Individuals struggling with hearing loss have difficulty understanding speech. Hearing aids and cochlear implants have come a long way, but some people still struggle to hear. These devices don’t separate background noise from noises the person wants to hear. In addition, the environment and the distance between the speaker and the person with hearing aids play a role in how well this individual can hear. Fortunately, there are hearing assistive technologies that can overcome these challenges. How are these technologies beneficial?
Improve Life
People with hearing aids and cochlear implants often find it hard to hear in public spaces, particularly large spaces such as auditoriums or concert halls. Hearing assistive technology helps them better hear in these environments. The assistive listening devices eliminate background noise and reverberation. They close the gap created by distance and bypass challenging acoustics. Men and women using these devices find the sound comes directly to their ears.
Congress adopted the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. This act recognized the challenge people with hearing loss face in public places. It mandates assistive listening technology in these environments. However, problems arose with this act, and Congress enacted changes in 2010. At that time, the rules were updated to require hearing aid compatibility in these environments so men and women using assistive listening devices wouldn’t have to remove them. The listener receives these accommodations for a fee, but they often must ask for them.
Better Hearing in Public Spaces
Users benefit from assistive listening devices because the sound is transmitted through a sound system. To access this sound transmission, the person must have a telecoil in their hearing device. Many manufacturers today include telecoils in their hearing aids and streamers. They are found in all cochlear implants. The telecoil makes it easy to hear while on the phone, in a meeting, having dinner at a noisy restaurant, and in many other locations.
Hearing aid users often remain unaware of this feature. When they learn about it, they must find out whether their device has this capability and if it has been activated. In addition, they remain unaware that they can have multiple telecoil programs for different situations. Every person should know to ask this question when working with a hearing care provider to obtain assistive listening devices.
Options for Those Without Hearing Aids or Telecoil Programs
Some men and women don’t have hearing aids or telecoil programs. They may benefit from a hearing loop, FM, or infrared (IR) system they access through a receiver and headphones. Telecoil-equipped personal amplifiers and earbuds are other options. They provide communication access in public areas in compliance with the ADA. These devices are required for individuals with hearing aids and cochlear implants and those without these devices.
Better Hearing When Conversing
Assistive listening devices also benefit individuals when they are engaging in one-on-one conversations. They come as hand-held amplifiers that include microphones. These amplifiers direct the sound closer to the ears and filter background noise. Many people invest in inexpensive devices initially and upgrade to those with more advanced capabilities as their hearing loss progresses. Audiologists often sell these devices together with hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Every person should work with an audiologist to find the proper assistive listening devices for their needs. Hearing is essential for a high quality of life, so don’t put off making this appointment. With the correct devices, most people can hear clearly again and enjoy life more.
