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