The most popular television assistive listening systems now on the market are infrared systems. The transmitter (emitter) is placed on the television to pick up sound. Some systems provide an external microphone that can be positioned on the t.v. speaker.All systems provide the choice of plugging an audio cable directly into the audio output jack on the t.v..
This is the preferred method to obtain the cleanest signal possible.Most systems use an under the chin style, or stethoscope style receiver and require that the hearing aids be removed. Some receivers have one or two buttons to adjust under the chin. One receiver has a large, wide wheel to turn and can be easy to use for people with limited dexterity.
Other systems have either a headphone style receiver or the ability to use a neck loop to interface with hearing aid telecoils.There are no widely marketed FM systems designed for television viewing. There is another option for individuals who have telecoils. An audio induction loop system allows the person to sit anywhere within the looped room and hear the television by simply turning on their hearing aid telecoils.
Closed captioning is available on all t.v’s with 132 screens or larger. The captioning is usually available through a button on the remote control or through the menu options on the t.v.Closed captioning is available on many prime-time television shows and video rentals.
Hearing In Meetings
Individuals with active lifestyles and high communication demands will invariably need to attend meetings, they will want to participate in church services, attend plays, visit museums and other entertainment venues. The varied listening environments of an active lifestyle will tax even the most modern of hearing instruments. Personal listening systems can take an increased role in enhancing the benefits of the hearing instrument in those situations.
Patients with cochlear Implants will also benefit from an FM system in those same areas.
An FM system is one type of assistive listening system (ALS). It transmits the signal using a radio frequency so the transmitter and receiver must be on the same operating frequency.
Another type of system is an infrared that transmits sounds via infrared light into a room.
A third type of assistive listening system is an induction loop that will transmit sound via an induction to a hearing aid telecoil or special induction receiver for those people with hearing instrument telecoils.
A loop of wire is placed around the room and people sit within the loop and switch their hearing aid to telecoil.