If you have invested in hearing aids in the past couple of years, then you most likely are already aware of all the benefits they offer. Aside from making it easier to hear the people and the world around you, you may have noticed just how much they’ve allowed you to go out, try new things, and start to build stronger connections with the people in your life. Still there may be times when your hearing aids could use a little boost. This is where Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) come in. There are several ALD on the market that are designed to work in tandem with your hearing aids to give you a little help when you need it out in public and in the comfort of your own home. Here are some of the most common ALD that can help you have a more enhanced experience with your hearing aids.
Amplified and Captioned Telephones
We all know how hard it can be to hear over the phone with hearing aids. However amplified phones are specifically designed for people with hearing loss, allowing them to turn up the volume to account for issues hearing.
Today, due to the common use of Smartphones, they can often be utilized for this. For instance, by switching on Bluetooth compatibility, you can connect wirelessly to your smartphone using radio waves. This delivers clear sound to your hearing aids from your phone that you can easily turn up by the controls on your smartphone. You can also program your smartphone to vibrate and amplify the ring so you never miss a call. In addition, many benefits from real-time captioning which allows you to read along while someone speaks. This can be particularly helpful for those with severe and profound hearing loss.
T-Coils
Do you find yourself going to shows, church or riding public transit regularly? You know it can be hard to hear when there are many people talking and lots of commotion. However, many hearing aids come with a T-coil setting. T-coils are also known as induction or telecoil loops. In public places such as theaters, banks, auditoriums, churches and public transportation stations, a thin copper wire is installed around the perimeter which emits an electromagnetic signal. This signal can send emptied information directly to your hearing aids. The beauty of this technology is its accessibly for a wide range of users with diverse hearing capacities. It can deliver clear sound free of interference at the listening level programmed in your hearing aids.
Assistive Listening Devices for Televisions
A lot of us love to relax at the end of the day with our favorite television program or a classic movie. However, this can present problems for the hearing impaired people in your family leading to regular conflict. It’s a common scenario. One person needs the volume turned up while another feel it is too loud. What could be a relaxing time is often the source of nightly arguments. However, with ALD along with hearing aids you can receive clear signal to your ears without this hassle. Bluetooth connectivity can send the signal directly to your hearing aids while some television amplifiers work even without hearing aids. For instance, TV Ears® is a wireless headset which allows you to set a personal volume and plugs directly into your TV’s earphone socket.
Alerting Devices
Most ALDs help make listening easier, but some also help you stay connected to what is going on around to ensure your safety is always prioritized. This means being ready for anything that can come your way. This means the alerts you receive need to be more than sound based. Fire alarm, home security systems and carbon monoxide detectors should all include blinking lights and even vibrating elements so you can be sure to be alerted. Some people even install bed shakers for when you are sleeping, and your hearing aids are not being worn.
Ask Us for Help
The world after hearing aids is a thrilling place. You’ll be getting out more and trying anything you set your mind to. If you notice you are having trouble hearing in any area of your life, there surely is an assistive listening device to help make it easier. Contact us today and we can help you discover the world of ALDs!