Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

• Devices that enhance a persons hearing for specific problem areas including: TV viewing, telephone listening, alerting devices, auditoriums, etc.
• Devices used in conjunction with hearing aids or by themselves.
• Devices that allow for maximum benefit from hearing aids.
• Devices that promote safety and independence for a hearing impaired or deaf person.

Types of Assistive Listening Devices

1. Hard Wired - The microphone is attached by a thin cable to the receiver. This can be useful for one-to-one conversation at short distances. It can be used for the television, radio, CD players, walkman etc. There is limited mobility as you have to be within the length of the cable to what you are attempting to listen to.
   
   
   
   
    
2. FM - A wireless system where the signal is transmitted from the person speaking to the individual by an FM radio signal. The signal can be sent directly to your hearing aid. This system is often used in classrooms for the hearing impaired and can be used for meetings.
   
   
   
   
    
    
3. Infrared - The signal is transmitted by an infrared light signal, similar to the remote control, on TVs or VCRs. It is often used in the home to amplify the TV or in theaters, or public speaking situations. The infrared system requires a clear line-of-sight from the transmitter to the receiver.
   
   
   
   
    
4. Induction Loops - An electromagnetic field is produced and it is picked up by the receiver. The receiver could be headphones or the listeners hearing aid. Larger loops can be wired into meeting rooms. Smaller loops can be worn around the neck and plugged into cell phones, pocket talkers, CD player, Walkman etc.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Alerting Devices - These devices signal you with loud sounds, vibration, and or light. There are doorbells, knock-at-the door devices, phone alerting devices, fire alarm and smoke alarm devices. baby-cry devices, room-to-room sound alerting systems, vibrating clock alarms, vibrating paging systems, Vibrating watch alarms etc.
   
    
   
   
    
6. Telephone Amplifiers - There is a large variety of telephone solutions for the hearing impaired including amplified telephones, portable amplifiers, and cell phone amplifiers.
   
   
   
   
   
    
7. Amplified Stethoscopes - Allows the user to amplify or record heart or breath sounds. It can be connected to some BTE hearing aids or a cochlear implant.