For those with hearing loss, not being able to hear at live events, worship services, and other public gatherings can be frustrating, isolating, and leave you feeling disconnected.
One out of five of adults experience their worlds in varying degrees of silence due to hearing loss, the invisible disability. This is due to several factors. Some simply don’t want to admit that they have hearing loss; others don’t know that there are many resources available to help them. This needs to change. At some point, we will all be touched by this invisible disability, whether we are affected by our own hearing loss or it affects someone we love. No matter who it is, it is important to be informed about the technologies and innovations that are being developed to help those who have hearing loss, so that they can continue to listen to the things they love.
Have you or someone you love turned down an activity in a public space, because it’s frustrating trying to listen in a certain environment? Hearing loss can be incredibly isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) help people listen in difficult environments. They’re also mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. For more information on that topic, please visit our Compliance Page.
Assistive listening technologies include radio frequency, infrared, and Wi-Fi streaming.
Radio frequency (RF): RF Systems work similarly to radios and use a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits sound to the receiver, which a person wears with headphones or ear buds to listen to what sound is being broadcast.
Infrared (IR): An IR System uses infrared technology to wirelessly transmit sound to a receiver. The difference between IR and RF systems is that an IR system offers more privacy, because the infrared signal is contained within a space.
Wi-Fi Streaming: Audio over Wi-Fi is a simple and cost-effective solution for assistive listening, language interpretation, and multiple room/channel audio delivered directly to guest’s smartphones through a free, fully customizable app.
Neck Loop: A neck loop connects wirelessly to hearing aids or cochlear implants that are equipped with t-coils. Neck loops are used with either radio frequency, infrared, or Wi-Fi assistive listening systems instead of headsets. Listeners simply hook the neck loop into the receiver, place the loop around their neck and the t-coil picks up the sound being transmitted.
Radio frequency is the legacy technology on which most assistive listening systems are built. Audio sources are wired to a transmitter and guests use receiver units with headsets, ear speakers, or neck loops to tune in to the audio source. Applications range from college campuses to museums, anywhere you broadcast audio to a group. Radio frequency systems from Listen Technologies provide regulatory compliance and crystal clear audio.
Learn More
Infrared systems provide line of sight security for assistive listening needs. Infrared systems transmit audio to anyone with a receiver in the line of sight of the emitter. Listen Technologies infrared receivers are manufactured with infrared transparent material for the best reception in the market. Infrared systems are most often used in courtrooms, medical settings, or for organizations where security is essential.
Learn More
With Listen EVERYWHERE, the audio source is connected to a server to stream the audio over a Wi-Fi network. Users access the audio using an app on their own device or use provided devices, to access the channel of their choice. A cost-effective way to broadcast audio to a group. Ideal for any venue looking for a cost-effective way to provide audio to a large group.
Learn MoreIf you or someone you love are living with hearing loss, want additional information on hearing loss advocacy, or need detailed information on legislative compliance, check out these additional resources.
Listen Technologies has been designing and manufacturing wireless listening solutions in Utah for more than two decades. Listen EVERYWHERE is just one example of its innovative systems that help people hear clearly in challenging audio environments.
Neck loops are a personal induction loop system and can help those with hearing loss, and telecoil-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants improve their ability to hear and understand speech and music.
One of the biggest components of good communication is understanding. If either participant in a conversation isn’t fully understood, then good communication isn’t happening. Making certain that both participants are being heard clearly is particularly important when hearing loss is a concern.
14912 Heritage Crest Way
Bluffdale, Utah
84065-4818 USA
Phone: +1.801.233.8992
Toll-Free: 1.800.330.0891
Office Hours
8:00 am – 5:00 pm MT
Monday – Friday
