ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES

Part 1

Hearing aids are wonderful, but sometimes they do not provide enough help in a listening situation. There are devices that can provide assistance beyond hearing aids. These are called assistive listening devices and systems (ALDS). ALDS are defined as a device, designed to improve a person’s ability to communicate and to function more independently. ALDS accomplish this by transmitting amplified sound more directly from its source to the listener or by transforming it into a tactile or visual signal. Many ALDS are available and affordable. An audiologist should be able to help determine which ALDS would be the most appropriate in order to meet your unique hearing loss and listening needs.

Check with your audiologist to see whether they have devices or systems for you to try. Some audiologists have assistive devices and systems available for demonstration, trial, and purchase. If not, they should help you to locate the centers throughout the United States where individuals can obtain the assistive listening devices and systems.