Alerting and Communicating Devices
for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People—
What's Available Now
Originally written by:
Loraine DiPietro, M.A.; Pettyt Williams, Ph.D.; Hariet Kaplan, Ph.D.*
For more than 21 million Americans, hearing loss presents
many everyday challenges-some large, some small. communication may be
the biggest challenge of all-getting and giving information, exchanging
ideas, sharing feelings-whether in one-to-one contact, in groups, on the
telephone, or through television and radio.
Sometimes there are small disruptions of daily life that result from
reduced hearing. Most of us have no need to imagine these disruptions,
but they make a difference for the person with a hearing loss. For example,
how do you know when there is someone at the door? Or the phone is ringing?
Or the baby is crying? How can you enjoy television or movies if you receive
little or no information from the sound track? Ask enough of the "How
do you..." and " What if..." questions, and inevitably
you will get to this one: "Is there anything available that will
help deaf and hard of hearing people in these and other situations? The
answer is yes.
Many devices and systems are available to help deaf and hard of hearing
people improve communication, adapt to their environment, and function
in society more effectively.
Who uses these devices?
People with a hearing loss are the primary users. Their family members
and friends may use them as well. Individuals with normal hearing may
also use the technology (and the actual devices) when distance or other
sound barriers impede spoken communication. In fact, some of these devices-such
as wrist-worn vibrators, for example-were originally designed for people
with normal hearing.
Where do people use these devices?
Just about anywhere. These devices are used at home, at work, at school,
at social gatherings, at meeting, in hospitals, in church, in theaters,
and some are helpful for hard of hearing listeners in cars.
Why do they use them?
The more than 21 million Americans with hearing loss are individuals
who have hearing losses of different degrees and types. For each of these
individuals, the experience of hearing loss is different and unique. In
general, however, a hearing loss will prevent a person from receiving
spoken messages (and many signal sounds) the same way someone with normal
hearing receives them. Some hard of hearing people have losses so mild
that speaking louder helps; other people do not respond to spoken sound
at all and develop there skills in speechreading or sign language to receive
messages from others. A device that simply amplifies sound may benefit
one deaf or hard of hearing person may need a device that offers a visual
or vibrotactile component to convey the signal.
These alternatives are available. The main point is that people with
hearing loss use such devices because they work and because they offer
a means of being tuned in-conveniently-to the larger society.
Telephone Aids
The telephone has proved to be a formidable challenge to people
with hearing loss. It's a challenge being met daily. Some deaf and hard
of hearing people make use of devices that strengthens a phone's auditory
signal; others use devices that communicate in a print format.
Telecommunication Devices for Deaf People (TTY's)
TTY permits conversations in print, rather than in voice Two callers
with compatible TTY's can communicate over regular phone lines. Their
TTY's have typewriter keyboards, and the typed conversation appears either
in a readout panel (display) or on paper. Although called telecommunication
devices for deaf people, TTYs are recently used by people with
varying degrees of hearing loss and also by hearing people who want direct
phone contact with their deaf or hard of hearing family members, friends,
colleagues, or clients.
When a deaf or hard of hearing user wants to call a hearing person who
lacks a TTY, a TTY message-relay (or answering service) is required. In
this third-party arrangement, the dual party operator uses two telephones-one
in conjunction with a TTY-to complete the call.
The procedure is simple. Either a person with a normal hearing or a person
with a hearing loss can initiate the call. Let's assume that a person
with a hearing loss wants to call his doctor to make an appointment. Using
his TTY, he calls the relay service. The relay service operator reads
the message typed by the caller, dials the doctor's office using the second
telephone, and by voice conveys the message typed by the TTY user. The
conversation proceeds with the relay service operator servicing as a bridge-print
to voice to communicate between the two parties. The nation wide number
for the relay service in the United States is 711. Either voice or TTY
user can use this number to place a call with the relay service. More
information about the relay service can be obtained through this number.
Various TTY models are available, many of them portable, lightweight,
and powered by household current or rechargeable battery pack. Those with
computer compatibility enable owners to access special communication "mail"
net-works such as DEAFNET.Computer-compatible TTY's also allow conversation
between TTY users and computer users.
Under the Americans with Disabilities act (ADA), telephone companies
will be required to provide dual party relay systems nationwide.
Phone in Public Places
Amplifier handsets installed in public telephones are a real convenience
for individuals with a hearing loss who require amplification to complete
calls successfully. The telephone access sign identifies the availability
of such handsets at airports, bus and train stations, museums, and telephone
kiosks on the streets. Some hotels are installing amplifier handsets in
some lobby phones, but may not identify them with an access sign. While
such handsets are not universally available in public places, they are
becoming more common.
Pay telephone and emergency telephones are being modified for compatibility
with all hearing aids having the telephone switch, thus assuring this
type of telephone access for those who need it.
