Advantages and Disadvantages of Assistive Listening Devices
Hardwired Assistive Listening Devices
Advantages
- Good for one-to-one communication, TV, car, restaurant or small groups
- Good for providing temporary amplification (i.e. hospital, nursing home)
- Good portability—battery operated
- Lower cost
Disadvantages
- Location and positioning of wires
- Limited seating options
- Cord length restricts application to small groups
Frequency-Modulated (FM) Assistive Listening Devices
Advantages
- Good flexibility and versatility for all listening situations
- FM signal is not obstructed by barriers, may be used outside
- Good portability—battery operated
- Wire-free reception with no seating restrictions
Disadvantages
- Potential for outside radio interferences
- Privacy if FM signal is received by other FM receivers
- High initial purchase price
- Transmitter and receiver must operate on the same FM frequency
Infrared Assistive Listening Devices
Advantages
- High sound fidelity for music and speech—excellent for TV listening
- Infrared receivers are universal—will work with any IR transmitter
- Isolation of signal to the room—important if privacy is an issue
- Freedom from interference from outside transmitting sources
- Wire-free reception with no seating restrictions
Disadvantages
- AC-powered transmitter limits portability and versatility
- IR can only be used indoors
- IR signal is obstructed by barriers—requires line-of-sight reception
Induction Loop Assistive Listening Devices
Advantages
- Cost benefit for users of telecoil equipped hearing aids
- Wire-free reception—freedom to move around within a specified area
- Good for TV viewing, meetings, one-to-one and groups
Disadvantages
- Seating restricted to looped area
- More involved installation limits portability and versatility
- Variability of signal strength within the looped area