Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) provides a wide range of benefits for people with hearing loss. ALDs can be used in any environment and are designed to be discreet. By using assistive listening devices, your speech to noise ratio can improve. Put simply, ALDs can help you hear clearly. People who use assistive listening devices may not necessarily need hearing aids.

The Importance of ALDS

If you or a loved one needs help with hearing but don’t know where to start, the next best step is to visit a hearing care professional. Pinnacle Hearing offers comprehensive hearing healthcare services in Arkansas, so give us a call if you are in the area and we’ll be happy to assist you with any of your hearing needs.

Take note, ALDs are not just for people hard of hearing. Assistive listening devices can also be used by people with normal hearing that need further amplification for specific purposes. Individuals with greater degrees of hearing loss can find ALDs beneficial because these devices can supplement personal hearing aids, providing clearer communication and helping wearers be aware of certain alerts or alarms.

Related Questions

What is the difference between assistive listening devices and hearing aids?

Hearing aids have a more sophisticated and sensitive system meant for long term use. Many people who use ALDs do not need hearing aids. ALDs can instantly turn up the volume while hearing aids are designed to adjust and improve a person’s hearing over time.

ALDs and hearing aids have one purpose and that is to help make life easier and communication better.

How do assistive listening devices work?

ALDS are available in various types, but they all work by emitting and picking up sound waves out of the normal range. The portable speakers with microphones of assistive listening devices make them suitable for any environment, whether you’re out in the park or at home reading a book. Assistive listening devices vary in range – someone can hear a conversation up to 100 yards away, while more powerful ALDs can cover an area of up to 300 yards.

Basic Parts of an Assistive Listening Device

An assistive listening system has four basic components: a microphone, an amplifier, a transmitter and a receiver.

Why are Assistive Listening Devices necessary?

People who have challenges with hearing typically need a volume increase to keep up with what’s happening around them. With ALDs, people can achieve their needed gain without making sounds too loud for everyone else.

Can assistive listening devices be used by deaf people?

Assistive technology can be greatly beneficial to people with hearing loss. ALDs can bring certain sounds directly to the ears, making hearing and communicating easier. Many hearing instruments now work through a wireless link and can connect directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Where can assistive listening devices be used?

ALDs can be used in different listening situations, effectively reducing background noise, poor acoustics, and overall narrowing the distance between the source and the listener. Assistive listening devices can also minimise background noises for clearer hearing. Assistive listening devices vary in range – someone can hear a conversation up to 100 yards away, while more powerful ALDs can cover an area of up to 300 yards.

Types of Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive listening devices include hearing aid compatible phones, amplified telephones and smartphones, FM systems for public settings, alerting devices, and TV-compatible devices.

How much does an assistive listening device cost?

The cost of an assistive listening device varies depending on its features, type, and brand. At Pinnacle Hearing, we carry a wide range of ALDs to suit everybody’s needs, budget, and lifestyle.

The Importance of ALD