For TTY users who need to make a telephone call from an airport, bus
station or any public telephone location, this pay telephone is now accessible
with the new pay phone TTY.
The pay phone TTY is a TTY inside a metal drawer underneath the public
telephone. A protective metal cabinet prevents vandals from tampering
with the TDD. When the TDD is in use, the drawer is open so that the keyboard
and displayed are exposed. When making a phone call, the caller simply
lifts the telephone handset, inserts a coin, and dials the number just
like any pay telephone call. The pay TTY listens to the telephone line
for the sounds of another TTY. When the person answering begins to type
the drawer contain the TTY slides out
When the conversation ends, the pay TTY automatically closes the drawer,
erases the memory and returns the telephone to normal operation. Once
closed, the drawer cannot be open unless another TTY call is made.
Amplification Devices for Telephone Use
The telephone handset may be specially wired with an amplification
device. Such volume control handset may provide up to 30 percent additional
power for the listener who has a hearing loss. They may be used with or
without an individual's hearing aid.
Portable amplifiers are small devices that can be carried in a
purse or briefcase and slipped over the receiver of a regular telephone
handset to provide increased amplification. They can be especially useful
for travelers who are unable to find a pay phone with the amplifier handset,
but who cannot manage telephone calls without such amplification. Portable
amplifiers do not work with all phones. They are not compatible with princess,
Trimline, or Slimline models, for example, since these phones do not emit
sufficient magnetic leakage. Sometimes telephone adapters resolve this
incompatibility.
Telephone adapters work with the hearing aid's telephone pickup feature,
which is called the telecoil, telephone switch, or T-switch. A portable
device slipped over the receiver, the telephone adapter does not amplify
sound; it simply generates a magnetic field on which the hearing aid T-switch
depends for proper operation. This adapter is necessary for the hearing
aid wearer who uses Pirncess, Trimline, or Slmline phone or non-AT&T
telephones. Many newer phones do not work either with the T-switch or
the portable amplifier. And telephone adapters themselves vary in the
amount of magnetic leakage they emit Thus, it's mandatory to find out-before
buying-whether a particular phone is compatible with a hearing aid, or
a portable amplifier.
Television and Film Access
Telecaption Adapters
There are a few features available for captioning. The most recent development
is the Television Decoder Circuitry Act. This law mandated that all television
set with screens 13 inches or larger that are manufactured for sale in
the United States after July 1, 1993 must contain a built in captioning
decoding capability.
The other features available are decoders, such as the TeleCaption II
Adapter, that are attached to television sets enable viewers to read captions
on their television screen. The signal is carried invisibly; only when
the decoder is in operation can captions be seen. More than 400 hours
of television viewing are captioned each week, including all of ABC's
prime time and most network movies. Cable television distributors are
also arranging to caption some of their programs and movies. The National
Captioning Institute also has captioned more than 700 video titles for
use on videocassette recorders (VCR). Therefore persons with hearing loss,
can access to the airwaves is increasing, making more attractive the consumer
investment of about $200 in such devices.
Captioned Film/Video Programs
On August 7, 1997 the Federal Communications Commissions adopted order
to include roles and implementation schedule for the captioning of video
programs access to including video programming for a person with hearing
disabilities. A service rather than a device, Captioned Film/Video program
is a distribution program for feature and education films captioned for
viewers who are deaf. To receive the films, deaf or hard of hearing people
must form a group and apply for membership to Captioned Film/Video Program,
Captioned film groups may meet in members home, schools halls, senior
centers, and nursing homes for regular showing of films chosen from the
captioned films catalog. The only cost to the group is the postage charge
for returning the 16mm films to the Distribution office.
Alerting Devices/Systems
How does a person with a hearing loss know when there is a knock at the
door? Or the baby's crying? Or the telephone is ringing? Or the alarm
clock is buzzing? The various alerting and alarm systems that signal deaf
and hard of hearing people include: baby-cry alarms, doorbell alerting
systems, paging devices, telephone signaling systems, smoke alarm systems,
security alarms, and wake up alarms. The signal may be visual (a flashing
light); auditory (an increase in amplification); or vibrotactile (a vibrator).
If an alarm clock is wired to a vibrator placed under the bed pillow,
the user is literally shaken awake. Auditory signals are sometimes used
in conjunction with either visual or vibratory signals. Sometimes
a single flashing light signaling system installed in a deaf or hard of
hearing person's home may be wired to alert the person to several different
sounds: for example. When the light flashes how does the person know where
to go? A simple code helps identify the source of the sound: three slow
flashes may mean the doorbell; three quick flashes may mean the telephone;
regular on-off flashes may signal the baby's cries.
