Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive listening devices (ALDs) or hearing assistive technology systems (HATS) are devices that can help you communicate better. Examples, where they could be useful, would be in public venues, enhancing warning or alerting devices, watching TV, and using the telephone. They can be used with or without hearing aids or cochlear implants.

HLAA-DV has compiled a demonstration library of ALDs. We use these devices to introduce people to the technology that is available to them and gives them an opportunity to try most of the devices before making an investment in them. We have several telephones – captioned or amplified, personal looping systems, FM systems, connecting devices and alerting devices, and more.

If your organization is interested in the availability of the library, contact HLAA-DV.

The Hearing Loss Association of America has a program, “Get in the Hearing Loop” (GITHL), that is meant to take advantage of the telecoil that is built into most hearing aids and all cochlear implants. A hearing loop creates an electromagnetic field that transmits a signal to a device that has a receiver (available on most hearing aids and cochlear implants) that sends the sound to your hearing aid or cochlear implant. This technology works well in larger venues like meeting rooms, theaters, and churches. The same technology is available at the personal level (fixed or portable) for use at home or away. More information on hearing loop technology is available on the HLAA website.