Although hearing aids are extremely useful in assisting individuals with hearing loss in their day to day activities, there are many situations in which the hearing aid alone will not provide sufficient benefit.
CHC can help individuals (both aided and non-aided alike) learn about hearing assistive technology (HAT) that can help you live and communicate better inside and outside your home. We pride ourselves on keeping up to date with the latest technologies and resources so we can work with you, to make sure the technology is working for you.
.
ā
ā
Making Technology Work for You
Alerting and Communication Support
Alerting devices and technology are designed to react to alarm situations and are used to let a person know that some condition is occurring (such as smoke alarm, door bell or baby crying).
Communication technology and devices, also know as ALDs, are designed to enhance a person's ability to hear and communicate.
Apps for Your Phone/Computer
The use of hearing assistive technology continues to evolve and in a meaningful way. With so many devices already Bluetooth-enabled, your ability to connect with a device and/or use a supportive app is easier than it has ever been. Explore some options below and see what makes most sense for your needs.
50 Broadway, 6th. fl.
New York, NY 10004, USA
50 Broadway, 6th. fl.
New York, NY 10004, USA
Phone Options and Phone Programs
Communication on the telephone may be difficult for individuals for varying reasons. The issues may be volume or tonal or a combination of both. In addition to the actual phone devices there are regional and national programs to help you hear better*.
*For those that use a hearing aid, it is important to consider hearing aid compatibility.
ā
The telephone is “hearing aid compatible”
This means that the earpiece of the phone emits a magnetic field. If a hearing aid is equipped with a telephone coil or “T-coil,” this coil is able to respond to the magnetic field, allowing the hearing aid to pick up and amplify the voice from the phone directly. This also blocks surrounding sounds while the individual uses the telephone. The T-coil feature may also be used with a variety of Assistive Listening Devices.
1
Devices for Inside the Home
Office
-
Amplified ring, flashing light, vibration alert for the phone
-
Captioning apps
-
Listening devices
1
1
Bedroom
-
Amplified ring, flashing light, vibration alert for the phone
-
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors specifically for hard of hearing/ deaf people
-
Alarm clock, timer, and watch
1
3
2
1
1
4
3
Entrance
-
Extra loud doorbells
-
āSome doorbells and intercoms make a sound, flash a strobe light or lamp when pushed
-
Listening devices (ALD)
2
Entertainment area
-
Amplified ring, flashing light, vibration alert for the phone
-
Captioning apps
-
Listening devices
-
Wireless transmitters that sync your TV to your aids
4
2
Devices for Outside the Home
Classroom, meeting room, or lecture hall
The most common type of wireless device used in a classroom setting is an FM radio transmitter and receiver. With an FM, the speaker wears a small transmitter with a microphone. The listener wears a small receiver that may be used with headphones or with hearing aids via a neckloop. This enables the speaker and listener to move freely without wires between them. Conference microphones are also available designed to be put in the middle of a table and pick up the voices of several people at the same time.
For the teacher
FM system to amplify teacher's voice
1
1
1
For the student
Boots on aids that amplify noise from the FM system
ā
2
Theater, Cinema, or House of Worship
The types of transmission used in a wide area system are FM radio transmission,
infrared transmission, and magnetic induction. All three systems transmit the
sound signal which is received by individuals in the audience who are wearing
special receivers that provide amplification. Please note that these different types
of receivers are not interchangeable and can only be used for the particular type
of system for which they have been designed. The CHC team is well-versed with
the various options on the market and is happy to discuss which solution works
best for your needs.
Noisy environment
Most hearing aid users have a difficult time understanding conversation when in a noisy environment. There are a few ways of dealing with noisy situations. Some hearing aid users are able to plug an extra microphone into their hearing aid(s) or use a personal communicator also known as a personal listener. These are small microphone/amplifier combinations, which can be used with a variety of headsets or with a neck loop in conjunction with hearing aids.
ā
Assistive Device Demonstrations
CHC works with individuals and groups to review device options, personal and environmental benefits. If you're interested in making an appointment, please choose your locations below.