Listening Devices and Systems
As a benefit of modern technology, a number of amplification systems
are now available to compensate for a hearing loss. In addition to the
aforementioned telephone aids, there are listening enhancement system
for group and individual use. Any of these systems and devices may be
incorporated into an existing facility or room.
Communication Access Systems for Groups and Large Rooms
In a large room, a person with a hearing loss-even with a powerful hearing
aid-may have difficulty understanding the voice of the speaker on the
stage on the screen, at the podium, or in the pulpit. Background noise
and room reverberation compete with speech sounds and exxaggerate the
listening problems experience by hard of hearing people in such settings.
However, a number of electronic systems can help overcome the problems
by bringing the speaker closer to the ears of the listener and by eliminating
much of the background noise. Each large room hearing enhancement system
has two major components: 1) a transmitter that sends the signals and
2) a receiver that picks up those signals and delivers them at increased
sound levels into the ears or hearing aids of people with a hearing loss-wherever
they may be sitting. Among the general categories of communication access
systems for groups and large rooms are audio loops systems, AM systems,
FM sound systems and infrared systems.
Audio Loop Systems
The components of a "loop" system are a microphone, an amplifier,
and a length of wire that loops the seating area. Some loops are connected
to standard public address systems. The electric current flowing through
the loop creates a magnetic field that can be picked up by a hearing aid
set on the T-Switch. Portable receivers are available for hard of hearing
individual without a hearing aid T-switch. To pick up the signals, listeners
must sit within or near the loop.
AM Systems
Users listen to sound transmitted on the AM radio wavelength through
individual AM receiver headsets or through a personal portable radio.
The AM transmitter can be connected to a public address system or can
operate alone, depending on the system installed. AM systems are subject
to the same kind of interference from electrical apparatus or thunderstorm
that affects regular AM radio transmissions.
FM (frequency modulation) Systems
FM systems, originally designed for and restricted to classroom use,
are now benefiting hard of hearing users in general society. They work
in this way: Sound is picked up at the source and transmitted via a FM
frequency directly to a receiver worn by the individual with a hearing
loss. Since transmission can occur over a 300-foot range, this system
is ideal for group situations, including meetings in dining rooms and
lounges, church services, and theaters. The FM system can be used in conjunction
with an individual's hearing aid. To work in tandem with the FM system,
the hearing aid must have a T-switch turned to the "T" position,
or there must be a means for direct audio input to the hearing aid. In
the first instance, a small "necklace" loop worn around the
neck connects to the individually worn FM receiver. The signals are picked
up by the T-switch of the hearing aid. In the case of direct audio input,
the FM system is linked to the hearing aid by way of a "boot,"
a special attachment that slips onto the bottom of a behind-the- ear hearing
aid. The "boot" is connecting to the receiver by the wire. Both
"neck-lace" loops and "boot" attachments can be connected
to an external microphone or amplifier.
Infrared Systems
Like FM systems, infrared systems are useful in-group situations and
may be adapted for individual use as well. These large area systems require
the installation of an infrared light emitter that is plugged into the
existing public address system. Harmless infrared light rays transmit
the sound to portable infrared receivers, which are available in "stethoscope"
or headphone form. Usually the receivers for such systems are distributed
and collected from a central place in the theater, auditorium, or meeting
room. Any group considering a communication access system for a large
area must review carefully all the alternatives before making any decisions.
Among the question to ask are: How much does the system cost? Will a less
expansive alternative work as well? How suitable is the system for the
particular room and the intended user? Does installation require trained
personnel (a thus is more expensive) or is it possible to do it yourself?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each system? "Communication
Access Systems for Groups and Large Rooms," a chart published by
Self-Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc, will help. It compares the
various systems, describing their components, their suitability for different
settings, their cost, etc., in a simple-to-scan grid format.
Personal Listening Devices
The listening enhancement device most familiar to the public is the hearing
aid. Because hearing aids are fitted only after extensive testing by trained
professionals, they will not be treated as part of this general discussion
of assistive devices. However, the condition of an individual's hearing
aid has directed bearing on the effective use of several of the systems
described here. An individual whose hearing aid or hearing aid T- switch
does not function well will not notice significant benefits from loops,
FM systems, or other amplification enhancements devices used in conjunction
with the aid.
Situation involving a few other people (small group discussions, dinner
table conversations, social gatherings) or noisy environments (auto rides,
cafeteria meals, out-of-doors activities) easily qualify for the name
"difficult listening." Some of the difficulty experience by
people in such situations may be minimized by the use of person listening
systems. Composed of a small microphone, receiver, and amplifier, these
systems convey the amplified speech signal directly from the microphone
to the listener's aided or unaided ear. Other sounds are thus reduced
in comparison to the speech signal.
