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What are assistive listening devices?There is a range of ALDs available, and a personal radio aid or propriety microphone device might be recommended in educational and/or home settings. They have the potential to greatly enhance deaf CYP’s listening experiences by making speech more audible in situations where distance, background noise and reverberation make listening difficult. The radio aid works by making the sound/speech the CYP needs to hear, such as the teacher’s voice, clearer in relation to unwanted background noise and helps to overcome the problems of hearing speech at a distance. In this NDCS YouTube video a deaf young person describes what a radio aid is. An ALD might consist of a transmitter, worn by a speaker (e.g. teacher, peer or parent) and a receiver/s, worn by the CYP. There are different types of receiver/s: ● Integrated receivers are either built into the hearing aid or attached directly to the hearing aid/cochlear implant speech processor. If built-in, they may require activation by a transmitter. ● Ear-level receivers are attached to hearing aids and cochlear implant speech processor/s using a direct input shoe. ● Neckloop receivers which require the T programme to be enabled on the CYPs hearing aids or speech processor/s. ● Headphones or a personal soundfield for CYP who don’t use a hearing aid.
The NDCS have produced a comprehensive webpage designed for parents on assistive technology including radio aids. Section 6.4 of the BATOD Audiology Refreshers highlights the differences between universal and commercial proprietary ALTs, the different connectivity technologies, and options available for each of them. “The range of options available and the rapid advancements of hearing technology can make the selection process overwhelming for both professionals and families. The wireless options available can be categorised into two types:
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