Hearing Supports

Loud Phone Ringer A loud phone ringer amplifies the telephone signal for incoming calls. $40.00/60.00

Assistive Listening Devices Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are any non-hearing aid device designed to improve a person's ability to communicate. They can improve a person's ability to hear while suppressing background noise. ALDs can be used alone or in combination with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Prices vary widely, from less than $100.00 to over $1000.

Portable Phone Amplifier This gives the user access to pay phone, hotel phones, etc. It can amplify up to ten times normal volume. Volume control also enhances volume and clarity making voices easier to understand. Hearing aid compatible. $40.00

Text Telephones -- TTY This device that allows people with hearing or speech disabilities communicate over the telephone. TTYs provide a keyboard input and visual display output. Typed messages are converted into audible tones transmitted through the phone line to a receiving unit.$250/700.00

Door Knock Signaler This device flashes a bright orange light when someone knocks on the door. Installation is easy-- simply place it over the top of any door with the door knocker bracket. $30/80.00

Strobe Smoke Detector The strobe light alerts people who cannot hear an audible alarm. The Strobe flashed about 60 times a second. Some can be interconnected to existing fire alarms. Some must be hard wired, others are battery operated. $20/300.00

Phone Alarm This phone alarm connects directly to a telephone and a lamp. When the phone rings, the lamp flashes on and off. $60.00

Vibrating Pager Vibrating pagers can be used in a work setting instead of a telephone. With an alpha numeric pager, an employer can give assignments, call the person, leave phone messages, etc. Prices vary depending on contract.

Captioning Captions are subtitles, translations of the spoken word to the written word. It lets deaf and hard-of-hearing people see what they cannot hear. There are two kinds of captioning--open and closed. Open captions always appear on the screen, while closed captions must be "opened" to be seen. Real-time captioning makes the user better able to handle all the conversation in a meeting or conference. Make sure all training videos and visual presentations have captions or a text print out.

Conference Microphone This microphone is helpful in any classroom, meeting, conference, or assembly room. It picks up a speaker's voice within a 15 food radius. A clear signal is then transmitted to the listener. $100.00 and up.

Even MORE Ideas. . .

Have amplifier headsets, bone conduction and/or hearing aid compatible receivers.
Provide visual indicators for doors.
Use email or online meetings.
Insulate equipment noise with baffles or relocate them.
Minimize the need for verbal help through clear written instructions.
Offer sign-language classes to coworkers and others.
Provide a swivel chair for face-to-face communication.
Avoid secluded areas.
Provide adequate lighting to optimize lip-reading.

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