Auditory assistive listening devices can be thought of as “binoculars for the ears.” These devices bring sound “closer” to one’s ear(s) before it has a chance of bring mixed with noise and reverberation.

Telephones

The ability to hear a telephone ring will depend on a number of factors such as the severity of the hearing loss, the frequency of the telephone ring and the distance from the telephone to the person. There are a few different types of telephone amplifiers to attach to a regular telephone as well as a wide variety of available amplified telephones. Amplified telephones come in both standard and wireless models and most have options for volume, pitch and pattern as well as a small flashing light to indicate the phone ringing. Very often, a lower pitch ring can make it easier to hear. If the hearing loss is severe, there are devices that will cause a light in the home to flash, a body-worn unit to vibrate, or a bed shaker to vibrate when sleeping. For those that use a hearing aid, it is important to consider hearing aid compatibility. When a telephone is noted to be “hearing aid compatible,” this means that the ear piece of the phone emits a magnetic field. If a hearing aid is equipped with a telephone coil or “T-coil,” this coil is able to respond to the magnetic field, allowing the hearing aid to pick up and amplify the voice from the phone directly. This also blocks surrounding sounds while the individual uses the telephone. The T-coil feature may also be used with a variety of assistive listening devices. Telephone amplifiers (clockwise from left: replacement handset amplifier; portable amplifier; in-line amplifier).

Cell Phones

Many cell phones will note that they are hearing aid compatible. In addition, most cell phones can be used with a cell phone amplifier as well as have a text message option. For those who cannot understand over the voice telephone, even with amplification, there are other options such as the “voice carry over” (VCO) or “read and talk” telephone. Used with the telephone relay service, VCO allows you to talk directly to the other party while an operator translates what the other party says to you into print that is displayed on a small LCD screen.

TTY

TTYs are small typewriters that allow two individuals to communicate with one another over a standard telephone line by typing text back and forth. When one party does not have a TTY, a relay operator acts as the typist during the conversation. TTYs are available with memory and answering machine capabilities. These TTYs can store conversations as well as greeting messages. In addition, some TTYs have a built-in printer that can print the conversation as it proceeds. There are also portable TTYs available that have direct connect and can be used with cell phones. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented the toll free phone number of 7-1-1 for access to all Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). TRS permits deaf or hard of hearing individuals to use the telephone system via a TTY or other device.

Television

For many individuals, the frustration associated with watching television may simply be one of distance. As one listens to a TV from a distance, not only does the sound signal become weaker as it travels from the television to the ears, but the acoustical characteristics of the room make the sound less distinct. Some TVs come with jacks into which an earphone or a transmitter can be plugged. There are many other options including various wireless transmitters and receivers. Theater, Cinema or House of Worship — Wide Area Systems Most hearing aid users have a difficult time understanding conversation when in a noisy environment. There are a few ways of dealing with this. Some hearing aid users are able to plug an extra microphone into their hearing aid(s). The hearing aid must be equipped with either a “telecoil” or a feature called “direct audio input” (DAI). DAI allows very tiny FM receivers to be plugged into the bottom of the hearing aid. For others, wireless headsets are usually available at theaters. Some individuals choose to buy their own headsets or receivers to be used at home as well. In addition to various listening systems, some movie theaters and live theaters also present special performances or showings that are captioned.