Even the best hearing aids sometimes need extra help. Busy restaurants, large group events, or even watching TV across the room can still be tough. That’s where assistive listening devices (ALDs) make a difference.
ALDs give your hearing an extra boost in certain situations. Whether you’re watching your favorite show, talking on the phone, or attending a church service, these devices make sounds clearer so you don’t miss the moments that matter most.
At America’s Best Hearing, we see to it that you get the most out of your hearing aids. We offer hearing aid accessories and assistive listening devices in Michigan, Minnesota, and Florida.
Hearing Aids vs. Assistive Listening Devices
Hearing aids are designed to help with many daily listening needs. But in noisy or crowded places (like classrooms, theaters, or meetings), you may still struggle to hear clearly.
Assistive listening devices focus on specific situations. They can be used on their own for people with mild hearing loss or together with hearing aids for even better results. Many are affordable, easy to use, and don’t require a hearing test.
Types of Assistive Listening Devices
Hearing Loop Systems
- Sends sound directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants with a telecoil (T-coil).
- Benefits: Clear sound with less background noise. Great for public places like theaters, churches, and auditoriums.
Infrared Systems
- Uses invisible light waves to send sound to a personal receiver.
- Benefits: Perfect for private listening at home or in courtrooms. Won’t pick up interference from other devices.
FM Systems
- Uses radio waves to send sound from a speaker’s microphone to the listener’s receiver.
- Benefits: Great for classrooms, meetings, and lectures. Cuts through background noise and distance.
Personal Amplifiers
- Small, handheld devices with headphones or earbuds that amplify nearby sounds.
- Benefits: Simple, budget-friendly, and great for one-on-one talks or TV listening.
TV Listening Systems
- Send TV sound directly to wireless headphones or compatible receivers.
- Benefits: Crisp, clear dialogue without turning up the volume. Options include Bluetooth, infrared, and RF.
Alerting Devices
- Use lights, vibrations, or loud sounds to alert you to alarms, doorbells, or phone calls.
- Benefits: Improves safety and awareness at home. Helpful for people with more severe hearing loss.
CaptionCall Phones
- A free phone service (with certification from a hearing professional) that shows real-time captions of your phone conversations on a large screen.
- Benefits: Easier phone calls, less guessing, and more confidence staying connected. Talk to our audiologist or hearing instrument specialist in Florida, Michigan, or Minnesota to learn more.
CapTel Phones
- Similar to CaptionCall, CapTel phones display captions of conversations so you can read and listen at the same time.
- Benefits: Clearer communication over the phone, ideal for those who miss words during calls. Talk to our audiologist or hearing instrument specialist in Michigan, Florida, or Minnesota to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common assistive listening device?
FM systems are very popular, especially in classrooms. The speaker wears a microphone, and the listener hears clearly through a receiver even in noisy rooms.
Why are ALDs important?
Even with hearing aids, some places are still hard to hear in. ALDs give you extra clarity in tough situations, helping you stay confident and connected.
Can ALDs replace hearing aids?
No. ALDs are helpful tools but not a full replacement for hearing aids if you have moderate to severe hearing loss. Most people get the best results using both together.
Assistive Listening Devices in Michigan, Minnesota & Florida
At America’s Best Hearing, we believe everyone deserves to hear life more clearly. Our audiologists and hearing instrument specialists can help you choose the right assistive listening device for your needs.
Call or visit one of our Michigan, Minnesota, or Florida locations today to learn more about assistive listening devices like CapTel, CaptionCall, TV streamers, and more.
