Assistive Listening Devices – An Overview of the Different Types of Devices Available to Help With Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a common issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether it is caused by ageing, exposure to loud noise or an injury, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Hearing aids are an effective solution to this problem, and several different types of devices are available to help with hearing loss. 

At Sound Hearing, we understand the importance of good hearing and are experts in hearing care. This article will provide an overview of the different types of assistive listening devices available and why hearing aids are the best solution for most people.

Types of Assistive Listening Devices

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are small electronic devices worn in or behind the ear to amplify sound. They come in various styles and sizes, with some hearing aids being virtually invisible. Hearing aids collect sounds through a microphone, which converts the sound into electrical signals. These signals are amplified and transmitted through a speaker into the ear canal. Modern hearing aids are incredibly sophisticated and can be customised to suit a person’s specific hearing needs. They can also be connected to smartphones, TVs and other electronic devices.

FM Systems

So, have you heard about these FM systems? They’re pretty cool – they help you understand what someone’s saying in a noisy place. Basically, the speaker wears a mic, and the listener wears a receiver, and the sound gets transmitted directly from the speaker to the listener. It’s great for classrooms where it’s noisy and hard for hearing-impaired students to hear the teacher.

Loop Systems

Loop systems transmit sound wirelessly from a sound source, such as a TV or speaker, to a hearing aid or cochlear implant. They are instrumental in places such as cinemas and theatres, where it can be challenging to hear the audio clearly.

Captioning Devices

Captioning devices display text on a screen to help people with hearing loss understand what is being said. They are commonly used in cinemas and other settings, such as lectures and conferences.

Why Hearing Aids are the Best Solution

While several different types of assistive listening devices are available, hearing aids are generally the best solution for most people with hearing loss. Here’s why:

They are Customisable

Hearing aids can be customised to suit a person’s specific hearing needs. They can be programmed to amplify particular frequencies and filter out background noise. This means they can provide a more natural listening experience and make hearing easier in challenging environments.

They are Discreet

Modern hearing aids are incredibly discreet and can be worn without being noticed. They come in various styles and colours, so you can choose a device that suits your preferences.

They are Easy to Use

Hearing aids are easy to use and can be adjusted to suit your preferences. They can also be connected to smartphones and other electronic devices, making staying connected and engaged with the world around you easier.

They Improve Quality of Life

Studies have shown that hearing aids can improve a person’s quality of life. They can help to reduce social isolation, improve communication and cognitive function, and enhance overall well-being.

At Sound Hearing, we are passionate about helping people with hearing loss regain confidence and improve their quality of life. We offer a wide range of hearing aids from leading manufacturers, and our expert audiologists are on hand to provide advice and support every step of the way.

If you are experiencing hearing loss, seeking treatment as soon as possible is essential. While several different types of assistive listening devices are available, hearing aids are generally the best solution for most people. They are customisable, discreet, easy to use, and can significantly improve your quality of life. At Sound Hearing, we are here to help you every step of the way on your journey to better hearing.

If you suspect that you have hearing loss, we recommend booking a hearing assessment with one of our expert audiologists. During your evaluation, we will conduct a series of tests to determine the extent of your hearing loss and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

We offer a range of hearing aids from leading manufacturers, including Phonak, Oticon, and Widex. Our hearing aids come in various styles, including behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and completely in-canal. They can be customised to suit your individual hearing needs.

At Sound Hearing, we are committed to providing all our patients with the highest standard of care. Our expert audiologists have years of experience helping people with hearing loss, and we are dedicated to finding the best solution for you.