On Aug 2, 2022, at 10:03 PM, Julie Olson HLAA in Wisconsin/Appleton <julieo@...> wrote:



I think you mean ALDs (Assistive Listening Devices). TDD is a telephone device for the deaf.  Hearing loops are wonderful for people who have telecoil equipped hearing aids. For those who don’t have that feature, receivers can be made available.

 

FM and Infrared systems can also work in group settings. Both of those technologies require the use of receivers that have to be charged by the venue. People with telecoil equipped hearing aids will want neckloops to use with the receivers, while others can use basic earphones or ear buds.  There is a cost consideration here for those add on headsets. Also, those receivers have to be maintained and charged regularly.

 

We promote telecoils in hearing aids because loops work so well. No receivers needed. Think on this a bit. Ear phones or ear buds mean removing the hearing aids people pay thousands of dollars for. They are also unsanitary if passed around among users. Hearing loop receivers also require these standard devices.

 

I encourage venues and groups that want to provide communication access to look into hearing loops first. It’s one of those ‘build it and they will come’ things. Once people find out they can use their personal hearing aids to pick up the sound from the microphone, they will be elated.  It doesn’t just happen. It takes some education.

 

Good luck on this.

 

From: HLAATech@... <HLAATech@...> On Behalf Of Sara Oser, President, HLAA North Bay of California via hlaagroups.hearingloss.org
Sent: Tuesday, August 2, 2022 8:05 PM
To: HLAATech@...
Subject: [HLAATech] Portable Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD)

 

Does anyone know about portable TDD devices?  We have received a request from the county asking which TDD devices are best and where to purchase them. The event is for 15-30 mostly senior citizens in the audience and a microphone being used in the front.  They want to use the devices for other events also.  Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

Sara Oser
HLAA North Bay President
415-710-7281