There are over 10 million people in the UK affected by hearing loss – one in every six!
Hearing loss has a severe impact on quality of life, isolating people from friends and family, often causing depression.
Even with hearing aids, some situations may still be difficult. However nowadays there is a variety of technology on hand to support people in some situations. One company amplicomms, an assistive technology specialist, has ensured it has just about covered all aspects to help with everyday situations. Below are some examples of what products are available to help ensure inclusion in society, whatever people’s level of hearing loss.
Amplified Listeners
A personal listener is a wireless amplified device that helps you hear sound sources such as TV more clearly – whether you have a hearing aid or not. These devices are comfortable to use around your home. They can be directly connected to your TV, Stereo or other listening equipment. They amplify the sound and transmit it directly to your ears through headphones (if you don’t use hearing aids), or via inductive neck loop if you do.
The wireless TV2510 NL from amplicomms is for use with hearing aids. It has a unique built in close proximity microphone to alternate between TV transmission, and area conversation with others in the room, muting the sound source such as TV, when the microphone is activated by a press of a button. It also allows you to walk around the house or garden with up to a 30 meter range.
Amplified Domestic Telephones
If you have difficulty hearing the phone ring, or the caller speaking, and adjusting the volume isn’t making a difference an amplified telephone can help to make the callers voice louder and clearer. These phones have an extra-loud ringer and tone control. The amplicomms phones also have built-in flashing lights to attract your attention when the phone rings. All their phones are hearing aid compatible, which means you can hear more clearly using the loop setting. The new PowerTel 96 phone, with flashing lights and big buttons, also has a unique amplification feature to deliver a hearing volume of up to +60dB – that’s a 1000 times louder than a standard phone!
Amplified Mobile Phones
There are a good range of mobile phones with a variety of ringtones to choose from, with extra loud ringer volume and amplified calls. Many models also feature a powerful vibrating alert when they ring. You can also use a mobile phone to send SMS text messages.
Some amplified mobiles feature Bluetooth, like the amplicomms M7000i for instance, will connect to a hearing aid fitted with the same feature, improving sound remarkably. You can also buy Bluetooth neck loops to enjoy wireless hands free calls or hear GPS navigation systems.
Alerting Devices
If you have difficulty hearing the doorbell, alarm clock or phone ringing, your smoke alarm or your baby crying, you can get equipment that is extra loud, uses flashing lights and/or vibrates. The amplicomms Ring Flash 250 for example is a large bright flashing light with loud tone to hear and see when the telephone, doorbell or alarm rings. The Ring Flash can also be used with a vibrating pad for use under your pillow.
The latest range of amplicomms products is available from: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/shop
To buy any of the above products telephone Action on Hearing Loss Telephone 01733 361199 Textphone: 01733 238020 or Email solutions@hearingloss.org.uk
