Definition of Assistive Listening Devices

People with hearing problems sometimes rely on amplification devices to help them hear better. One of these types of devices is an assistive listening device, or an ALD.

Identification

• An assistive listening device is used to help a person hear a specific sound clearer. A transmitter is placed near the source of the sound, and the person using the device listens on a receiver.

Misconceptions

• According to NCHearingLoss.org, a hearing aid is not an assistive listening device. A hearing aid is used to hear better in general, while an ALD is used to hear specific things better. An ALD is sometimes used in conjunction with a hearing aid.

Types

• According to HearingLossWeb.com, a personal ALD is used by one specific person. Group ALDs are primarily used for large gatherings that have the potential to be attended by a significant number of hearing-impaired people.

Group ADLs

• According to NCHearingLoss.org, group ALDs are offered in public places such as movie theaters, lecture halls and churches. Infrared ALDs use infrared light to transmit sound to a gathering of receivers. Loop technology uses a loop of wire around the room that picks up and amplifies a signal from the transmitter to a series of receivers. The FM radio wave method is also used for group ALDs.

Features

• Many users of ALDs have either earbuds or full-ear headphones hooked up to their receivers to help them hear better.