{"id":31,"date":"2018-06-22T23:02:26","date_gmt":"2018-06-22T23:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fueldev.site\/~gulfcoas\/?page_id=31"},"modified":"2020-01-22T18:55:21","modified_gmt":"2020-01-22T23:55:21","slug":"hearing-aid-accessories","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gulfcoastaudiology.com\/hearing-aids\/hearing-aid-accessories\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Aid Accessories"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Hearing aids aren\u2019t just available in a wide range of sizes and styles; they can also accommodate a variety of accessories. Deciding which, if any, will benefit you can be tricky. You may want to speak with your audiologist to learn more about any particular product. <\/p>\n

Assistive Listening Devices<\/h2>\n

Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are portable systems that help individuals with hearing loss communicate more effectively. Unlike hearing aids<\/a>, which amplify sounds, ALDs\u00a0work by separating speech from background noise. This allows the person with the hearing impairment<\/a> to hear more clearly.<\/p>\n

Some ALDs\u00a0are used in conjunction with hearing aids, while others work as standalone devices. ALDs are useful in a number of situations, primarily those involving distance, poor acoustics and noisy backgrounds.<\/p>\n

There are several different types of ALDs available, for both large facilities and personal use. Some focus on amplifying speech, while others utilize computer programs to convert text to speech.\u00a0Some of the different types include:<\/p>\n

FM Systems<\/h3>\n

FM systems rely on radio signals to transmit amplified sounds directly to your hearing aid. They consist of a microphone, transmitter and receiver, and are used in a variety of public places such as classrooms, restaurants, movie theaters and churches. <\/p>\n

The microphone is worn by the person speaking<\/a> (or placed in close proximity to the sound source) and the signal is broadcast from the transmitter to the receiver, which is tuned to a specific frequency.<\/p>\n

Personal Amplifiers<\/h3>\n

Personal amplifiers are essentially small\u00a0FM systems\u00a0used in smaller, more intimate settings where radio signals are less effective; they are often used when watching television, traveling by\u00a0car or spending time outdoors. <\/p>\n

The microphone is built directly into the unit, and is often directional, allowing you to aim it in the direction of the sound source in order to pick up the signal most effectively.<\/p>\n

Infrared Systems<\/h3>\n

Infrared systems work on the same principle as FM systems, but use infrared light instead of radio waves to transmit sound. The transmitter converts sound signals into light and beams those to the receiver, which then translates the light signal back into sound. <\/p>\n

An\u00a0advantage to infrared systems is the fact that their signal is unable to pass through walls as it does with FM systems, eliminating competing broadcasts that might hamper the listener and preventing confidential information from being disseminated. They are particularly useful in courtrooms and large movie theaters.<\/p>\n

Hearing Loops<\/h3>\n

Hearing loop, or induction loop, systems utilize electromagnetic energy to transmit sound directly to your hearing aid or cochlear implant. They consist of a sound source (public address systems are popular), an amplifier, a loop of wire and a receiver or telecoil (t-coil), a tiny wireless receiver built into many devices. <\/p>\n

When you are in close proximity to the loop, you will receive clear sound free of background noise. Hearing loops can be connected to\u00a0all types of audio sources, and are often set up in public facilities such as airports, churches and lecture halls.<\/p>\n

Alerting Devices<\/h3>\n

Alerting devices hook up to telephones, alarm clocks, doorbells and other electronic devices. They alert you through a loud sound or flashing light, making you aware of an incoming phone call, a visitor at the door, etc. <\/p>\n

Hearing Aid Accessories <\/h2>\n

Some of the more popular hearing aid accessories include:<\/p>\n