Assistive devices can be an excellent tool for people with hearing loss. These devices can be especially helpful for those who aren’t yet at the stage where they need a hearing aid or an implant. With the range of devices available, you can easily find the ones that work well for you.
7 Types Of Assistive Hearing Devices
1. Internet Captioned Telephone Services
These telephones improve communication for those who have hearing loss because they provide an ongoing caption for telephone conversations.
The caption will either be available in a browser on your device or on a screen that’s embedded in the base of your telephone.
2. Alerting Systems
This encompasses a broad range of devices and systems that use different ways to get your attention. Instead of relying on regular sounds, they use flashing lights, high-frequency sounds, and vibrating notifications to make you aware that something is happening.
An alerting system can be connected to your doorbell, motion detectors, smoke alarms, baby monitors, and other devices that generally require persons to be able to hear well.
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3. Personal Amplifiers
Many people with hearing loss have trouble carrying on a normal conversation and personal amplifiers can help with that. These hand-held devices are meant to capture the sound you want to hear so you can focus on it.
Personal amplifiers come with a microphone so people who want to talk to you can use it. Some of these devices are also equipped to filter out background noise.
4. Hearing Loops
Hearing loops are great for small to large rooms where people need to hear what’s happening. The loop uses an amplifier, a thin wire loop stretching across the room, and a hearing device. These are all connected to the sound source in the room.
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When using the headset or earpiece, those who are having hearing loss can focus on
what is being said or played in the room.
5. Bluetooth Technology
This type of wireless technology can work for persons who have hearing aids as well as those who don’t. If you’re using hearing aids that are equipped with Bluetooth, then you’ll be able to hear the sound directly. Those who aren’t using hearing aids can use their phones to connect to the wirelessly transmitted sound.
6. Telephone Relay Services
With this kind of service, you can connect to someone using a standard phone when you’re using a keyboard. In this way, you can relay your message in text and receive the responses in the same format. This is useful for those who don’t wish to or can’t speak on the phone.
7. Video Relay Service
This kind of service can benefit those with hearing loss and those without it equally. When using a video relay service, you can speak with people who use sign language. The service will connect you to an interpreter and the conversation can be delivered via text to you.
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How To Afford Them
Some assistive hearing apps or software are free so it’s good to research those first. You may also be able to access different devices depending on your situation. For example, low-income persons may qualify for assistive devices through Medicaid as they count as a medical expense.
If you’re a veteran, there are programs available to help with assistive devices you may need. Additionally, there are laws that dictate the provision of assistive devices in the workplace so it’s a good idea to check what your state laws say. Finally, there are different programs and organizations that will provide funding or the actual devices if you meet their criteria.
When you’re dealing with hearing loss, being able to communicate effectively can be difficult. If you get suitable assistive hearing devices, however, you’ll be better able to handle your everyday tasks. Though some of the technology is free, others come at a cost. That’s why it’s essential to find out about all the programs that might be able to help.
