Assistive Devices |
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If hearing aids are not enough or if you are looking for alternatives to a hearing aid, they can review the available assistive listening devices that might be appropriate for you. These devices include infra-red systems, inductive loop or FM systems, volume control telephones, emergency dialers, TTY systems, pocket talkers, and alerting devices. The Doctors of Audiology at Alliance Hearing Center will do everything possible to make your transition back into the hearing world as smooth as possible! If you would like some general information about hearing aids, ask for the handout Hearing Aid Information or click here for a .pdf version or for a copy of the book Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids: A Bridge to Healing . For more information on assistive devices ask your audiologist or:
I-Caption Rear Window Captioning
Manufacturer: Ultratec Cost: about $500, but many states provide them free or at deep discounts WebCapTel- same service via the Internet. Use a regular phone and the text appears on the computer screen. The technology to convert any voice into text, under any audio conditions, is still under development. |
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Pocketalker This discrete and portable amplifier can be used during one-on-one conversations, in a small group, or when listening to the TV or radio. The receiver is a headset or ear buds. The pocket talker can be effective for some people with a mild to moderate hearing loss. |
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Infrared Assistive Listening Systems 1. TV Ears is a wireless, infrared listening device designed exclusively for TV listening. It allows everyone to enjoy watching and hearing television - without disturbingly high volume settings! |
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2. This large area infrared assistive listening system provides hearing enhancement in court houses, cinemas, auditoriums and theaters. Sound is converted into light rays which are transmitted to a headset (receiver) worn by the individual. The headset is portable and may be used in any large halls with an infrared system. |
| Phonic Ear offers two styles of receivers with the StarSound 400 system. The 95 kHz headset receiver operates on two AAA alkaline batteries, has 360 degrees reception and is hearing aid compatible. The body- worn receiver can be used with a variety of separate listening options. Unlike the heavier headset/receiver combination, the lightweight listening options ensure comfort no matter how long the listeners wear the system. |
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| Audio Frequency Induction Loop An audio frequency induction loop is a way of transmitting sound through a wire loop to the telecoil in a hearing aid or a suitable receiver. They are used most frequently to improve the speech intelligibility of hearing aid users by eliminating background noise. Sound waves are converted into electromagnetic waves which can be transmitted to a hearing aid via a telecoil. Loop systems are usually permanently installed. The system is limited by magnetic interference which may degrade the signal. This system is useful for people with a severe hearing loss because it helps to eliminate background noises, including multiple voices and household sounds such as reverberation, air conditioning and ventilation |
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Text Telephone for the Deaf (TDD) or Tele Typewriter (TTY) A TTY is one of the most commonly used accommodations by people who are unable to understand speech on the telephone. The TTY enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired to converse on the telephone by typing messages that are sent through the telephone network. A TTY works by converting text messages into a sound–based code (loud beeps) that are transmitted through the telephone line. The person on the other end of the line must also use a TTY to decode the sounds back into text. Each party in the conversation takes a turn typing a message and then reads the response of the other person. |
| Alerting Devices These are a series of signalers that plug into an electrical outlet and monitor the telephone, doorbell, baby cry, and alarm clock. A light is plugged into the signaler, which flashes when a designated sound is detected. At the same time, it transmits a signal through your home's electrical system. Lights plugged into the remote receivers will also flash to alert you throughout your home. The flash pattern varies depending on the sound detected. No wiring is necessary for most signalers, simply plug into an electrical outlet. Alarm clocks may be vibratory, tactile or connected to strobe lighting systems. For information about alerting systems, TTY systems, ear care products and other accessories, visit the websites: hearmore.com potomactech.com weitbrecht.com |
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