• Loading…

Assistive listening: smart devices

The growth in smart devices is helping to deliver more personalised experiences for people with hearing impairments. Steve Montgomery investigates the development of these systems and the benefits they offer.

Basic assistive listening devices were originally designed to operate in churches around 50 years ago. With the advancement of hearing loop, infrared and FM radio technologies, this equipment now supports just about any situation where sound is amplified and delivered to hearing aids. Assistive listening devices are now mandatory in many countries in Europe and the US and are a legal requirement wherever sound is an important constituent: in classrooms, lecture halls, courtrooms, legislative chambers, auditoriums, theatres and sports stadiums. They can be found in transport waiting areas and on platforms as well as onboard trains, buses and taxis and in many retail locations. Read More >>>