Assistive Listening Devices
(ALDs)
|
|
An Assistive Listening Device (ALD) is simply a product that helps in your day to day communication. It can be used with or without hearing aids or cochlear implants (CI's), to avoid the negative effects of distance and background noise. Used with a hearing aid they provide additional ease of hearing and reduced stress.
|
FM Hearing Aid Systems
An FM system allows a wireless FM signal to be picked up by a small attachment to the bottom of the hearing aid called an audio-shoe. The signal is sent from a separate transmitter. The benefit of this system is the reduction in background noise, especially for children trying to listen in a classroom setting.
The FM systems are typically seen in
behind-the-ear (BTE)
aids although
in-the-ear (ITE's),
can be made FM compatible. With an ITE, a loop is worn around the neck creating an induction field with the FM receiver plugged into the loop. ITE's must be equipped with
telecoils
for them to be FM compatible.
In addition to school environments, this system has broader application anywhere a crowd is gathered causing interference and background noise. In a concert setting a band could set up a wireless system with their sound transmitted from their microphones directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants. A small receiving device held by the hearing aid wearer that is similar in size to an iPod picks up the signal transmitted from the band's MIC. A small wire from this receiver is fed directly into the hearing aid. These systems greatly improve the listening experience.
Infrared Systems
These systems are similar to FM where they can be used in settings with larger audiences such as theaters or churches. At home they are often used with a TV. The sound is transmitted via infra-red light waves and picked up with your receiver. While the TV is set to a comfortable volume for the other members of your family you can adjust the volume independently.
Induction Loop System
Available for groups or individual use, an Induction loop is also called an Audio Loop System. A loop wire (induction loop) is installed, perhaps under a carpet and connects to a microphone used by a speaker. As someone speaks the sound is picked up by the microphone and fed through a current into the loop system creating an electromagnetic field in the room. With your hearing aid selected to the 'T' position, the
telecoil
picks up the signal letting you adjust the volume through your hearing aid.
Other Systems
There are many other Assistive Listening Devices (ALD's) on the market for telephones: either cell, cordless, or digital. They also include answering machines, wake-up alarms, and computers. See the section on
'Hearing Assist Products'
for more.
|
