Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) Can Improve Your Hearing & Your Quality of Life
When many people think of adapting to life with hearing loss, the first thing that comes to mind is most likely wearing a hearing aid. While these devices can make a difference for the user, they shouldn’t be the only thing a person relies upon all day and night. Investing in assistive listening devices for the home can help fill in the gaps that a hearing aid alone cannot, making life much more accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The Importance of Assistive Listening Devices
When experiencing hearing loss, sounds you may have previously thought were too loud to miss can fade into the background, causing you to miss important information. As a result, assistive listening devices, or ALDs, have become necessary for many people who are experiencing some level of hearing loss.
Whether in a busy restaurant, during a phone call, or watching TV, these devices help amplify sound and reduce background noise, making it easier to stay connected. They complement hearing aids and ensure that essential sounds are heard clearly, improving safety and quality of life. If you struggle to hear in certain situations, an ALD can help you feel more engaged and confident in social settings.
But really, having an ALD is about returning some level of normalcy to your life. When you begin to lose hearing, you lose confidence in yourself. Getting a hearing test done is just one way to start the journey back to feeling confident again. When you schedule your first hearing exam, understand that your hearing specialist will likely suggest an ALD to help you in your everyday life. There is no weakness in asking for help, either. Remember, support is always available to help you stay connected.
Home-Based Assistive Listening Devices
ALDs are more than just hearing aids. There are many other non-hearing aid devices out there to help amplify sound and make hearing clearer than ever. Thanks to technological advances, assisted hearing is applicable in virtually every room you use.
Let’s look at two categories of hearing amplification devices:
Assisted Hearing Devices to be Placed Around the House
First, let’s be clear on something. Just because you need some assistance with your hearing doesn’t make you less of a person. Over time, every part of our bodies breaks down. Thanks to advances in medical technology, we can make life a little more manageable. ALDs make hearing easy again.
However, if you’re losing large portions of your hearing ability, what was once loud and obnoxious can be as quiet as a field mouse. Many products can be enhanced with new features to make them functional again. Here are a few products that can be modified or improved with the latest in technology:
- Amplified alarm clocks – These clocks are considerably louder than the average alarm clock (emitting noise at roughly 110db versus 80db) and can also vibrate to help you wake up with a physical sensation.
- Amplified telephones – Besides having a ringer and speaker at least 35db louder than standard phones, the amplified versions can be equipped with an “emergency memory” setting so you can more easily call people in your time of need. Conversely, telephone amplifiers can increase call clarity and reduce background noise on your typical home or office phone.
- Hearing aid-compatible phones – These specially designed telephones work with hearing aids to reduce feedback.
- Smartphone apps – If you have entered the technology age, you can download several smartphone applications that serve as personal amplifiers.
- Fire alarms – Like the amplified alarm clocks, fire alarms can alert you in several ways: with a 90db noise, flashing lights, and vibration.
- TV listening systems – Hearing your TV can be more accessible with over-ear headphones worn while your hearing aid is in, and closed-caption boxes make understanding speech easier by decoding dialogue and displaying it on the screen.
- Infrared Systems – These systems use infrared light to transmit sound from audio sources like TVs.
Wired or Wireless Listening Devices for Personal Use
There are also personal assistive listening devices that are better suited for being moved from room to room:
FM Systems
These radio-based systems pick up sounds through a microphone and wirelessly transmit them to a receiver worn by the listener (which can be attached to a hearing aid or used on its own). They can be used effectively indoors or outdoors.
Induction Loops
Induction loops transmit sound with a microphone, an amplifier, and wiring. These pick-up sounds in a circle around the listener are great at cutting out background noise—especially in areas with poor acoustics—and can be used in many different indoor or outdoor settings.
Personal Sound Amplifiers
While personal sound amplifiers are not always as discreet as hearing aids and are not tailored for any specific form of hearing loss, they can be an effective listening tool on the go. Still, wearers are urged to be careful when using them, as they can amplify sounds to damaging levels.
Benefits of Using Assistive Listening Devices
As you can tell, many systems are available for those suffering from hearing loss. Thanks to technological advances, life with low-quality hearing capability can be more manageable.
The benefits of using ALDs are numerous, with the biggest being a return to normalcy. Over time, our bodies break down, and we lose things we take for granted. Hearing is one of the most valuable senses, so being able to hear things clearly again cannot be overstated.
ALDs can also restore your confidence. When you lose hearing, you may feel less confident in what’s being said around you. An ALD can help you hear your loved ones again.
Of course, safety is also a vital issue. When you can fully hear things, you can make decisions that keep you safe. Imagine a world with a fire in your home, and you can’t hear the smoke detector. With an ALD, that world does not exist.
FAQs
Do you have further questions about ALDs? We’ve got you covered. We get hundreds of ALD questions annually, but these are the few we hear the most.
What Are Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)?
ALDs are devices designed to improve sound quality and clarity for individuals with hearing loss, complementing the use of hearing aids.
How Do Home-Based ALDs Work?
Home-based ALDs, such as amplified alarm clocks and telephones, emit louder sounds or vibrations to ensure that individuals with hearing loss notice them.
What Are the Benefits of Personal Use ALDs?
Personal use ALDs, including FM systems and induction loops, offer mobility and flexibility and provide clear sound reception in various environments.
Who Can Benefit from Using ALDs?
Anyone with hearing loss can, as they enhance communication, safety, and overall quality of life.
Are You Ready to Learn More?
The audiologists at Vibrant Hearing can help you find the best assistive listening devices for your needs. To get started, please schedule an appointment at our clinic in Missoula, MT. We look forward to hearing from you soon!