Bluetooth technology
can be used with assistive listening devices (ALDs).
There are several viable options available for those who need assistive listening devices (ALDs) to improve their ability to use a telephone with a greater degree of clarity than with just a regular hearing aid. There are text-display, T-coil and Bluetooth-enabled devices and attachments that can improve your telephone listening effectiveness and quality of hearing. Many ALDs are able to eliminate the surrounding background noise, which allows the listener to hear what the person on the phone is saying, according to the website Center For Hearing Loss Help.
Various ALD Types
The primary purpose of an ALD is to improve the ability of a person to communicate when that person has a hearing loss. These devices are able to augment the capability of a hearing aid, which oftentimes cannot eliminate background noises, or to help with other hearing impairments. There are several types of ALDs that can assist telephone communication, such as wireless headphones, text-enabled or TTY devices, Bluetooth devices and T-coil device attachments. Other devices also have visual cues and attachments that display flashing lights or have varying pitch and loudness of the phone ringer, according to the website Audible Differences.
Text Display Systems
The use of ALDs text display devices, or TTYs, which allow the individual to use a phone and have a conversation, is a tremendous benefit. The voice carry-over, or VCO, TTYs convert sound into text and allow a hearing-impaired person to have a conversation. The TTY user speaks and then reads the converted typed responses being sent via the TTY from the other person. A deaf person is also able to use the national TTY relay system to send emails, faxes and pages from a mobile phone, according to the website Infinitec.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth technology for ALDs allows hearing-challenged individuals to talk on their phone effectively from a range of 20 to 30 feet. By directly attaching the Bluetooth device to a hearing aid or using a Bluetooth neck loop, you can use the Bluetooth-enabled phone, even if it is in a pocket or purse. In fact, besides your cell phone, the Bluetooth technology allows you to access and utilize any device like iPods, PDAs or computers that also have Bluetooth capability.
T-Coils
A T-coil or T-switch allows a hearing aid to pick up the phone signal directly and prevents the possibility of feedback or surrounding noise from interfering with the conversation. The T-coil is actually a small coil of wire that is built into the hearing aid and becomes activated when a switch is turned on. The T-coil picks up the phone signal and converts it from electrical current to sound, according to the Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living website. It is possible that you may encounter interference with your phone conversations if you are standing nearby a television, fluorescent lighting or electronic devices.
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