The Benefits Of Using Assistive Listening Devices In The Home And Other Everyday Settings

Hearing loss is a common condition experienced by several Americans and people worldwide. Statistics show that about 20% of the global population has hearing loss. There are several challenges people with hearing loss need to overcome daily. For instance, they can experience difficulty following conversations and dealing with the physical and mental effects of the condition. Fortunately, technology has come a long way in relieving people with hearing loss.

What are Assistive Listening Devices (ALD)?

Assistive listening devices are designed to help in the everyday lives of people experiencing hearing loss and other communicative impediments by amplifying the sounds around them. For people experiencing hearing loss, ALDs offer an effective way to communicate with others.

It may seem that ALDs and hearing aids are similar if not the same, but that is not entirely accurate. Whereas hearing aids amplify the sound in an environment, ALDs separate speech from noise in the background, making it easier to hear more clearly. There are five common types of assistive listening devices. These are:

• Hearing loops: Also known as audio induction loop systems, these ALDs transmit sound directly to your hearing aid or cochlear implant using electromagnetic energy. The sound is transmitted from an amplifier to a thin wire loop to the receiver.
• Frequency modulated (FM) systems: This type of ALDs uses radio waves during large gatherings such as church meetings or conferences. With FM systems, one wears a compact transmitter and microphone, while the other wears a portable receiver.
• Personal amplified system: The personal amplified system, are great for one-on-one communications, spending time outdoors or moving in a car. This is because they effectively reduce background noise while increasing sound levels. They are also useful in spaces, while radio signals are less effective.
• Infrared system: These devices transmit sounds to individuals through the light beams. That means you must align with the beam to receive the sound transmission. Infrared system ALDs are used for home TV sets and movie theatres.
• Bluetooth system: These are ALDs that work through a wireless connection. However, for these devices to work, they need to be connected to hearing aids with a Bluetooth feature.

Benefits of Using Assistive Listening Devices

Beyond improving communication, ALDs can also help reduce social isolation, empowering individuals with hearing loss to participate more fully in daily activities. The use of ALDs can help break down barriers to communication, offering individuals with hearing loss the opportunity to enjoy life more fully and connect with others on a deeper level. It is clear that you can benefit greatly from the use of ALDs in your home and everyday life. Here is how:

Be a Part of Social Engagements

A common habit of people experiencing hearing loss is social isolation. Due to the difficulty in following conversations and the frustration of asking others to repeat themselves, many people with hearing loss avoid social interactions altogether. However, this challenge can be fixed with the help of assistive listening devices, so keep this in mind. This, in turn, increases your independence and confidence again, improving your quality of life.

Hear Clearly in Public Areas

Although your hearing aids may have helped you hear better, a common challenge you would have had is hearing better in public places. The various ALDs identified above can be of significant help in public areas. For example, using the personal amplified system, you can enjoy an intimate conversation with your loved one at the park while enjoying birds chirping and other soothing sounds around you.

Enhances Safety

If you experience hearing loss may be challenging to hear environmental sounds such as oncoming traffic, smoke and security alarms and other warning signals. With the help of ALDs, people with hearing loss can hear these sounds, enduring their safety.

Contact an Audiologist for More Information

Before you purchase an assistive listening device, it is important to consult a licensed and experienced audiologist. Your audiologist would help you pick out an ideal type of ALDs for you, depending on the severity of your hearing loss. During these visits, be sure to also ask about pressing issues, such as the lifestyle changes you should make for your ALD devices.

Visit Arkansas Professional Hearing Care

If you don’t have an audiologist, you should consider a reputable one with a stellar reputation. A great example is Arkansas Professional Hearing Care. At Arkansas Professional Hearing Care, patients are treated with respect and integrity. Additionally, the facility is well-equipped with state-of-the-art devices that ensure excellent services are delivered. Therefore, be sure to contact Arkansas Professional Hearing Care for access to professionals and to gain access to services you can trust. Contact us today at (501) 588-0177.