FAQ: Other Devices

What are Assistive Listening Devices?

Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are devices that can help hearing and are used in conjunction or in addition to hearing aids. They include, but are not limited to, FM systems, Infrared systems for television and radio, amplified telephones, and alerting/signalling devices. They can significantly improve your hearing and your success with hearing aids. For a complete listing of ALDs, go to Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, or Assistive Listening Device Systems. Your local hearing aid clinic and audiologist are also likely able to provide you with information and products.

What is an FM system?

FM means frequency modulated. FM systems help people understand speech in noisy situations. An FM system wirelessly transmits sounds from a speaker to the person with a hearing loss. There are two parts: a microphone that is worn by the speaker and a receiver to transmit sounds to the hearing aid if the person has a hearing loss or directly into the ear through earphones for someone with problems with auditory processing.