Assistive Devices For The Hearing Impaired

I. INTRODUCTION Sound is an important source of information. Most face-to-face communication is by sound signals in the form of speech. However, persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may not be able to make use of sound signals for communicating effectively. Technology plays an important role in supporting the communication and information needs of people with hearing impairment. These include hearing aids, induction loop and infrared listening devices, text and video telephones and visual or vibrating alarms and alerting devices. The dream of both hearing-impaired consumers and audiologists alike is for an amplification system to resolve the handicap of hearing loss. Ideally, this system would meet all hearing needs. It would reduce background noise while enhancing the quality of speech. It would be cosmetically appealing and easy to handle. It could be used in all listening environments whether they will be in living rooms, boardrooms, restaurants, or even, Yankee Stadium with the same level of success. Presently, however, there is no such device. Although hearing aids continue to improve in quality and versatility, they typically do not meet all of the communication needs of this population with hearing impairment. Multiple factors, both acoustic and non-acoustic, influence an individual's success and failure with amplification. It is only through assessment and counseling that we learn about their communication needs. The information we obtain regarding the client's communication function will be pivotal when considering amplification. Amplification selection is a crucial component of the successful aural rehabilitation program. Also amplification choices are bountiful & are not limited to the hearing aid only. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are the one which facilitate the auditory activities of daily living by providing viable rehabilitation options.