Hearing Access Technologies
Hearing Access Technology (HAT) improves speech access by overcoming distance, noise, and reverberations.
- Device selection should match listening needs and environments.
- HAT systems use wireless transmission and remote microphones.
- Can be used with personal hearing technology or independently.
- Counseling supports successful use and acceptance.
- Fit, verify, validate, and monitor regularly to ensure benefit.
RESOURCES
AAA Clinical Practice Guidelines: Remote Microphone Hearing Assistance Technologies for Children and Youth from from Birth to 21 Years (2008, 2011).
Remote Microphone Systems
Remote microphones consists of a talker worn transmitter that delivers a digitally modulated speech signal to a personal hearing system.
Considerations:
- Personal hearing systems include hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone conduction devices, CROS/BICROS, Bimodal devices, and ear-level receivers.
- Various styles of microphones are available, e.g., lapel, headset, hand-held. Hand-held mics are used when the situation requires a microphone that is passed among multiple individuals such as students in a classroom, or to pass around to various talkers in a group setting.
- Always have extra batteries on hand when using wireless microphones.
RESOURCES
Simulation with and without RM
Parents experience using RM at home
Hearing Loop Systems
A hearing loop consists of a special wire that is placed around the circumference of a room or dedicated space to provide access for those using hearing technology. The hearing loop electromagnetically transmits the signal (i.e., talkers voice) to hearing aids and cochlear implants that have a telecoil receiver.
Considerations:
- Induction loops provide a relatively simple and inexpensive method for providing direct access to the talker.
- Signal strength can vary by placement in the loop and telecoil orientation.
- Not all personal hearing instruments have telecoil capability,
- Not all hearing loops have advanced signal processing capability.
- See Remote Microphone considerations
RESOURCES
Hearing accommodation with hearing loop
www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/technology/hat/hearing-loop-technology/
How you stream sounds from a hearing loop to your hearing devices:
Auracast
Auracast is a recent addition to wireless technology providing audio sharing technology utilizing Bluetooth LE Audio. Unique to Auracast is its ability to transmit from one source to multiple devices at the same time, including hearing access technologies. Streaming requires an Auracast transmitter(Auracast Broadcast Audio) and enabled Bluetooth LE Audio within the personal hearing instrument or assistive device to receive the signal. Pairing is not required as in conventional Bluetooth; just scan and join a public or private audio stream much like connecting to Wi-Fi.
Considerations:
- Current public use of Auracast is emerging.
- Auracast transmitter is required for entities streaming the signal and Bluetooth LE Audio is required in the receiving device (e.g., hearing aids/cochlear implants, earbuds, RM system)
- Auracast users can expect higher quality signals, greater transmission distance, and lower battery drainage in their personal devices.
- Auracast will provide direct access to audio sources such as concerts, theater, movies, television without an intermediary device.
- Oticon, Resound, and Starkey are current hearing aid companies incorporateing Bluetooth LE Audio
- Auracast broadcasting standards for assistive listening (IEC 60118-17) are being developed.
Classroom Audio Distribution Systems (CADS)
A talker wears a wireless microphone, their voice is sent to a receiver that is connected to a speaker(s) placed within a classroom or a student’s desk.
Considerations:
- CADS reduce teacher vocal fatigue, reduce listening fatigue for students, and provide communication access for all listeners.
- CADS are not typically recommended for children who utilize personal hearing technology (e.g., hearing aids and cochlear implants). However, some manufacturer’s systems can effectively deliver the signal to the hearing instrument and the classroom speaker simultaneously if they are designed to do so without a patch cord.
- See Remote Microphone considerations
RESOURCES
Front Row Technology helps schools overcome communication barriers
Detailed overview of CADS
Speech to Text
Speech to text options have greatly increased access to speech communications due to improved voice recognition and AI capabilities. However, real time transcription remains the most accurate and preferred method.
Considerations:
- Most speech to text technology options are web-based or apps using automatic speech recognition.
- Real-time transcription requires is generally a paid service that requires an agreement or contract with a professional captioner.
- While automatic speech recognition software has greatly improved, accuracy should be evaluated.
- At this time there is no commercially available translation software for ASL to English.
RESOURCES
Challenges with auto captions
nationaldeafcenter.org/news-items/auto-captions-and-deaf-students-why-automatic-speech-recognition-technology-not-answer-yet
Speech to text and other apps
tinachildressaud.com/2011/12/21/apps-for-kids-with-hearing-loss/
Home Alert Devices
Home alert devices produce a visual alert, flashing light, loud tone or vibration. Examples of alerting devices are: Baby cry detectors, doorbell notifications, smoke alarms, and vibrating sleep alarms.
Considerations:
Like all access technologies they should be determined in collaboration with the user to address needs and preferences with follow-up to determine the effectiveness of the device.
RESOURCES
Assistive devices for home, work and school
www.chchearing.org/assistive-listening-and-alerting-devices
Catalog of alerting devices
www.hearworldusa.com/alerting-notification-systems/