Hearing Aid Alternatives: Assistive Listening Devices

Maico Audiological Services offers assistive listening devices in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Smithfield, VA.

At Maico Audiological Services, we know that even the best hearing aids may sometimes need a little extra help. Busy restaurants, large meeting rooms, churches, or even watching TV at home can still be tough listening situations. That’s where Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) come in.

ALDs are special tools that make sound clearer in noisy places, across long distances, or in tricky environments. They can be used with your hearing aids or on their own. With the right device, you can follow conversations with confidence, enjoy your favorite shows, and stay connected without straining to hear.

Why Use an Assistive Listening Device?

Hearing aids do an amazing job in most day-to-day settings, but certain situations are still challenging. ALDs are designed to give you an extra boost in those moments by:

• Making speech clearer in noisy spaces
• Helping you hear better from a distance, like in a classroom or church
• Reducing background distractions so you can focus on what matters
• Making TV, phone calls, and public announcements easier to understand

In short, ALDs help you enjoy life more fully, with less effort and more comfort.

Common Types of Assistive Listening Devices

Hearing Loop Systems

These systems send sound directly to hearing aids or implants with a telecoil (T-coil). They are often used in churches, theaters, and auditoriums, giving you clear sound without background noise.

Infrared Systems

Infrared systems send sound using light waves to a personal receiver with headphones or a neck loop. These are great for private listening, such as watching TV at home or in courtrooms, because the signal doesn’t travel through walls.

FM Systems

FM systems send sound through radio waves. A speaker wears a microphone, and the listener uses a receiver. These are very popular in classrooms and meetings because they bring the speaker’s voice straight to you, even across the room.

Personal Amplifiers

Small and portable, these devices use a microphone and headphones to boost nearby sounds. They’re handy for one-on-one conversations or watching TV without turning up the volume for everyone else.

TV Listening Systems

TV listening systems stream sound directly from your TV to your hearing aids or wireless headphones. They can use Bluetooth, infrared, or radio frequency, and give you clear sound without blasting the TV.

CaptionCall

For phone calls, CaptionCall is a life-changing tool. These phones display real-time captions of what the other person is saying, while also letting you hear their voice. This makes phone conversations clearer and less stressful. If you struggle to follow calls, these captioned phones can keep you connected with loved ones and work without frustration.

Talk to our audiologist or hearing instrument specialist to know more about CaptionCall.

Alerting Devices

These devices use flashing lights, vibrations, or loud tones to signal alarms, doorbells, or other important sounds. Some connect to smartphones or smart home systems for extra convenience.