Some of these devices are hard-wired, meaning that an actual wire connects
the device worn by the user to the sound source located near the person
speaking. Other of these devices are wire-less and permit unimpeded motion,
the possibility of use out-of-doors, and even, as with FM, the capability
of hearing the speech signal outside the place which it originates.
When used with television or radio, such devices allow the person with
a hearing loss to adjust the volume on a receiver or hearing aid without
disturbing the listening comfort of others in the same room.
The technology of large room systems may appear in these personal listening
devices. Personal FM listening systems may be adapted for use while walking,
in cars and vans, and even for television and radio listening. Individual
infrared systems are available for person use. It is possible to loop
a living room, a section of a room, a desk in an office, or a chair inexpensively
both for television and conversational listening. With components purchased
from commercial electronics outlets, it is possible to put together an
inexpensive hardwired listening system for personal use.
Such personal listening aids may use specially designed receivers (as
in the case of infrared systems) or commercially available headsets, or
they may work in conjunction with the hearing aid T-switch. An example
is the "necklace" to loop described earlier that may be connected
to a FM or hard-wired receiver.
Some individuals make their own neckloops. To them, a word or caution:
there may be an electric shock hazard to the user when a neckloop with
insufficient wire insulation is plugged into a portable AC-powered television
set.
How does a person decide which of these options is best? Aside from the
questions of cost, there is the question of suitability. A personal listening
device that works for one person may not be an appropriate choice for
another. Is the sound quality clear? Is the amplification sufficient?
Is the device easy to use? The only way to get answers to these questions
is to try out several such devices and compare them critically and carefully.
What is the next step?
What are the right devices for me?
Ask your audiologist to refer you to a demonstration center where these
various devices are on display. If there are none in your area, ask your
audiologist to help you try out various personal listening systems and
alerting devices. Do not buy anything unless you can arrange for a 30
day-trail with the assurance that you can get most of your money back
if you decide not to buy. Check on warranty before buying as well. During
the trial period use the device in a variety of everyday situations so
you will have a realistic idea of their suitability.
What will people think?
Most people are remarkable able and willing to do their part-if you tell
them what they must do and how to do it. Involving others is the first
step in any communication. There's an added benefit to involving friends
and acquaintances in your attempts to use such devices: they will be able
to share what they've learned about these devices with others and help
others to the same convenience you've found.
Where can I get more information about such devices?
Various community agencies serving deaf and hard of hearing people have
small centers with demonstration models of different devices. A local
audiology or speech, language, and hearing center or university training
center in the speech, language, and hearing sciences may have the technology
or may be able to help you locate such centers in your regions. Also contact
manufacturers of devices or resources near to you to get information about
specific devices. The following resources provide descriptive information
about various devices and their availability.
ABLEDATA
8401 Colesvilles Road, Suite 200
Silver Spring, MD 20910
V (800)227-0216
TTY: (301) 608-8912
Fax: (301) 608-8958
Email: ABLEDATA@macroint.com
Web page: http://www.abledata.com
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf, Inc.
3417 Volta Place NW
Washington, DC 20007
Voice/ TTY: (202) 337-5520
Fax: (202) 337-8314
Email: agbell2@aol.com
Web Page: http://www.agbell.org
Captioned Media Program
National Association of the Deaf
1447 E. Main Street
Spartanbrug, SC 29307
Voice: (800) 237-6213
TTY: (800) 237-6819
Fax: (800) 538-5636
Email: info@cfv.org
Web Page: http://www.cfv.org
National Association of the Deaf
814 Thayer Avenue, Suite 250
Silver Spring, MD 20910-4500
Voice: (301) 587-1788
TTY: (301) 587-1789
Fax: (301) 587-1791
Email: nadinfo@nad.org
Web Page: http://www.nad.org
National Captioning Institute
1900 Gallows Road, Suite 3000
Vienna, VA 22182
Voice/TTY: (703) 917-7600
Fax: (703) 917-9878
Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc. (SHHH)
7910 Wisconsin Ave Suite 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
Voice: (301) 657-2249
TTY: (301) 657-2249
Fax: (301) 913-9413
Email: national@shh.org
Web Page: http://www.shhh.org
Telecommunication for the Deaf, Inc.
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 604
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3803
Voice: (301) 589-3786
TTY: (301) 589-3006
Fax: (301) 598-3797
Email: tdiexdir@aol.com
Web Page: http://www.tdi-online.org/
ASHA provides public information about communication disorders, including
deafness and the role of speech and hearing professionals in rehabilitation.
Informational materials and Helpline is provided for inquires about speech,
language or hearing problems.
American Speech-Language Hearing Association
10801 Rockville Pike
Rockville MD 20852
HELPLINE: (800) 638-8255 (VOICE/TTY)
FAX: (301) 897-7348
Email: actioncenter@asha.org
Web Page: http://www.asha.org
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