Assistive Technologies for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Assistive listening devices augment or amplify sound for people with partial hearing loss. Examples of an ALD would be hearing loops and FM systems.

Augmentative and alternative communication devices replace verbal communication for people with full or profound hearing loss. Examples of an AAC would be captioning options and graphic organizers.

Alerting devices are technology which replaces the need for audio signaling. These include things such as vibrating alarm clocks and apps which alert the user to a ringing doorbell.

A telecoil is a hearing aid attachment that converts magnetic signals into sounds. Users can turn the telecoil on or off as they please. Telecoils can be used in any space where a complementary loop system is installed. Spaces that utilize hearing loops may include everything from universities to airports.

FM systems are devices that utilize radio signals to transmit amplified sounds to a compatible receiver on the user’s person. These systems are useful when the listener is trying to focus on a single sound to the exclusion of others, such as in a classroom or theater.

Infrared systems convert infrared light into sound. Similar to other assisted listening devices, infrared systems require complementary output and input features — a device to produce the infrared light, and a device to receive and decode the infrared light. These can be used anywhere that the appropriate transmitters are installed. This may include anything from an auditorium to a theater.

Personal amplification devices universally amplify sound input. They are often similar to hearing aids, but are less sophisticated technology. They are usually used by people with mild hearing loss.

Audio induction loops, or hearing loops, consist of three basic parts: a microphone, an amplifier, and a loop cable. This technology works in conjunction with telecoils. Similar to many other assistive listening devices, the essential premise of this device is the transmission of sound between the input device and the output device, in this case in the form of an electromagnetic field produced by the loop, which is installed along the perimeter of a room or building.

Amplified phones allow users to adjust volume according to their needs. These phones also commonly offer features such as amplified ringers, telecoil compatibility, and portable amplifiers. These devices would normally be used by people who have mild to moderate hearing loss, as they are not of great help to people with complete or profound hearing loss.

A “coupling accessory” is any assistive listening device that provides a connection between hearing aids or cochlear implants to another device, such as a phone, tablet, computer, smart home device, or wearable tech. These usually take the form of plug-ins or transmission technology, such as Bluetooth.

“Closed” captioning refers to captions that are on a separate track from the main video, and therefore can be turned on and off. Closed captions are more common than open captions, and are usually used in scenarios where an individual has the option to choose whether they want captions or not, such as in the case of watching television in your own home.

“Open” captioning refers to captions that are part of the actual video, and therefore cannot be turned off. These may be used whenever a video is being presented to a large group, where one user’s preference is not the priority. This may happen in a movie theater or at a conference.

While a “videophone” may sound like a description of a standard smartphone, video phones are a telecommunication device specifically developed for people with hearing disabilities. The display is often larger than one would find with a smartphone, and they are designed to be comfortably used hands-free, in order to allow the user to use sign language.

In some capacities, the uses of a videophone are very similar to live video communication options you would find on many standard smartphones. This allows two people to use sign language to communicate with each other.

However, video phones also often utilize third-party services that enable a person who has a hearing disability to communicate with someone who does not through an interpreter. The user will communicate with the interpreter through video, and the interpreter will then translate what the videophone user is saying to the other person. In the first scenario, both parties need a videophone, while in the second, the party with a hearing disability is the only one that needs to use a videophone.

A voice carry over (VCO) telephone allows people with hearing disabilities to speak to another party, and then receive the response in text format. The response from the other person is transcribed by a third-party. This is not the same as a hearing carry over telephone, which fulfills the opposite function for people with speech disabilities.

A caption telephone (CapTel) is a phone with a screen that displays captions. Like many similar services, this involves the use of a third party. The third-party reiterates what one speaker is saying into speech-to-text recognition software, and the transcription is then sent to the person with the CapTel.

TeleTYpe (TTY), Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), and Text Telephone (TT) are interchangeable terms that all refer to a system that allows text-to-speech communication through a third-party. A person with a hearing disability types what they would like to say, a third party reads the communication, and then the third party verbally conveys the information to the person on the other line. The third party then transcribes what the second person says, and sends the text version of the communication to the first person. Text telephone input devices are usually a standard-size keyboard.

Meanwhile, RTT (Real-Time Text) is very similar, but it is more straightforward. There is no third-party, and the conversation is held completely in writing. This may sound like standard texting, but, as the name implies, RTT is real-time. Rather than completing a message, sending it, then waiting for a response, RTT allows each user to see what the other is typing as they are typing it. In this way, it more accurately replicates a face-to-face conversation in terms of reaction time.

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are life-saving devices, and as such, it is vital that people who cannot hear the normal alarm sound can still be alerted to the possible danger. A common smoke alarm/carbon monoxide alert system for people with hearing disabilities is a bright strobe light attached to the alarm.

Doorbell signalers alert people with hearing disabilities to the ringing of their doorbell. There are many types of doorbell signalers; some are actually installed as part of the doorbell system, and some operate separately. Bright strobe lights and phone apps that cause your phone to vibrate are some commonly used doorbell signalers.

Telephone signalers alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing when their phone is ringing. To some degree, common phone settings such as vibration alerts can be used to assist people with hearing disabilities. However, other signaling options, such as flashing lights, are also available.

Alert devices can also help wake up people with hearing disabilities at their desired time. Bed shakers or other vibrating devices are the most common alarm clock alternatives for people with hearing disabilities.

Baby signalers alert parents or caregivers when the baby is crying. In fact, some devices go so far as to assess the baby’s needs based on the sounds of the cry, e.g. whether they are hungry or distressed. These alert systems run the gamut in terms of what type of alert they use, depending on the device. For example, some may utilize mattress or wearable vibration mechanisms, while others may employ flashing lights. A video feed is also a great option for parents who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Emergency weather alerts are an important safety precaution for anyone, so it is important that people who are deaf or hard of hearing are also immediately alerted about the situation. These alerts also often take the form of flashing lights or vibrations.