Assistive Technology
Overview
One of the most significant advances in the management of hearing loss has been in the area of assistive technology for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
Whether or not you wear a hearing aid, assistive technology can be used in many situations to:
- make listening and understanding easier and more effective
- help monitor your environment.
Assistive technology includes:
- assistive listening systems
- telephone devices and systems
- visual systems
- alerting devices and systems
Assistive listening systems
Assistive listening systems can be used in the following contexts:
- one-on-one or group conversation
- telephone communication
- reception of TV, radio & sound systems
- reception of public address systems.
Assistive listening systems use auditory devices to:
- deliver a clear signal to the listener’s ear
- overcome the effects of distance between the listener and the sound source eg a TV that is several feet away; an announcement over a loudspeaker
- overcome the effects of background noise and reverberation, allowing speech to be heard clearly without unwanted background sounds.
How assistive listening systems work
A listening system consists of both a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter sends sound to the receiver which is worn by the listener.
The 3 main types of transmitter available in Australia are:
- infra-red
- FM
- induction loop
Sound signal receivers consist of one of the following:
- a hearing aid with telecoil program(T-switch) or FM capabilities (see image below)
- headphones
- earbuds
Types of listening system
Infra-red systems
Sound signals are converted into infra-red light and transmitted to an infra-red receiver which converts the light energy back into sound.
An infra-red system can be used for listening to TV, radio or a sound system. It produces significantly clearer and often distortion free sound.
With an infra-red receiver you have complete freedom of movement within line of sight of the transmitter but the signal will not go through walls. If you’re listening to the radio or a CD player and move into a different room the signal will drop out.
Infra-red systems are normally cordless but they are not suitable for outdoor use as sunlight affects transmission.
FM (frequency modulation) systems
An FM system transmits sound via a radio frequency. It’s the most portable solution because it’s small, cordless, battery operated and generally does not require installation. Both transmitter and receiver must be set to the same frequency.
An FM system can be used in conversational (one-on-one or group) situations and in the workplace, restaurants, cars, meetings, conferences, lectures and places of worship.
A transmitter (lapel or conference microphone) is located close to the source of sound. The hard-of-hearing person wears a personal receiver in the form of either:
- headphones
- earbuds
- their own hearing aid/s with FM capabilities or T-switch plus a neckloop.
The receiver of an FM system does not have to be within line of sight of the transmitter. The FM signal will easily travel through walls and ceilings so an FM system may not be suitable if confidentiality is required. FM systems work well both indoors and outdoors.
Induction Loop / Audio Loop / Hearing Loop
These systems rely on electromagnetic energy to transmit sound. They are used in public venues such as meeting rooms, cinemas, theatres, retail/help counters, trains, train station platforms, buses, trams, taxis, nursing homes, places of worship and educational facilities.
An induction loop can help you hear clear, distortion-free sound without the interference of background noise.
The sound is picked up by one or more microphones, then amplified and transmitted via a wire ‘loop’ to the receiver. The loop can be either:
- a wire ‘loop’ installed in the venue or
- a neckloop that you wear
To receive the signal transmitted by the loop you can either:
- use a loop receiver device or
- use the telecoil in your hearing aid which is activated via a T-switch on the hearing aid.
Sometimes, only part of a venue is audio looped and you must sit within this area to receive the loop sound clearly. Some venues can provide portable audio loop systems for use in small spaces.
An International Deafness sign indicates the presence of a hearing loop. If you don’t see a sign it’s certainly worth asking if the venue offers hearing loop assistance. Better Hearing Australia (Vic) strongly promotes the installation and use of induction loop systems in public venues.
Telephone devices and systems
Assistive technology can be used to make telephone communication easier whether or not you wear a hearing aid:
- Some adjustable telephones can make the speaker’s voice louder - some also offer tone control.
- Some telephones display a flashing light when there is an incoming call.
- Devices can be added to a non-adjustable telephone to enable adjustments in volume and tone or to amplify the ring.
- Devices can be added to a telephone to signal an incoming call via a flashing light or vibration.
You can also utilize your hearing aid’s microphone or telecoil (T-switch) if a hearing aid coupler is incorporated into the handset of the telephone.
If these options are not effective you can use a telephone typewriter (TTY) which uses a TTY machine or internet facilities to convert spoken communication to written text (see also below).
Visual Systems
Visual systems supplement or replace audio information. The main services currently available are:
- Television teletext and captioning that displays audio content as on-screen text, including descriptions of sound effects. You need a teletext decoder or set top box to access this. TV channels are obliged to offer this service under Equal Opportunity agreements;
- Real time captioning or CART (Computer Aided Real Time) captioning can be used for theatre performances, meetings, and conferences. The steno captioner may be present at the event, or operate from a remote location;
- The Telephone Typewriter (TTY) connects to a standard phone line and allows text messaging either to another TTY user, or via the National Relay Service. Full details of this service are available at www.relayservice.com.au. TTY using a computer and modem is also available;
- Mobile phone text messaging.
Alerting devices and systems
Alerting systems are essential in emergency situations and important in terms of everyday convenience. A range of aids and devices are available:
- devices that amplify the sound of door bells, alarm clocks and telephones;
- devices that trigger a flashing light in response to door bells and ringing telephones;
- devices that vibrate in response to a door bell, a baby cry, a smoke alarm or an alarm clock.
