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