Assistive Listening Devices
FM Systems
Even with the latest generation hearing instruments, speech intelligibility can be severely impaired in noisy listening situations. The ultimate solution is a wireless communication or FM system. FM technology when added to hearing aids can provide dramatic improvement in the ability to hear in noisy surroundings.
About FM systems:
- FM systems consist of a transmitter placed near the target speaker, and a receiver worn by the hearing aid user. Miniature receivers are available that attach to specific hearing aid models.
- FM systems can transmit through objects, including walls.
- Unlike infrared systems, FM systems operate as effectively in sunlight as they do indoors
- FM systems do not require any installation
- FM systems are contra-indicated in individuals with pacemakers
Telecoil
A wonderful feature available on many hearing aids is called the "telecoil". It's also referred to as a "t-switch" or "t-coil". A telecoil is a tiny coil of wire around a core that will induce an electric current in the coil when it's in the presence of a changing magnetic field. A telecoil, can therefore, be an alternate or supplemental input device for a hearing aid.
There are many magnetic sources that can be "heard" by a telecoil equipped hearing aid, including hearing aid compatible telephones, and loop systems within public venues such as movie theaters, theaters, 
auditoriums, and sports stadiums, and even some places of worship. Look for this sign that indicates when a hearing induction loop has been installed.
You can also use a telecoil to hear the TV, telephones, in meetings, in noisy restaurants, or in a noisy car if you supply the magnetic signal using an Assistive Listening Device coupled with a room loop, a neckloop, or silhouettes.
One major advantage of a using a telecoil is that you can turn off your normal hearing aid microphone, and thus, not hear all the noise that might be around you. You only hear the magnetic signal, which doesn't include all that noise, so you can hear it a lot better.
Telecoils are available (and not very expensive) on most behind-the-ear hearing aids and on some in-the-ear hearing aids. A few in-the-canal aids may also have telecoils, but normally, completely-in-the-canal aids do not.
Telecoils can provide that extra help you need to hear in many otherwise impossible situations. Ask your hearing health care provider about telecoils if you think they might help you. Visit www.hearingloop.org for more information.
Many other assistive listening devices are available to meet your specific listening need(s), including amplified or vibrating alarm clocks, doorbell or fire alarm alerting devices, TV systems, and amplified stethoscopes. Contact our office for more information at 713-255-0035, or at HearMore@centerforaud.com.