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