Assistive Listening & Alerting Devices

Assistive listening devices can enhance your hearing by picking up sound closer to the source and transmitting it to your ears, hearing aid, or cochlear implant. Even though you may use a hearing aid or cochlear implant, in some circumstances you may need to further supplement your hearing.

EPIC offers a variety of devices that make life more enjoyable, comfortable, and safer. These technologies help to:

• Overcome factors of background noise and distance from a sound source
• Enhance the total communication experience
• Create mobility, freedom, and listening independence

Assistive Listening Device Systems & Uses

Television (TV) listening systems
Wireless (FM) frequency modulated systems
Induction loop
Personal amplifier
Telecommunication/telephone amplification
Alerting and signaling

TV Listening System

These wireless systems are easy and comfortable to use. Using infra-red technology, a transmitter sits on or near the TV and is connected to an audio jack or external microphone.

Individual headsets allow the listener to adjust the volume to the desired level, while the volume remains unchanged for others listening as well.

Wireless (FM) Frequency Modulated Systems

This wireless system provides direct transmission of speech via a transmitter microphone used by the speaker and a receiver used by the listener. The receiver may be worn alone in the ear or attached to a hearing aid or cochlear implant. The FM system can be used for one-to-one conversations or for large areas such as theaters, conference rooms, and public meeting places. It operates on designated radio frequencies.

Personal Amplifier

Personal amplifiers are economical and simple solutions to improve hearing in specific listening environments. The device has a built-in microphone that amplifies sound to the person’s headphones or ear buds. Some personal amplifiers can be used with hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Alerting and Signaling

Alerting/signaling devices help in situations where you need to be aware of sounds, such as an alarm or doorbell, and are sleeping or not wearing your hearing aid or cochlear implant. These devices typically use either a strobe or conventional light or vibrating system to alert you.