What are ALDs?
They are auditory equipment which helps amplify the sounds traveling into the ear. They enhance the ability of a hearing impaired person to hear better.
ALDs help separate sounds that a person with hearing loss wants to hear from background noise. This is particularly true of speech sounds. An ALD helps both the person wearing a hearing aid and the person who has had a cochlear implant. It increases the effectiveness of a hearing aid.
A broad range of products from assisted listening devices tailored to the individual in a more intimate situation to complete assistive listening systems are available. For example,
- Personal FM systems and FM accessories which make it easier for you to hear people close to you in a noisy room. Also head phones, earphones, single and dual earbuds, and neck loops.
- TV Listening Systems such as a system allowing telecoil users to listen to the TV with hearing aids in; an infrared system ideal for TV or stereo listening and meetings; a system which includes transmitter, headphones, audio cable, external microphone and ac adapter; a TV Ears infrared listening system, etc.
- Amplified Telephones and Accessories which includes a cellphone amplifier; a universal phone amplifier; a portable strap-on phone amplifier; a portable inline amplifier perfect for work or home; a telephone interface which is a link between your phone and FM system/Pocketalker; an amplifier that works like a stereo equalizer, etc. Cordless telephones and cell phones are also available.
- Clocks, such as alarm clocks which will wake you with powerful vibrations; an economical, basic vibrating alarm clock with bed shaker; alarm clocks with built-in phone alert, etc.
- TV Systems, Voice Amplifiers, TTYs, Paging Systems, Personal Amplifiers, Signalers, Stethoscopes, etc.
- Miscellaneous ALD items, such as a Resource Guide brochure informing you how and when to use ALDs and to help you choose a particular ALD over another; a book to help hearing impaired individuals and professionals to be more successful at work; a phone line voice tester, etc.
What are ALS and large area systems?
ALS are assistive listening systems, including loop systems, induction systems for hearing aids with telecoils, and large area FM systems. Using multiple assisted listening devices, these systems reach more hearing impaired people at a time. For example,
Examples: loop systems for classrooms and large meeting rooms; systems which broadcast a signal directly to people with a personal receiver; systems which offer many channels that are 100% compatible with your existing FM systems, etc.
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