Houston Office
Assistive Listening Devices
Introduction to Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are specialized tools that make it easier for those with hearing loss to hear clearly in challenging or noisy environments. These devices work with or instead of hearing aids to enhance sound clarity and quality, improve speech understanding, and increase awareness of the important sounds in your area.
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Who Benefits from Assistive Listening Devices?
Assistive listening devices are not just for those who have severe hearing loss. They can provide vital support for nearly anyone who finds themselves missing words when listening to conversations, struggling with background noise, or needing a bit of extra help to hear clearly in certain settings.
ALDs are ideal for those with mild to severe hearing loss and students or professionals who attend meetings or lectures in large areas. Theatergoers and concert attendees can be helped by ALDs, as can those who struggle to hear audio on the phone or TV. Finally, older adults who struggle to hear things like alerts, alarms, or doorbells can benefit from ALDs. If you or a loved one has difficulty hearing in specific situations, you may need an ALD to help.
Types of Assistive Listening Devices
Several types of ALDs are designed for different environments and to meet varying needs. Some work through sound amplification, while others use visual or vibration alerts to improve awareness. Each device serves a unique purpose and will be chosen based on your personal listening challenges.
Common types of ALDs can include:
FM and Infrared Systems
Used in classrooms, churches, or theaters to send sound directly to a listener’s ears.
TV Listening Systems
Provide clearer sound without raising the volume for others in the room.
Phone Amplifiers and Captioned Phones
Make conversations easier to follow with louder sound or real-time captions.
Alerting Devices
Flashing lights, loud sounds, or vibrations for doorbells, smoke alarms, and baby monitors.
Personal Amplifiers
Handheld devices that bring nearby sounds into focus when background noise is an issue.
Remote Microphones
Clip-on or tabletop microphones that stream a speaker’s voice directly to the listener’s hearing aids, improving clarity in noisy or distant environments.
How to Choose the Right Assistive Listening Device
Not every ALD fits every situation. That is why choosing one that matches your lifestyle, hearing ability, and overall needs is so important. At The Center for Audiology, we help you select the best ALD based on three main things: the environment, type of hearing loss, and lifestyle and preferences.
Your environment is determined by where you need the most help: at home, work, or in public settings. The type of hearing loss will also help determine your options, as ALDs are available for hearing loss at all levels. Finally, your lifestyle and preferences will also help you choose the best options as some people prefer small portable devices, and others want something more powerful or with built-in connectivity. We can walk you through your options and ensure you are comfortable with the chosen device.
STAP-Approved Provider
We are proud to be an approved provider for the Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP). This Texas-based program offers vouchers to help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing obtain assistive communication equipment, including certain ALDs.
Learn more about STAP at Texas Health and Human Services. If you’re eligible, we can guide you through the application process and help you choose the right device based on your needs.
Why Choose Us for Assistive Listening Devices?
At The Center for Audiology, we believe hearing your best means living your best. We serve Houston and the surrounding areas, providing trusted, personalized support to improve your hearing experience.
Schedule an ALD Consultation Today