with their own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of assistive listening devices:

1. Personal Amplifiers:
   Personal amplifiers are small, portable devices that amplify sound and reduce background noise. They are typically worn on the ear or carried in a pocket or purse, and are useful for one-on-one conversations, watching TV or movies, or listening to music.
2. FM Systems:
   FM systems consist of a transmitter and a receiver, and are commonly used in classrooms, lectures, and other public settings. The transmitter picks up the speaker's voice and sends it to the receiver, which is worn by the listener. This helps to reduce background noise and improve speech understanding, even in noisy environments.
3. Loop Systems:
   Loop systems are designed for use in public places such as theaters, places of worship, and transportation hubs. They consist of a loop of wire that is placed around the listening area, which is then connected to an amplifier. The listener uses a receiver, such as a hearing aid, to pick up the amplified sound.
4. Infrared Systems:
   nfrared systems use light waves to transmit sound. They are commonly used in theaters, movie theaters, and other public settings. The transmitter sends the sound signal to an infrared receiver, which is worn by the listener.
5. Captioned Telephones:
   Captioned telephones display captions of the conversation in real-time, making it easier for people with hearing loss to understand what is being said. The captions can be viewed on a screen or on the phone itself.
6. TV Streamers:
   TV streamers are designed to wirelessly transmit the audio from your TV directly to your hearing aids or headphones. By bypassing the TV speakers and delivering the sound directly to your ears, TV streamers ensure a personalized and enhanced listening experience.

In conclusion, ALDs are an important tool for people with hearing loss to improve their communication and quality of life. There are many different types of ALDs available, each with their own unique features and benefits. It is important to work with a hearing specialist or audiologist to determine the best device for your specific needs and to ensure that you are using the device correctly.

Technologies Behind Each Assistive Listening Device

Four commonly used assistive listening technologies are audio induction loop, Bluetooth, infrared and radio frequency. Each protocol has its advantages and disadvantages, and may or may not suit a specific application.

• ALDs using Bluetooth Technology
  Bluetooth technology is the latest innovation to take off among hearing aid users. This technology allows two electronic devices, such as a mobile phone and a Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid to do audio-streaming with one another. The range is limited, somewhere around 20 feet, but the lack of interference and secure connection of this convenient hands-free technology outweighs any negatives. In addition, the use of one streamer can allow the user to switch back and forth among multiple devices, from mobile phones to tablets to iPods. In recent years, most manufacturers have embraced Bluetooth technology onto their premium hearing aid models.
• ALDs using Infrared Technology
  Infrared-based are ALDs that utilize light-based technology. They guarantee privacy because light does not pass through walls. They are the appropriate choice for situations, such as court proceedings that require confidentiality.
• ALDs using Inductive Loop Technology
  Inductive loop ALDs utilize an electromagnetic field to deliver sound. Since most hearing aids come with telecoil functionality, it offers hearing aid or cochlea implant users the convenience to listen to sounds without the need of body-worn receivers. Loop-based ALDs can also be used by non-hearing aid users through use of a headphone and inductive loop receiver.
• ALDs using Radio-Frequency Technology
  ALDs that use radio frequency broadcasting technologies, such as FM systems are often used in educational settings. They offer mobility and flexibility when used with portable body-worn transmitters. Some newer FM systems utilize miniaturized receivers that fit onto a hearing aid via an “audioshoe.”

How Common Are Assistive Listening Devices?

In many countries around the world, legislation has been put in place stating that ALDs are now legally required by in any public place. This is to encourage hearing-impaired members of society to be given an equal opportunity to hear messages, speakers, or any other sound as clearly as anyone else with normal hearing. That is why ALD systems are commonly found in public venues, such as movie theaters, live performance theaters and public classes. Examples of this legislation can be found in national building codes and anti-discrimination laws, such the Americans with Disabilities Act 2008, Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act and UK Equality 2010.

Can Assistive Listening Devices Be Used by Deaf People?

Assistive listening devices are used by people with all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound. This includes hearing aid users and cochlear implant users, as well as consumers who are 100% deaf.