Boost Your Hearing with an Assistive Listening Device

There are several different types of ALDs available, for both personal use and large public venues. Each system is designed to improve speech understanding in different environments.

FM systems rely on radio signals to transmit amplified sounds directly to your hearing aid.

How they work:

• The speaker wears a microphone or places it near the sound source.

• The microphone sends the signal to a transmitter.

• The receiver (connected to your hearing aid or worn separately) picks up the signal on a specific frequency.

FM systems are often used for classrooms, churches, restaurants, movie theaters, and even public presentations. They are excellent for reducing background noise and improving clarity when the speaker is at a distance.

Personal amplifiers are compact devices designed for one-on-one conversations or small-group settings. Unlike FM systems, they typically contain a built-in microphone and do not rely on radio signals.

Many models feature directional microphones, allowing you to aim the device toward the sound source for clearer speech pickup.​

Ideal for:

• Watching television

• Car rides

• Outdoor activities

• Small gatherings

Personal amplifiers are convenient, portable solutions for everyday listening challenges.

Infrared systems work on the same principle as FM systems but use infrared light instead of radio waves to transmit sound. The transmitter converts sound into light, sends light signals to the receiver, and the receiver then translates the light signal back into sound.

Benefits of infrared systems:

• Signals do not pass through walls

• Reduced interference from other broadcasts

• Enhanced privacy for confidential settings

These systems are commonly used in courtrooms, large movie theaters, and even conference rooms. Because the signal remains contained within a room, infrared systems are ideal for environments requiring confidentiality.

Hearing loop systems—also called induction loop systems—use electromagnetic energy to transmit sound directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with a telecoil (t-coil).​

A hearing loop system includes:

• A sound source (such as a public address system)

• An amplifier

• A loop of wire installed around a room

• A telecoil receiver in your hearing device​

When you are within the looped area and switch your hearing aid to the t-coil setting, you receive clear audio without background noise.​​

Common locations include:

• Airports

• Churches

• Lecture halls

• Theaters

• Government buildings

Hearing loops provide seamless, hands-free listening in many public spaces.

Alerting devices connect to phones, alarm clocks, doorbells, and other household electronics to notify you of important sounds.

They use:

• Loud amplified sounds

• Flashing lights

• Vibrating alerts

These devices improve safety and independence by ensuring you don’t miss important signals at home.​

If you are experiencing difficulty hearing in noisy environments, struggling with conversations at a distance, or looking for additional support beyond your hearing aids, an assistive listening device may be an excellent solution for you.

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A hearing evaluation and professional consultation can help determine which ALD best fits your lifestyle. For more information about assistive listening devices or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, contact Topeka Ear Nose & Throat at (785) 233-0500. Our team is here to help you improve communication, restore confidence, and enhance your hearing experience.