Personal ALDs all use the principle of a remote microphone that is placed as close to the sound source as possible or a direct plug-in connection to an audio source (i.e. Personal assistive listening devices (ALDs) provide communication accessibility even under these adverse listening conditions by increasing the loudness of specific sounds only. They can substitute visual communication for auditory when necessary and can monitor important sounds in the environment through vision or tactile sensation. Assistive devices can provide an enhanced auditory signal for better reception of telecommunication and media signals. An inability or difficulty in communicating in any of these areas leads to a "communication disability".Īssistive devices provide "communication accessibility" by helping to break down the barriers to effective communication.Īssistive devices can help to make interpersonal and group communication more manageable in noisy environments, in situations with poor acoustics or where distance is a factor. We use our hearing for interpersonal and group communication, for communication over the telephone, for the reception of TV or music, and for the awareness of sounds in our environment such as a door knock, a smoke alarm, or a baby crying. ![]() Communication is how we interact with others and the world around us. Why Use Assistive Devices?Ī hearing loss, of any degree, can create a barrier to effective communication. Assistive devices are a vital link in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in achieving effective "communication accessibility". ![]() For persons with a profound or total loss of hearing, assistive devices can provide a visual or vibrotactile medium for greater telecommunication accessibility, enjoyment of television, or the detection and identification of environmental sounds.īusinesses and employers use assistive devices to provide increased accessibility and "reasonable accommodation" for patrons or employees with hearing loss. For persons with greater degrees of hearing loss, assistive devices can supplement personal hearing aids by providing clearer communication in some environments and by alerting them to sounds and situations that may not be heard under adverse conditions or when the hearing aids are removed. For persons with a very mild hearing loss who may not yet want a hearing aid, assistive devices can meet a specific listening need such as improved communication over the telephone or greater ease while watching TV. Who Can Use Assistive Devices?Īssistive devices can improve communication and understanding for individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss. It is important for individuals to become aware of the many other resources available that can ease functioning in everyday life. However, these methods alone cannot be expected to solve all difficulties that result from hearing loss or deafness. ![]() For many individuals, the use of hearing aids or alternative methods of communication will enhance their communication and listening skills. As professional audiologists, we view assistive devices as a vital link in the larger framework of maximizing the communication skills for hard of hearing and deaf persons in all aspects of their daily lives. Assistive devices are also known as auxiliary aids, assistive listening devices or ALDs.Īt the ASU Speech & Hearing Clinic we are dedicated to full communication accessibility for all persons with hearing loss. Assistive devices include an array of technology: Television and telephone aids, alerting or signaling devices, and personal or large area assistive listening systems. Assistive devices include any device, except hearing aids, which help a deaf or hard of hearing person communicate more effectively through direct sound amplification or visual or vibrotactile alerts.
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